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Pharyngitis
Can bacterial pharyngitis last for as long as 3 weeks without treatment? I'm having sore throat that started with tonsillitis and pharyngitis and body aches and pain, since I'm used to having pharyngitis I didn't bother much but now I'm having low grade fever and swollen lymph node in neck, is it from the pharyngitis or throat infection itself?
Answers (5)
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Dr. Jaimini Thakkar
ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist
6 yrs exp
Anand
yes. It can. start with oral antibiotics.
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Dr. Himani Gupta
Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) Specialist
8 yrs exp
Guwahati
Do 7 to 14 days course of antibiotics with Betadine gargles at least 4 to 5 times a day
Tab Montair LC 1 tab In night will also help resolving any irritation in throat
Health Tips
Do not panic…. Lymph nodes Seem inflammatory
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Dr. Atul Kumar Nimawat
ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist
6 yrs exp
Udaipur
Hi, I am Dr Atul Kumar Nimawat MS ENT.
Yes, bacterial pharyngitis can sometimes persist for up to 2–3 weeks if left untreated, though this is not very common. Typically, streptococcal pharyngitis resolves within 7–10 days with appropriate antibiotics. However, in cases where the infection is not treated or if the immune response is altered due to repeated episodes, the inflammation may linger longer.
From what you’ve described — a sore throat that began with tonsillitis and pharyngitis, associated with body aches, and now progressing to low-grade fever and a swollen lymph node — it’s quite likely that the symptoms are still due to the underlying throat infection. The lymphadenopathy in your neck is most likely reactive, secondary to the pharyngeal or tonsillar infection.
Next Steps
It’s advisable to get a throat swab culture and a CBC done. If the infection is bacterial, a course of appropriate antibiotics should help resolve the symptoms. Supportive care like warm saline gargles, plenty of fluids, and anti-inflammatory medication will also help with symptom relief.
Health Tips
If the swelling in the lymph node increases or you develop any difficulty in swallowing or breathing, do not delay further evaluation.
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Dr. Jasmine Kaur
ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist
13 yrs exp
Mohali
The cause could be bacterial or viral pharyngitis. The swollen lymph nodes and fever can be due to unresolved infection in throat. You need to see an ent specialist and get an examination.
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Dr. Chirag Yashlaha
ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist
9 yrs exp
Indore
Warm watwr gargles wit antibiotics
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.