Experiencing Recurring Tonsillitis?
I'm a 19-year-old female, 5'5" and weighing 9 stone, currently prescribed 20mg of fluoxetine. To give you some background, I've suffered from chronic tonsillitis as a child, but from the ages of 15 to 19, I managed to stay clear of it until recently. Last Tuesday, I woke up with a sore throat, but I shrugged it off and proceeded with my day, even though I felt slightly unwell. By Wednesday morning, however, things took a turn for the worse. I was hit with fever, chills, and a severely painful throat. I promptly made an appointment with my general practitioner (GP), who observed some pus, suspecting tonsillitis, and prescribed me a five-day course of 250mg penicillin. By the second day into the antibiotics, I noticed significant improvement—no fever, I could swallow without issues, and generally felt much better. However, just 48 hours post-antibiotic treatment, I became ill again, and this time it was even more intense than before. While the fever didn’t return, my throat was in excruciating pain, making swallowing nearly impossible. In response, I quickly arranged for another appointment the following day. This time, I consulted a different GP, who noted that my tonsils were quite swollen and had some white patches. She prescribed me a week’s supply of the same antibiotics and took a throat swab for further analysis, the results of which I am still awaiting. I'm currently feeling better again—my throat pain has diminished, and I feel closer to my normal self, much like before. Still, my tonsils remain enlarged with white spots. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this has happened again. I've dealt with tonsillitis for years, and this kind of recurrence is completely new to me. The GP suggested that a different type of antibiotic or a longer treatment might be necessary. Is it common for tonsillitis to return after a course of antibiotics? Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 6:10:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It seems you are dealing with a frustrating cycle of recurring tonsillitis, which is not uncommon, especially if you have a history of chronic tonsillitis. Here’s an overview of what might be happening and some actionable steps to take.
Main Points:
- Recurring Tonsillitis: It's possible to experience recurring tonsillitis even after antibiotic treatment.
- Potential Causes: Bacterial or viral infections, antibiotic resistance, or incomplete treatment can lead to recurrence.
- Next Steps: Focus on symptom management and awaiting your throat swab results. Consider discussing further treatment options with your GP.
Explanation:
Tonsillitis can be caused by various factors, including viral infections (like the common cold) and bacterial infections (such as Streptococcus). While antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, sometimes the bacteria may not be fully eradicated, or you could be exposed to a different pathogen that leads to new symptoms.
Your experience of improvement followed by a return of severe symptoms suggests that there might still be some underlying issue, or you may have caught another infection. Enlarged tonsils with white spots can indicate residual infection, especially if the initial treatment was not sufficient.
Specific, Prioritized Next Steps:
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Await Throat Swab Results: These results will help determine if a specific bacteria is causing your symptoms and if a different antibiotic might be necessary.
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Symptom Management:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to soothe your throat and aid recovery.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage throat pain.
- Saltwater Gargles: Gargling with warm salt water several times a day can reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes or worsening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent fever, or worsening throat pain. This information will be useful for your healthcare provider.
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Discuss Long-term Management: Once you have the throat swab results, talk to your GP about a potential longer course of antibiotics or other options if your tonsillitis continues to recur. In some cases, surgical options, such as a tonsillectomy, might be considered, especially if infections are frequent and impacting your quality of life.
Conclusion:
It's understandable to feel concerned about the recurrence of tonsillitis, especially given your history. Focus on managing your current symptoms, remain in close contact with your GP, and ensure you follow up on the throat swab results. Should you experience any dramatic changes in your condition, reaching out to your healthcare provider promptly will be important. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!
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