WHAT IF I CAN'T SWALLOW?? URGENT!?!

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

If you can't swallow and are in a lot of pain, you should go into the Emergency Room NOW.

Tonsils can be infected with other bacteria besides strep. Also viruses can cause a throat infection. If you are not able to drink fluids, you will eventually become dehydrated and need to have intravenous fluids in an ER. Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, not peeing as much or it looks dark yellow, feeling weak.

If it is possible, call your doctor and let him/her know how severe the pain is. Perhaps pain medication can be prescribed that will decrease the pain and allow you to swallow. You didn't mention if your tonsils were swollen. Tonsils can become swollen when infected and actually block your throat and make it impossible to swallow. If this is the case you will need to go to the ER.

Ibuprofen (motrin) can be obtained over the counter in a flavored liquid. It is a really good pain med. for this type of pain. Follow the instructions on the label. Make an ice pack and place it over your neck. Try really cold fluids, sucking on ice chips, popcicles.

Hope this helps and you feel better.

The ER right now.

Your Common sense.