Should I Continue My Antibiotic Treatment?
Hello everyone, I'm a 36-year-old female residing in the UK. Last week, I developed tonsillitis starting on Tuesday. I attempted to manage the symptoms on my own, but by Friday, the situation worsened significantly. My tonsils were coated in white patches, and I experienced a high fever accompanied by chills. My lymph nodes in the neck became swollen, and I felt quite ill overall. After an online consultation, my general practitioner prescribed a five-day course of Penicillin V, which I am finishing today. However, I notice that my right tonsil remains covered in pus, and the glands are still swollen and tender. Though I no longer have a fever, I do experience intermittent sweating throughout the day. Additionally, my right ear feels blocked, causing my hearing to be quite muffled. While I feel somewhat better than a few days ago, I'm still not back to normal. Should I consider extending my Penicillin V treatment? I'm concerned about a potential relapse.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 10:20:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s important to carefully consider your ongoing symptoms and the completion of your antibiotic treatment. While feeling somewhat better is a positive sign, your remaining symptoms, such as pus on your tonsil and tender lymph nodes, indicate that the infection might not be fully resolved.
Explanation
Tonsillitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, and Penicillin V is effective for bacterial infections like strep throat. It's crucial to complete the prescribed course of antibiotics to ensure the bacteria are fully treated and to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance. However, if the symptoms persist, this might indicate that the infection has not completely cleared or that a different issue is present.
Next Steps
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Complete Your Antibiotic Course: Finish all remaining doses of Penicillin V as prescribed, even if you feel better. It helps to ensure the infection is fully treated.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch on your symptoms. If you notice any of the following, it would be important to reassess:
- Fever returns
- Increased pain or swelling in your throat or lymph nodes
- Breathing difficulties or severe ear pain
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest. This helps your body fight off the infection.
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Pain Management: If you're experiencing discomfort, you can consider over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, if you're able to take them, following the instructions on the label.
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Seek Further Advice: If your symptoms do not improve significantly within a couple of days after completing the antibiotic course, or if they worsen, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They may suggest a follow-up consultation to determine if another treatment is necessary.
It's normal to be concerned about your health; taking the steps above can help you manage your recovery effectively. Take care, and let me know if you have any further questions!
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