Hi all! Another newbie here.

I've had cold symptoms for about 15 days now (cough, green nasal mucous, congestion), and just 4 days ago woke up with a sore throat (tonsil) on only the right side. Now I have a few tiny white (pus??) spots in the folds of both tonsils, but still only pain upon swallowing on the right side. Is this common? Usually when I had a sore throat or strep, both tonsils were affected.

The next appointment available at my doctor's is next Wedesday January 5th....should I hang on and wait to see the doc, or should I call back and ask about the possibility of strep throat, in order to get into the doc's office a little quicker? I'm hoping its only a viral thing, that will go away on its own...but I do think its wierd that only 1 tonsil hurts....

I'm slated to fly to out of town next friday, and I don't want to get to my destination sick with some ugly strep or something....any thoughts from any of you?

Thanks!

Restita

Hi,

You've definitely got a sinus infection.....and your tonsils can only handle so much. It's normal for them, or even one to get enlarged during a cold/flu or sinus infection.

It's possible that you have tonsil stones as well. You can check by using two q-tips (held together) and pushing gently from behind the entrance area to possibly push them out. You'll need a flashlight held in the other hand as well. There's a few loooong threads on tonsil stones, just do a search.

Regardless of whether you have strep or not..the doc should give you a medication to help with your sinus infection. Taking Sudafed to relieve the congestion and allow blowing of the mucous. There's also a pill called Mucinex that might help loosen the secretions and make it easier to blow out.

Gargle with salt water, drink tea....these will help shrink the membranes at the back of your throat. Take Tylenol to help with the pain if you have it.

Nasal irrigation might help as well to get all the crap out of your sinuses.

Make sure that after you've finished this bout of cold, you change your toothbrush.

I hope you start to feel better soon, and that your doc is able to put you on a med to get rid of the infection.

Happy flight!! Take a sudafed an hour before boarding and chew gum...it'll help keep the eustachian tubes open.

Don't take sudafed if you fit into the contraindications. It comes in 30mg and 60mg or long-lasting.

Be well, happy new year!
quincy

Thanks, Quincy! I'm better today...I've been gargling with salt water, drinking tea, and taking tylenol for the tonsil pain. I have an appt to see my doc this wednesday, mainly for my annual checkup but to also check on this wierd tonsil thing. (wouldnt ya know it....the throat pain gets better before I see the doctor! ;)

I'm still waking up around 6 am or so, coughing...first dry, then eventually coughing up (yech) junk. But not so bad as last week. It made the holidays no fun at all!

Thanks for your advice!

Restita