Could This Be a Peritonsillar Abscess? Antibiotics Aren't Helping
Hey everyone! I’ll share a video in the comments. I'm a 35-year-old Black American female currently taking iron supplements, along with vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Recently, I had an infected wisdom tooth removed on March 24, which is what you’ll notice as the large dark area in the video. Approximately two weeks ago, I observed that my left tonsil had become quite inflamed, with noticeable white lines appearing almost overnight. I visited urgent care, where I was diagnosed with tonsillitis and prescribed a Z-pack of antibiotics. After completing the treatment, while the white lines lessened, I continued to experience some signs of infection. The very next day after finishing the Z-pack, I had my wisdom tooth extraction and was started on clindamycin. Thus, I have been on antibiotics for two weeks, yet my tonsil still appears to show signs of infection. There has been a noticeable reduction in inflammation, but there are still a few persistent white lines at the front, and swelling remains apparent. I did some research and I’m now concerned it might be a peritonsillar abscess. Alternatively, could it simply be tonsil stones? Fortunately, I have an appointment with my oral surgeon tomorrow, and I plan to mention this issue then. However, I am curious to know what this could potentially be and why it hasn’t responded well to antibiotics. I’ve read that a peritonsillar abscess can be serious, so if it comes to it, I’m prepared to seek immediate care today. Thank you all!
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 5:51:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a challenging situation after your recent wisdom tooth extraction and ongoing symptoms related to your tonsils. You have valid concerns about the possibility of a peritonsillar abscess, especially considering your symptoms haven't improved significantly despite antibiotic treatment.
Understanding Your Symptoms
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus that forms near the tonsil, often following tonsillitis. It typically causes severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and may cause swelling that pushes the uvula to one side. The presence of white lines suggests possible infection but can also be signs of tonsil stones or bacteria-laden debris. Since you’ve been on antibiotics for two weeks and still have symptoms, it’s understandable to feel concerned that something more serious may be occurring.
Next Steps
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Consult with Your Oral Surgeon: Since you have an appointment soon, bring up all your symptoms, including the persistent white lines and any difficulty swallowing. This is crucial as they can physically examine your tonsils and may perform additional imaging or tests to confirm or rule out an abscess.
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, fever, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these, it might warrant seeking immediate care before your appointment.
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Hydration and Rest: While waiting for your appointment, make sure to stay well-hydrated and rest your body. Gentle warm saltwater gargles may help soothe throat inflammation.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve discomfort as you await further evaluation from your oral surgeon.
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Consider Follow-Up Testing: If symptoms persist after your appointment, your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up testing, such as a throat culture or imaging, to gain a better understanding of the underlying issue.
Remember, it's good that you have an appointment scheduled soon. You're taking the right steps to address your health concerns, and it's important to prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider regarding your symptoms and any worries.
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