Extremely painful swollen gland in my right side of jaw/neck. difficulty swallowing.

Dr. can check throat: Such throat symptoms can be from a strep throat infection (antibiotics are needed), a cold or influenza (antibiotics usually not used), or from another cause such as a neck abscess. Usually, a person sees the doctor if the sore throat is bothersome, recurrent, or doesn't go away quickly (mainly to check for strep). Difficulty swallowing can range from mild to an emergency, depending on severity.