Swollen and Painful Neck

Dear Ask The Doctor: My daughter is suffering from a swollen, painful neck. It is swollen in the front between the collar bone and jaw and it is very painful. She has difficulty turning her neck and says it is painful to talk. Yesterday she was playing on a "velcro wall" at her prom party, I don't know if this is related. She was fine, even rode her bicycle earlier, this came on suddenly. She is 16 years old. Any help would be appreciated

Dear Cindye: The sudden onset of the pain and swelling of the neck of your daughter most likely grant her an evaluation for a physician to rule out thyroid problems, infectious problems. I strongly recommend a clinical assessment and lab tests, to have a better idea of the situation of your daughter. More elements/ info are needed to come to a rational diagnostic.