Woke up the other day and my tonsils were swollen, no fever, a little nasal congestion some coughing. I thought it was just a cold until my tonsils were so swelled that it’s hard to eat anything. I don’t have the money to go to the doctor right now and I don’t feel like it’s a complete emergency so I don’t want to block the traffic in the ER for something they may consider minor. I checked again to see if there was a fever when I woke up and it was only 99
I did a search for home treatments, and I’ve been switching back and forth from Tylenol and ibuprofen for the swelling. I did have enough for that new cepicol with pain numbing action, but it doesn’t last long. And two sites it says gargle with salt water, but that burns.
Is there anything else I can do at home or is it time to go to the ER even though it’s not a heart attack or anything, just swollen tonsils…….with no white patches
2007-12-17 04:36:48 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You shouldn't worry about going to the ER for too little and "clogging up traffic"...they do prioritize visitors. And I have gone to the ER for having a toy stuck on my finger and for having an infected scrape on my knee...you don't need to be impaled or suffering from heart attacks to go to the ER...
2007-12-17 04:45:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there's been swelling for more than 3 days - yes, it's time to go to the ER. There are several things it "could be" and the internet is not always the best resource for information.
The ibuprofen may help with the swelling and pain to some degree, but you're not treating the underlying infection, which could lead to more serious secondary infections. My best advice is to get to the ER and get this treated.
2007-12-17 04:46:34 · answer #2 · answered by Marji 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is what tonsils are for. Gargle or sip slowly salt water. If it burns a lot (hey it isn't supposed to be COMFORTABLE) try less (or more) salt--or hotter, (or colder) It should be somewhat uncomfortable, but not terrible. Gargling with diluted hydrogen peroxide helps. Iodine often helps. about 20 drops of saturated solution of potassium iodide in a glass of water. (lugol's solution) Zinc and vitamin C lozenges help a lot if you have the right kind.Avoid the otc painkillers. they are killers. If you destroy your liver, you are dead.
2007-12-17 04:43:36 · answer #3 · answered by hasse_john 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gargle with salt water. Seriously. Ive known people who called ER for alot less.
2007-12-17 04:41:07 · answer #4 · answered by Menon R 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Tea with honey, humidifier, salt water gargle and as strange as it sounds, a tsp of honey about every 4 hours.
Honey contains antibacterials and also helps soothe coughs
Sorry if I gave you my cold.
2007-12-17 04:49:28 · answer #5 · answered by Sister blue eyes 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No medical advice should be given to you w/o the ability to examine you face-to-face, with diagnostics to help along, and a knowledge of your medical history.... so go to a doctor. Don't they have those non-emergent clinics where you live? That way you won't have to hit the hospital ED.
_()_
2007-12-17 04:41:55 · answer #6 · answered by vinslave 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Go down to your community care office. They work on sliding scales usually.
2007-12-17 04:44:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though it burns, you should try gargling with salt water. It kills bacteria.
2007-12-17 04:41:53 · answer #8 · answered by Lillith 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
That is so sad that you have to pay to see a doctor!
Try this site - http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/help/
It asks what your symptoms are and then advises you what to do.
2007-12-17 04:46:29 · answer #9 · answered by sunnyannie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋