posted on November 5, 2000 08:58:13 AM new
If you take your point finger and touch right at the side of your jaw, where it connects almost to the lobe of your ear, there is a gland somewhere in there. What is the name of it? Its the one that hurts, or gets swollen up if one has an infection. There are many such "nodes" on the upper neck and even in the back of the head, lower down. Its a sign that one does have an infection somewhere in their body. Mine is not very swollen, but it hurts, and it is also making the lobe of my ear tender (been sneezing alot lately and I think its sinus related). I have keflex, and wonder if its ok to use (left over from a previous problem I had in June). I HATE going to the doctor and I HATE paying 75 bucks just for him to give me a perscription for keflex, which I already have. So, wanna fix myself if I can. Cant do that until I find out the name of that one gland. Anyone here at RT know the answer?
posted on November 5, 2000 09:43:24 AM new
Is it a lymph gland? That's what swells up with strep throat.
If you end up using the keflex and it doesn't get better, do see a good doctor because I think swollen or painful lymph glands can be indicative of other problems.
posted on November 5, 2000 09:55:11 AM new
Thanks rainybear....I was just in an AOL site that told me lymph nodes collect infections to do battle. Keflex is good for bacterial infections, but antibiotics also will be needed for the viral (probably from all the dam sneezing, thats what started it all). So now I gotta find some penicillin or amoxycillin, to go along with the keflex. Or, just leave it be and let it battle it out on its own. I did wear some earrings lately that irritated my lobe...could have helped it along, too. So, now I kinda know whats going on and I already do feel better in spirit, lol.
posted on November 5, 2000 10:15:05 AM new
Maui, I think you mean Lymph nodes. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses.
Also, unless you have at least a 7-10 day supply of Keflex, don't start taking it. You can cause a ARO (antimicrobial resistant organism) infection. Nasty stuff!
Drink lots of fluids, and go indulge in something covered in garlic! Hope it gets better soon.
posted on November 5, 2000 10:19:28 AM new
I didnt think I had enough keflex, so I havent taken any...read somewhere that its not good to take unless one has enough to kill it off completely, which takes about 10 days, and I dont. So...will drink fluids and I LOVE GARLIC. Sucking down advils too, for the stabs of minor pain it gives me from time to time. If it doesnt get better in a few days, then I will go to Doc.
posted on November 5, 2000 12:27:09 PM new
Here's a pic:
However....Are you sure this isn't an "outer ear" infection (Otitis externa)? Right where you're talking about is a pretty sensitive area of the external ear canal.
posted on November 5, 2000 12:43:30 PM new
I don't know what keflex is but last time I went to the doc for what you describe I was told that my lymph gland was doing what it was supposed to be doing, and two days later the problem resolved. They swell and get tender when they are working. Obviously huge swelling or a problem that does not resolve deserves a visit.
Have no idea just hope it gets better. I'll moan with you. I have a swollen gland on the back of my neck that just popped up and my son was complaining about a swollen gland under his jaw or wherever they swell when your are getting a cold.
I'm afraid "that" season is arriving. Hope it goes away soon.
posted on November 5, 2000 01:24:46 PM new
Hi Maui,
If it hurts don't prod it.
If you try prodding somewhere else and it still hurts it means that your nails are too sharp or you've got a broken finger!
Bob, Downunder but never down.
posted on November 6, 2000 05:24:09 PM new
There may be two things going on in the area you describe. If you really do have an infection, it would be sore there due to an infection in the eustachion (sp?) tubes, the tubes that connect the inner ear to the throat. They help to balance out the differing air pressures that we may experience, preventing the eardrum from litterally "popping".
The second possibility is that you have overexerted the muscles in that area and they are swollen(sp?). There is a major nerve center behind the joint of the jaw and below the earlobe, and if the muscle swells enough, it can place pressure on this nerve bundle, causing pain. Nothing serious, just heat and stretching may help. I know it sounds strange to advise stretching the jaw muscles, and I will not be making any jokes about it, but if you do stretch them out, it increases blood flow, helping wash out the built up lactic acid in the muscle(s). Remember to breathe while stretching too. More O2 + more blood flow = quicker flush out. More fluids, heat, and possibly golden seal if you really do have an infection should help, and it's safe.
If you have any history of chronic pain in this area without any apparent cause, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. I know they can be a pain to deal with, but they do know a thing or two.
As for me, I am a former EMT and am now a martial artist. Both disiplines have taught me about the above; trauma, nerve bundles, pressure points, etc. Best of luck with the swelling and stop poking at it! :^)
posted on November 6, 2000 05:41:37 PM new
Epsom salts. Get a big bucket, make a strong solution of water and the salts, you know, so it's real cloudy, and then put your head in the bucket.
posted on November 6, 2000 06:29:02 PM new
LOL! The next time I hear someone say "Oh go soak your head", I'm gonna think of Maui with her head stuck in a bucket of epson salts!
posted on November 6, 2000 06:34:21 PM new
Dont forget to picture me with my snorkel poking out of the top of the bucket, and my sarong wrapped hiney stickin' upin the air, Meya
