“Throat pain?”
My brother is 17 and has been saying it hurts badly to swallow and he’s saying it feels swollen today. He sent a photo and it looks like a scab or something on his uvula. His ear has also started hurting today. Could it be strep and should we take him to his doctor?
Male | 17 years old
Complaint duration: 7
Medications: Anxiety meds
Conditions: Anxiety
7 Answers
Ear,NoseandThroatDoctor(ENT)Ear,NoseandThroat(ENT)
Its not strep. It is a small sore on the uvula. Likely viral in nature. The doctor can't do anything for it, just has to heal. Mouthwashes can be helpful, or benzocaine throat lozenges are soothing.
The sores on the uvula suggest to me that these are aphthous ulcers. These are viral lesions similar to a cold sore. These can be very painful and last for 7 to 10 days. Symptomatic treatment can be helpful for pain relief (oragel) These often come in crops with several lesions over a prolonged period of time. Antiviral medicines may be somewhat effective, if used early,in limiting symptoms. (acyclovir)
There is a small ulceration on his uvula. It could be one of several things
going on, but I would definitely have him checked out soon.
going on, but I would definitely have him checked out soon.
It could possibly be strep. I would take him to his primary care physician or pediatrician to be checked out.
This does not appear to be a strep throat. This looks like an ulceration of the uvula. Many things can cause this including a burn from hot food, trauma from something bumping into it, infections or others. It will be important to ensure that this resolves. If it goes away on its own within 1-2 weeks, there is likely nothing to be concerned about. If however it persists or worsens it should be evaluated in person by a doctor.
This appears to be a small ulcer characteristic of a small canker sore. These are highly painful giving rise to referred ear pain and discomfort. This is usually not streptococcal infection. It usually lasts 7-10 days and dissipates spontaneously. No antibiotics are indicated. Treatment with cool water rinses.
It appears to be an aphthous ulcer. Referred pain to the ear is very common. It's worth getting a more thorough examination in person.
