Resolved question:
Hi,
I have swelling in my neck that started slightly above and to the right of my adams apple. It started off as just a small lump, but over a few days it has started swelling along the right side of my trachea. it is tender to the touch and visible if I tilt my chin up. This is the 4th or 5th time this has happened over the last 3 years (ever since I moved from a drier climate to a much more humid one). It also tends to coincide with winter when it gets cold and starts to rain and times of stress. Usually, the swelling will increase and I will have intermittent fevers and chills, sore back and neck, and fatigue. Swallowing also becomes difficult, but breathing is fine. At its peak, I will have a lot of phlegm as well, but it is usually thin and clear. I went to a doctor the first few times this happened and they prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and aixiolytic medication. Usually the condition resolves in 2-3 weeks, but in the meantime I am in a lot of discomfort. Does this sound like it is possibly and allergic reaction, or could something be going on with my thyroid (the swelling is in the same region and takes the same shape. I don't have health insurance, so getting medical tests would be difficult.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for your consult at Doctorspring.com.
This is a very common confusion so don’t worry. From your description of the location of the swelling and the associated symptoms, it is the swelling of the lymph node due to the bacterial or viral infection of your upper respiratory tract. Allergies are due to overactive immune system in response to allergens such as pollen, dust, mites etc. swelling in the lymph nodes in the area of neck, and throat can rarely occur but the most common cause is the bacterial or viral infection.
Recurrent swelling of your lymph nodes is probably due to improper treatment such as insufficient dosage, improper choice of antibiotic, poor compliance and inadequate duration of course of drug. Broad spectrum antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic is the choice of prescription for your symptoms. But I suggest you to have a culture sensitivity of the drug. So that we can find out the appropriate drug, which is sensitive to the infection, in this way you can completely get rid of the infection and prevent its recurrence.
Antibiotics destroy not only harmful bacteria but also beneficial bacteria so I suggest you to have probiotic supplements along with the antibiotics. I also recommend foods rich in Probiotics like Yogurt, Fruit yogurt, curd, tofu, cheese, sauerkraut etc. Provide good rest to your body and ensure that you have at least 6-8 glasses of water, fruits and vegetables daily. Take soft diet during your illness.
Hope this helped, please feel free to discuss further.
Regards