Seeking Guidance for Ongoing Symptoms
Hello, I'm a 26-year-old female and I’ve been experiencing some troubling symptoms for over a week now. It all began on the 18th when I first noticed a mild sore throat accompanied by a cough. Initially, the pain was manageable, but as time passed, my tonsils have become significantly more swollen, now coming alarmingly close to my uvula, and swallowing has become quite painful. I can also feel a sensation of liquid coming from my nose whenever I take in anything, and the cough persists. In an effort to alleviate these symptoms, I’ve been utilizing cough drops, sipping on hot tea—specifically a throat coat that contains slippery elm—and I initially took a cough suppressant, but that supply has run out. Currently, I’m using cold and flu medication to manage my discomfort. Lately, I’ve noticed an increase in saliva production at night, which leads to drooling, along with a bothersome itch in my ears that seems to worsen as the evening progresses. Occasionally, I can pressure my ears somewhat, but it’s not completely effective. Unfortunately, my health insurance won’t activate until September 1st, so I’m trying to cope until I can consult with a physician. I would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions for managing my condition until I can receive professional medical care. Thank you in advance for your help!
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 5:21:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a challenging set of symptoms, including a sore throat, swollen tonsils, painful swallowing, and increased saliva production. Given these issues, the main point is to focus on alleviating discomfort and monitoring for any concerning changes while you await professional medical care.
Explanation
Your symptoms suggest a possible viral or bacterial infection affecting your throat and tonsils, which is not uncommon. The sensation of liquid in your nose could indicate post-nasal drip, often linked with infections or allergies. The increased saliva and ear itching might be related to inflammation or irritation in the throat and surrounding areas. While many throat infections are viral and may improve on their own, it's essential to keep an eye on your symptoms.
Next Steps
- Hydration: Continue to drink warm fluids, as you are currently doing with tea. This can help soothe your throat and thin mucus.
- Salt Water Gargle: Gargle with warm salt water several times a day to reduce throat swelling and discomfort. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
- Pain Relief: If you haven't already, consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help alleviate throat pain and reduce inflammation.
- Humidity: Use a humidifier in your room to keep the air moist, which can soothe your throat and nose.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If you develop a high fever, difficulty breathing, severe pain, or if symptoms worsen noticeably, consider seeking urgent care, even without insurance.
- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that might exacerbate your symptoms.
You’re doing great by seeking help and managing your symptoms proactively. Please let me know if you have any further questions or want more specific advice!
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