My left eye hurts and is slightly swollen, is that a cold symptom?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know? My throat is a little itchy but I am not coughing. My left eye started to hurt a little last night and I can feel a small lump. (the eye bag area, not sure how to describe it)

I do have insurance but would rather not spend 2-3 hours at the doctor if this will pass.

It's just a little freaky because my eye was never swollen before when I had a flu/cold. Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

yes, I believe this can be a symptom. My kids eyes get slightly swollen and sometimes mucus will come out of the eye.

[Anonymous]

You could have a stye.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like a clogged oil gland in your eye lid. They can hurt. It will dissolve on its own, with time. A warm compress can speed up the process.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you! I will wait it out. I hate going to the doctor.

[Anonymous]

If it is a stye, you may need to see a doctor. My husband has had them. It usually is a noticible bump with almost a white head on it, maybe inside the eye lid. Also, you can pass a stye to others, so be sure to keep clean hands and don't touch your eye.

Doc gave some drops and away it went.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like a sty. I have one too right now. Try hot wet compresses. Sometimes that helps.

The doctor won't do much, unless it persists and you have to have surgery (pray this isn't the case; it's horrible.)

The only real reason to go to the doctor is to rule out something else, which might be worth doing if you are nervous.

[Anonymous]

Oddly enough, I woke up with the same thing today. I do not have a sty, as I have had them many times before, and this is not the same. I think I have a clogged tear duct, as the area under my eye/by my nose is very sore and a bit puffy. No issues on the other eye. I am going to the eye doctor today, as I have had a clogged duct before and needed an antibiotic.

[Anonymous]

Take two benedryl and see if that clears it up. My allergies always swell my left eye and make my throat itch.

[Anonymous]

OP -- consider going to a minute clinic if you feel symptoms warrant a visit to a dr. We go to the Walgreens clinic at Van Ness, where they take appts. I am usually in and out in 30 minutes. I second the suggestion for benedryl -- this has happened to me too.