Treatment Received for Strep Throat, Yet My Tonsils Appear Severely Damaged
At 31 years old, I recently encountered a case of strep throat while in Las Vegas. Initially, I dismissed it as a minor cold, which delayed my decision to seek medical attention. By the time I realized it was something more serious on Sunday, I was unable to visit a clinic due to their closing hours. It wasn't until Tuesday that I finally received treatment and began a course of amoxicillin. Fortunately, the troublesome infection and associated symptoms have cleared up. My fever has subsided, I'm no longer feeling exhausted, and swallowing has improved somewhat. However, I'm becoming increasingly anxious because I'm still experiencing pain when I swallow. Upon inspection, it appears that the remnants of the strep infection have left behind lesions around my tonsils, causing significant discomfort. It almost looks like they’ve been sliced. I'm determined to complete the course of antibiotics in hopes that the lesions heal naturally, but this situation is quite unsettling for me. Any advice on what to expect would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 3:40:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about your throat discomfort after experiencing strep throat and noticing lesions on your tonsils. It’s great to hear that your fever has subsided and that overall symptoms have improved. Here’s how to approach your current situation:
Main Points:
- You're recovering from strep throat, but discomfort and lesions may be residual effects.
- Healing can take time, and there are ways to support your recovery.
Explanation:
Strep throat, caused by bacteria, can lead to severe inflammation in the throat and tonsils. After the infection clears, it’s not uncommon for the throat area to remain sensitive for a while. The lesions you see may be remnants of the inflammation, which should gradually improve as your throat heals. It's good that you are following through with your course of amoxicillin, as antibiotics are essential in combating the infection.
Pain with swallowing can persist for days or even a few weeks after the infection has resolved, especially if inflammation occurred. Focus on managing your discomfort while your body heals.
Next Steps:
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist and alleviate discomfort. Warm teas with honey can be soothing.
-
Gargle with Salt Water: This can help reduce inflammation and ease pain. Use about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day.
-
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider using pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with the pain. Follow dosing instructions on the package.
-
Soft Foods: Eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods to reduce irritation (e.g., yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups).
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If they worsen, if you develop a high fever, or if you notice any signs of a new infection (like swollen lymph nodes or persistent pain), you may want to seek medical advice sooner.
-
Rest: Ensure you’re getting enough rest during your recovery period.
Remember, your body is healing, and while lingering pain can be frustrating, it often signifies the healing process. Don't hesitate to reach out for further advice if your symptoms do not improve or if you have ongoing concerns. Take care!
Related Questions
Post-Intubation Throat Discomfort
At 31 years of age, I underwent intubation in early May, which was roughly two and a half months ago. Since the procedure, I've been aware that my throat hasn't completely recovered. I'm uncertain whether this is a typical part of the healing journey. While I no longer experience the intense pain I felt right after the tube was taken out, I do notice a persistent scratchiness, frequent voice loss, and a constant need to clear my throat. Is this a standard phase of recovery, or should I be concerned that this might linger indefinitely? I appreciate any insights!
Is This a Fracture?
A 32-year-old man experienced an injury today while lifting weights. I was attempting to bench press 235 pounds using a grip without my thumb, which is a method I won't repeat. Unfortunately, the bar slipped from my grasp, impacting my forearms before landing on my chest. Does this look like a fracture to you? There's some pain, but it’s manageable. I have an appointment at an Urgent Care facility set for tomorrow morning, yet I’m eager to gather some insights in the meantime.
Sudden Onset of Bruising and Bleeding – Emergency Room Visit Followed by Hematology Referral
A 31-year-old female, taking daily doses of 10mg Lexapro and 10mg Adderall, presents with a medical history of asthma but no other notable conditions. She stands at 5 feet 5 inches and weighs 158 pounds. Approximately a week ago, she started noticing bruises appearing on her body without any clear cause. Additionally, she experienced intermittent occurrences of clots, spotting, and mucus discharge both vaginally and rectally. After consulting with her gynecologist regarding the bleeding and displaying her bruises, he recommended an immediate hematology consultation that evening. She proceeded to the emergency room, where the attending physician documented the bruises and initiated a hematology consultation. Her lab results have shown a consistent decline over the past two weeks (I can provide the lab reports if necessary). The hematology department managed to schedule an appointment for her on Monday at 8 AM, following a call she made today based on the discharge instructions from the ER. Recently, she observed new bruising and broken blood vessels in areas affected by her spandex compression shorts after wearing them last night. She has also experienced shortness of breath throughout the day, which she has attributed to excessive physical activity and insufficient rest. She is adding some images for reference but, given the urgent referral to hematology and the swift progression of her bruising, she is increasingly worried that this might escalate more quickly than anticipated. Are there any concerning symptoms I should monitor for that could necessitate a check-up before her scheduled Monday appointment? It is currently Friday evening. Thank you for your assistance!
Enlarged Foreskin Concerns
At 39 years old and in good health (standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds), I lead a lifestyle that includes no smoking, drug use, or significant drinking, only consuming alcohol on rare occasions. I sporadically take over-the-counter allergy medications, and I regularly use a pre-workout supplement five times a week, which is the only dietary supplement in my routine. About three months ago, I noticed some unusual puffiness in my foreskin when I got up to shower one morning. Throughout that same day, I observed a significant amount of swelling (comparable to a noticeable degree of enlargement). Fortunately, there was no associated pain, sores, or discharge, and the swelling diminished on its own after about five to six days. After the swelling subsided, I consulted a urologist. He speculated that it might have been triggered by a bug bite, as he observed a slight darker area underneath the foreskin. He also suggested that the skin might be slowly growing back, noting that while I am circumcised, I have always had some surplus foreskin without it causing prior issues. I initially accepted the bug bite explanation until a similar swelling episode occurred about two months later. Again, I woke up to find my foreskin swelling, which resolved itself within about five to six days. During these episodes, I might notice slight tenderness in the lymph nodes in my groin area, although it’s not painful. As I’m in a monogamous relationship and have no other sexual partners, I can confidently rule out any sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, there have been no unusual activities in my sexual or masturbation practices leading up to these incidents. I occasionally wear compression shorts for workouts in the morning, and I wonder if they might contribute to any irritation, though I’m not certain about that. I’m reaching out to this community for insights on what might be happening. While I’m open to returning to the urologist for further evaluation, I would appreciate any advice or opinions on the matter.
Persistent Numbness and Walking Difficulty in Lumbar Radiculopathy: Concerns Over Nerve Damage
47-year-old female, weighing 150 pounds and standing at 5'8", has been diagnosed with a mild disc bulge at L4-L5 and a significant disc extrusion at L5-S1. These conditions have led to spinal stenosis, degenerative disc issues, impingement on the nerves, and pain radiating down her right side, consistent with sciatica. Having struggled with sciatica for nearly two years, she has undergone two lumbar epidural steroid injections (in October 2023 and June 2024) with inconsistent effectiveness, as well as a selective nerve root block in July 2025. Recently, after a slip that strained her back muscles, she experienced an intense exacerbation of her symptoms. Last weekend, the pain escalated to a level that rendered her unable to rise from the floor, despite assistance. Additionally, half of the muscles in her right leg ceased functioning, and she has endured numbness in multiple areas—including the bottom, top, and outer regions of her foot, along with the outer and posterior aspects of her calf, thigh, and buttocks—for the past six days. The regions affected by numbness are also accompanied by muscle weakness. Due to the severe pain, she sought emergency treatment last Sunday morning and was subsequently hospitalized for several days. During her stay, she received intravenous steroids, NSAIDs, and opioids to manage her discomfort while expediting treatment options. The selective nerve root block, performed by the interventional radiology team, was significantly quicker than the usual schedule with her neurosurgery team, which often takes weeks for similar procedures. Despite receiving this treatment, the numbness and weakness persist. She remains unable to ambulate without the aid of a walker, crutches, or another person's support. Interestingly, she still experiences pain signals from her foot when seated or standing for extended periods, indicating that the foot must be elevated. However, the discomfort she feels differs from typical sciatic pain; it resembles the sensation of a Charley horse, albeit without the usual visible deformity that accompanies such cramps. Her primary concern is whether she should be alarmed about potential irreversible nerve damage. She contemplates whether to advocate for an earlier follow-up with her neurosurgeon than the recommended three-week wait. While she understands the nerve root block may require time to be effective, the ongoing immobility is profoundly affecting her. Her primary care physician shares her concerns but, being less specialized in spinal issues, relies on the notes and reports from her hospital care team. He has assured her that he will contact the neurosurgeon if her condition worsens. Currently, her symptoms have stabilized, but there has been no notable improvement either.