Addressing Persistent Tonsil Swelling
A 30-year-old woman, standing 5 feet tall, is seeking guidance regarding her tonsil issues. Approximately two weeks ago, she experienced a sore throat without any fever or additional symptoms beyond the discomfort in her throat. After consulting a physician, she was prescribed amoxicillin for a suspected bacterial infection. Although the soreness has subsided, she still reports a sensation of tightness and heaviness in her throat. Upon further inspection using a small flashlight, it was noted that the right tonsil appeared to be swollen. During a follow-up visit to the doctor's office, the physician informed her that the infection hadn’t completely resolved. Consequently, she received a modified treatment consisting of amoxicillin combined with clavulanic acid. Additionally, she has been experiencing significant acidity in her stomach, leading the doctor to recommend an antacid as well. Five days into the new treatment, while the pain in her tonsils has diminished, the swelling on the right side persists along with the heaviness she feels. After researching similar experiences on Reddit, she is curious if anyone else has encountered a comparable situation and how long their recovery took. She suspects that her symptoms might be linked to an allergic reaction, possibly due to pollen or environmental changes, as she recently moved from another country. This shift in climate and surroundings could potentially be influencing her health.
Answers (1)
6/24/2025, 4:20:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your persistent tonsil swelling and throat discomfort, especially after receiving treatment. Let's address your situation clearly.
Main Points
- Persistent tonsil swelling can indicate ongoing inflammation or other factors, including allergies or reactive changes.
- Improvement in throat pain is a positive sign, but the swelling should be monitored.
- Addressing potential environmental allergies may help.
Explanation
After starting treatment, it's common for the pain associated with a tonsil infection to improve while swelling can linger. This could be due to residual inflammation from the infection or could potentially be linked to environmental changes and allergies, especially considering your recent relocation. The sensation of tightness and heaviness you feel might also relate to this swelling or to muscle tension in the throat.
Next Steps
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Continue Medication as Directed: Stick to your prescribed antibiotics (amoxicillin with clavulanic acid) and antacid. Finish the full course even if you feel better, as stopping early can lead to reinfection.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms over the next week. Pay attention to whether the swelling decreases or if you develop any new symptoms like fever or additional pain.
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Manage Acid Reflux: Since you're experiencing stomach acidity, regularly take the antacid as recommended. Utilize dietary adjustments, such as avoiding spicy, fatty foods, and eating smaller, more frequent meals to see if it helps.
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Consider Allergy Management: If you suspect allergens might be affecting you, evaluate your current environment. Reducing exposure to pollen (keeping windows closed during high pollen times, using air purifiers, etc.) and trying over-the-counter antihistamines may alleviate symptoms.
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Hydrate and Rest: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest to help support your immune system as you recover.
If the swelling persists for more than a week, worsens, or is associated with other concerning symptoms, follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Let me know if you need more information or have further questions.
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