What kind of doctor would you see for this? (need help asap)

[ammiga]

I woke up at 4am with my throat swollen shut. I can barely swallow or talk. I have no idea if it's related, but my nose is stuffy and I feel like I have sinus headache.

We tend to stay away from allopathic medicines, but I don't know if this is a situation that warrants a visit to the urgent care. I have access to a ND, but in my state he cannot prescribe any drugs. I don't even know if he will see me, I left a message for him.

Would you start with the ND or go to urgent care or something different? My dh thinks urgent care will just give me antibiotics, but I don't. I'm kind of freaking out. What should I expect at urgent care if I go? I haven't been to a MD in years and years.

[tinuviel_k]

If you are having trouble breathing, or feel like your throat swelling closed will affect your breathing soon get to the ER asap!

[tessie]

What have you tried so far? If pain relief, plenty of fluids and rest isn't helping then I'd consider seeing an MD. (To be honest, personally I would wait it out for a few days as if it's a virus you'll more than likely start to feel better in a day or two.) I wouldn't see an ND as if it is a bacterial infection you're going to need to see the MD anyway for ABs.

Some people find an antiseptic spray or gargling with aspirin or tea tree oil to help, although the evidence is apparently debatable.

I agree with the PP that if you do develop any breathing issues then obviously hightail it to the ER.

Hope you feel better soon.

[crunchy_mommy]

If it was me, I wouldn't go to any doctor unless I was struggling to breathe (GET TO THE ER STAT IF YOU ARE!!) or it didn't improve at all over the course of a week or two. Actually it would probably have to be a lot longer than that before I'd go to the doc, I tend to stay away from them... and unless you have an infection or something, it's not like antibiotics would help...

It sounds like allergies or a cold based on what you described? If you are stuffy then post-nasal drip may have been coating your throat all night which could make it feel all irritated and swollen. if you don't want to use meds, things like steam (hot shower), humidifier, neti pot, gargling with warm salt water, lots of fluid & rest could help...

Hope you feel better!!!

[SubliminalDarkness]

Urgent care, unless you have a standard family doctor. I had the same problem on Sunday. I walked out with three prescriptions and by yesterday felt like a million bucks again! 

[ammiga]

I ended up in urgent care. Turns out I have a raging case of strep throat. Now I just need to figure out if I want to take the antibiotics or not. (new thread time?)

[crunchy_mommy]

Glad you trusted your instincts! I would lean toward taking the antibiotics -- followed by a good course of probiotics, of course -- unless you're really antibiotic-resistant (I had strep at least 5 times one year...) Hopefully someone with more current experience can chime in (maybe change your thread title to get more input?)