Red Spots on the Palate Following Strep Throat
I am a 32-year-old female with no medical history apart from anxiety, for which I take 10mg of Lexapro. Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with strep throat and treated with a 10-day course of Augmentin. Interestingly, just three days before my strep diagnosis, I had completed a course of amoxicillin for an ear infection, which has made this season particularly challenging since I also have a 14-month-old child. Recently, I noticed that I developed a sore throat alongside small red spots (petechiae) in my mouth, but I do not have a fever. I’m curious whether this could be a recurrence of strep throat or if it might be just another viral infection?
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 5:20:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Red spots on the palate following a strep throat diagnosis may indicate either a recurrent infection or a viral illness. Monitoring symptoms is key, especially after recent antibiotic use.
Explanation: The small red spots you see in your mouth are known as petechiae. They can appear for various reasons, including viral infections, irritation, or sometimes even allergic reactions. Given your recent strep throat treatment and the completion of another antibiotic course just prior, it's possible that your immune system is still adjusting. Strep throat can recur, but without a fever or significant worsening of your symptoms, it may also be that you're experiencing a viral infection or a reaction to the antibiotics.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms over the next few days. If you develop fever, increased pain, or difficulty swallowing, those would be signs to seek further evaluation.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can help soothe your throat and support your recovery.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and any foods that irritate your throat further, like spicy or acidic foods.
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Use Warm Saltwater Gargles: Gargling with warm salt water a few times a day can help reduce throat discomfort and promote healing.
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Symptom Diary: Consider keeping a diary of your symptoms, noting any changes or new developments. This could be helpful if you need to seek further advice in the future.
If symptoms persist without improvement, or if you experience any new alarming symptoms, it might be a good idea to follow up for further evaluation.
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