Recurring Throat Abscesses After Tonsil Removal: What's Going On?
At 27 years of age, I underwent tonsillectomy 11 years back due to frequent strep throat episodes. For a long time, I enjoyed good health without any throat problems, until earlier this year when I began experiencing intermittent sore throats, predominantly on one side. These discomforts typically lasted a few days before resolving on their own, so I didn't think much of them. However, last month, I awoke with severe pain and swelling in my throat, making it difficult for me to speak. Upon inspecting my throat in the mirror, I noticed pus oozing from the area where my tonsils used to be, which caused me significant alarm. I immediately resorted to gargling salt water, which provided quick relief. Unfortunately, this morning I encountered a similar situation, but this time the discomfort had shifted to the opposite side of my throat. It seems that these abscesses are somehow draining spontaneously when I open my mouth widely. Generally, I consider myself to be a healthy and active individual, with no significant dental problems aside from this troubling issue. I find myself increasingly anxious about the possibility of this becoming a recurring condition. As I'm currently without health insurance, seeking help from an ENT specialist in my locality would be quite costly. Could these symptoms be indicative of peritonsillar abscesses or could there be another underlying issue?
Answers (1)
7/5/2025, 7:10:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing some troubling throat issues, particularly concerning the recurring pain and the presence of pus where your tonsils used to be. These symptoms might suggest the formation of abscesses, which can occur even after tonsillectomy. Here’s a breakdown of what you could be experiencing and some actionable steps you can take.
Key Points:
- Possible Causes: Your symptoms could be related to infection or inflammation in the throat area, potentially indicating peritonsillar abscesses. Other possibilities include residual infection, allergies, or irritation.
- Urgency of Monitoring: Since the pain has switched sides, it's crucial to keep an eye on your symptoms for any changes to determine if they are evolving or worsening.
Explanation:
Post-tonsillectomy, some individuals can develop abscesses or infections in the surrounding tissues, even years later. The presence of pus indicates an infection, which can cause severe pain and swelling, making swallowing or speaking difficult. The drainage you've noticed is your body’s way of trying to alleviate the pressure from the abscess.
Next Steps:
-
Self-Care:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist. Warm drinks like tea or broth can provide soothing relief.
- Salt Water Gargles: Continue gargling with warm salt water 2-3 times a day to help reduce inflammation and promote drainage.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce swelling.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting the severity of pain, duration, and any other changes. This information can be useful for potential future evaluations.
-
Seek Affordable Care Options:
- If symptoms worsen (e.g., if you develop a fever, significant difficulty breathing, or spreading pain), you might need to look into community health resources or clinics that offer sliding scale fees based on income. Some hospitals have financial assistance programs for uninsured patients.
-
Avoid Irritants:
- Steer clear of smoke, strong odors, and any allergens that might worsen your throat irritation.
While it’s understandable to feel anxious about your health, many throat conditions, including those post-tonsillectomy, can often be managed effectively. Stay vigilant, and consider possible healthcare resources if your symptoms persist or worsen. If you need more guidance or tips, please feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Bleeding Concerns with IUD and Yeast Infection Treatment
I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5’4” and weighing 155 pounds. Hello everyone! Approximately three weeks ago, I had the Kyleena IUD placed, and everything felt fine afterward—I can still feel the strings. I noticed some mild spotting that was brown for about a week, followed by my menstrual period, then continued with light spotting. Recently, I suspect that I might have developed a yeast infection, which I am currently addressing using Monistat 7. I applied the first dose yesterday. To clarify, I am certain that I am not dealing with a sexually transmitted infection. However, I’ve observed an increase in bleeding, significantly more than what I’ve experienced before. The blood appears to be light red, and I would compare the amount to the lightest day of my period. I could comfortably go an entire day without needing to change my pad, though I still do it for hygiene reasons. Is this a common occurrence? Most of the bleeding took place this morning after I woke up, coinciding with the Monistat cream leaving my body. Under what circumstances should I seek medical advice regarding this issue instead of waiting to see how the treatment progresses?
Chronic Joint Pain Since Childhood
Since I was eight years old, I’ve endured intense and persistent pain in my joints. Initially, the discomfort was primarily in my knees, characterized by a sharp sensation right beneath the kneecap. As someone on the autism spectrum, I often visualize a strange, soothing thought: the idea of removing my kneecap and using an ice cream scoop to relieve the pressure underneath it. My parents sought help from several medical professionals, all of whom attributed my symptoms to growing pains. I even underwent cancer screenings at the age of nine because doctors felt my level of discomfort was excessive for mere growing pains. At school, I frequently had to wear dual knee braces. When I turned 14, I had a CT scan, but the results were inconclusive; doctors continued to insist it was just growing pains. At 18, I had an X-ray that also revealed nothing abnormal. Now at 20, my joint pain persists and is progressively worsening. My hands now ache in addition to my knees, and on particularly bad days, the pain radiates down to my ankles, making walking and sleeping almost impossible for half the week. The discomfort has entirely hindered my ability to work. My family and I strongly suspect that I may have some form of arthritis, but I struggle to convince the medical community of this due to my young age. My father, who suffers from arthritis himself, often empathizes when I express my pain, telling me, "that sounds familiar." I have broken down in front of numerous doctors, pleading for assistance, yet I consistently leave without answers, only to be scheduled for more scans that come back normal. The medical care I have received thus far has been far from satisfactory; for instance, I was prescribed eye drops that nearly resulted in serious damage to my vision when I consulted an eye specialist. This is just one of many frustrating experiences I’ve faced. I feel completely overwhelmed and in agony, and I have no way to reach out for specialized medical help since my only means of transportation is my father, who is also afflicted by arthritis. I feel lost and in deep pain without a clear path forward.
Seeking Guidance on Persistent Chest Discomfort After Extensive Testing
I'm a 43-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 180 pounds. My journey began around March to April of 2025 when, despite regularly hitting the gym four times a week, I was struck by severe chest pain along with frequent belching and a tight feeling in my diaphragm. At times, the pain became so intense that I feared it might be a heart attack. **Medical History:** In May 2019, I received a diagnosis of **PVS** and have since been under the care of a cardiac electrophysiologist. Upon experiencing these new symptoms, I consulted my EP, who conducted an EKG right then and set me up with a 7-day heart monitor. The results showed no irregularities. Subsequently, I was directed to a cardiologist, who carried out both a **stress test** and an **echocardiogram**, both of which yielded normal findings. Afterward, I returned to my primary care physician, who speculated that my gallbladder might be involved. An **ultrasound** was performed but revealed no issues. I then requested a **chest X-ray**, which also came back normal. My PCP then considered the possibility of a **hiatal hernia** and referred me to a gastroenterologist; unfortunately, that appointment took almost **five months** to materialize. In the meantime, my symptoms persisted, prompting me to cease weightlifting and switch my focus to **cardio and running**. Surprisingly, these activities didn’t exacerbate my symptoms, though the chest pain remained constant. When I finally saw the gastroenterologist, they suggested an **upper endoscopy**, which took another roughly three months to arrange. During this procedure, I was diagnosed with **Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)**, a condition I had not previously experienced. The doctors also placed a pH monitoring device for acid reflux assessment, which indicated **no unusual acid exposure**. Following this, I began a treatment plan that included a swallowed steroid inhaler and an increased dosage of **omeprazole**. Sixty days later, I underwent another endoscopy, which showed that the EOE had largely resolved, with minimal residual symptoms. Unfortunately, my chest discomfort persisted without any improvement. It has now been about **a year** since these issues emerged, and I still have not found substantial relief. A recent chest MRI completed at a dedicated imaging center revealed no abnormalities. I entertained the idea of **costochondritis**, but again, the MRI did not support that hypothesis. The only minor relief I find comes from consciously pulling my shoulders back and expanding my chest. I continue to experience discomfort around my **diaphragm** and tenderness in the area of the **xiphoid process**. My PCP prescribed a steroid pack, which was somewhat beneficial for the pain but failed to alleviate the pressure or constant discomfort. At this juncture, I feel quite lost and uncertain about my next steps. I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from others who have faced similar issues. Additionally, if there are any physicians here willing to offer advice, I am open to traveling to find the answers or relief I'm desperately seeking.
Understanding Mild Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease
I am a 29-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 130 pounds. Recently, a CT scan revealed that I have mild diverticulitis. About a week ago, I experienced significant discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region, along with pain in my right leg and hip, and some mild discomfort on the left side. After undergoing a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of mild diverticular disease, I was surprised that no one from my medical team provided any follow-up or acknowledged the condition. My blood tests returned normal results, and I was discharged without further information. While the pain subsided after about three days, it has unfortunately reappeared four days later. Is this something I should be worried about? What does this mean for me? I had a colonoscopy around 11 months ago, which indicated no issues.
Prolonged Miscarriage: Over Four Weeks In
A 35-year-old woman managing Type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump has been experiencing a challenging period marked by a recent miscarriage. This occurred just shy of ten weeks into the pregnancy, following an extremely positive pregnancy test, although medical confirmation had not yet been obtained. The physical symptoms were quite severe, with substantial bleeding that included large tissue clumps and blood clots observed during a shower. The size of these clots was rather alarming, comparable to a fist, causing blockage in the drain. Initially, for the first three to four days, there was heavy bleeding, requiring three pads daily. After that, the situation gradually improved, and around a week ago, she reached a point where only a pantyliner might suffice. Despite the reduction, bleeding persisted intermittently, mainly noticeable upon wiping, with instances of no blood at all, leading to inconsistencies in her experience. Recently, she has been feeling bloated and has noticed a resurgence in bleeding, necessitating the use of pads twice daily. Additionally, she has been experiencing light cramps and has developed acne. A subsequent pregnancy test revealed continued positive results. Now, with over four weeks of bleeding, she reached out to her physician’s office. However, the response was not one of concern, suggesting that she could schedule a visit at her convenience if she felt the need. The cost of visiting a doctor or urgent care deters her from seeking immediate professional help unless absolutely warranted. Overall, she reports feeling generally well, but is seeking advice from others. Is there cause for alarm, or is it feasible to let things unfold naturally? Could this miscarriage have evolved into her menstrual cycle instead? Additionally, it's worth noting that she occasionally finds small blood clots on the toilet paper after wiping. Since the onset of this situation, she has abstained from sexual intercourse.