Frustrated and Unwell
I'm feeling really unwell right now. At 37 years old and standing at 5'5" and weighing 170 pounds, I currently have a fever hovering around 101 degrees along with a painful sore throat. Additionally, my ears are aching, and the pain in my lymph nodes is so intense that I have difficulty moving my neck. As a nurse, it’s standard practice for me to undergo a lab swab. I was tested for both the flu and COVID-19 earlier this week on Wednesday and Thursday, but both results came back negative. However, this morning I noticed my throat has become white. I have recently had contact with several patients diagnosed with strep, so it was clear to me that I might be experiencing a strep infection. I intended to visit the clinic at my hospital for a quick rapid strep test, but unfortunately, they were closed for the lunch break. As a result, I opted for an urgent care facility. They performed a “rapid strep” test, but I could tell they didn’t properly swab my tonsils; it felt more like a cheek swab. Despite my efforts to inform them, they dismissed my concerns, and naturally, the test returned negative. They prescribed me an antihistamine and a lidocaine mouthwash, but I mentioned that I had tonsil stones and should consult an ENT specialist. My tonsils on both sides appear completely white. I am familiar with tonsil stones, and this is not what they look like. I had hoped to share a photo of my throat for better clarity, but it seems that’s not possible right now. Regardless, I’m looking for insights from your experiences: do tonsil stones lead to symptoms such as fever, intense throat pain, ear discomfort, neck and lymph node soreness, as well as general body aches accompanied by chills and sweating? Just as a side note: I currently vape but do not consume alcohol or recreational drugs. I also take Celexa and Protonix daily.
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 6:51:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so unwell; it sounds quite uncomfortable. It’s important to acknowledge that your symptoms—fever, sore throat with white patches, ear pain, and swollen lymph nodes—could indicate a few different medical issues, with strep throat being a key concern given your exposure history and symptoms.
Explanation
Tonsil stones typically cause discomfort, but they do not usually lead to systemic symptoms like fever or significant pain. The fever and intense pain in your throat, along with swollen lymph nodes, are more in line with an infection, such as strep throat or another type of throat infection (like viral pharyngitis). The white patches on your tonsils might indicate the presence of pus or other infectious material, which can also occur with strep infections.
Next Steps
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Seek Appropriate Medical Attention:
- Since your symptoms are severe and you've had a negative strep test that may have been inaccurate, consider returning to a healthcare facility for a thorough re-evaluation. Specifically, request a proper throat swab focusing on the tonsils to ensure an accurate strep test or alternative testing.
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Symptom Management at Home:
- Continue taking the antihistamine and using the lidocaine mouthwash as prescribed to help manage pain.
- Stay hydrated with clear fluids and consider warm broths or teas to soothe your throat.
- Gargling with warm salt water might help ease the discomfort in your throat.
- Use over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief and to reduce fever.
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Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on any changes, such as an increase in fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing. If you experience worsening symptoms, it becomes more pressing to seek immediate care.
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Follow Up for ENT Consultation:
- Once you stabilize, consider following through with your intention to see an ENT specialist for evaluation of your tonsils and any recurrent issues related to tonsil stones or infections.
Your care and well-being are a priority, so take the steps necessary to address these symptoms effectively. Please let me know if you need more information or further clarification on any point.
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