i'm sorry you're going through this. i want to caution you however that you should never self-administer antibiotics. it's this type of usage that is causing a rise in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. your best bet is to see a medical professional. your condition can only be diagnosed through a physical exam and possibly some other testing such as a throat swab or blood work. it could as you speculate be a virus. if it is it should clear up in 7-14 days. no antibiotics required. however it could be something other than a virus. many conditions can cause the symptoms you're describing from an inflamed salivary gland to an abscessed tooth. the only way to find out is to visit a health care provider. i wish you all the best!
inside of my left ear and palatine tonsil is very swollen and red! help! . i'm 23 years old female. the inside of my left ear hurts every time i try to swallow anything. just under the ear whatever it is it's very swollen (you can clearly see the bump with your eyes) on my neck. inside the mouth the very end wall and palatine tonsil are very red and hurts whenever i touch it. i don't have any fever or runny nose or sore throat (throat doesn't hurt). i tried taking some antibiotics but it is not working well (maybe it's a viral infection? ). . please help! <negative_smiley>