I have had a severe sore throat for 4 days. I have been alternating between tylenol and advil for two days to reduce the pain.

Question

My throat feels swollen at the nodes. Like a knife feeling when I swallow. Hello, I don't think I had a fever, but I have significant stiffness in my neck. It can be difficult to swallow some of the drier foods. I usually take two regular Advil in the morning, then two regular Tylenol as needed at lunch and two regular Advil at bedtime.

Jean-Sébastien Lecompte · Accepted Answer

Hello, In order to answer as accurately as possible, I need to validate some things. Do you have a fever? Do you have trouble eating? What dose of Tylenol and Advil do you use? Thanks for the clarification. What you describe sounds to me like viral pharyngitis. Indeed, the sensation of ''razor blades'' or ''knives'' in the throat is typical to a viral infection. The only treatment is really painkillers and/or lozenges. Any lozenge can do the job very well. As for Tylenol and Advil, I suggest that you take 2 Tylenol tablets and 2 Advil tablets at the same time every 4 to 6 hours. This would be much more effective in reducing your pain. It may take 7 to 10 days for your symptoms to disappear. There is no other treatment or anything else you need to do extra. I hope that answers your question. Jean-Sébastien Lecompte, pharmacist