Persistent Strep Infections
Age: 30, Male I received a positive diagnosis for strep throat on July 1st. Following that, I was prescribed a ten-day regimen of amoxicillin. Although my symptoms subsided, they re-emerged around the 8th or 9th day into the treatment. I began to experience a sore throat once more, accompanied by significant fatigue and malaise. Recently, I was tested for strep again and the results were positive. Consequently, I was started on a ten-day course of cephalexin. Currently, I am on day three of this new treatment; however, my tonsil remains swollen. I'm puzzled as to why this is happening. Despite the rapid tests returning negative results every time, the cultures still indicate a positive presence. I am eager to resolve this issue—could this be definitively strep? What measures can I take to ensure complete eradication of this infection? It's worth noting that I experienced strep throat earlier in the year too, which makes this ongoing struggle all the more frustrating.
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 6:20:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating situation with recurrent strep throat infections. Let’s break down your concerns and outline steps you can take to manage this condition more effectively.
Key Points
- You’ve had recurring bouts of strep throat, despite being treated with antibiotics.
- Your current treatment with cephalexin is relatively new, and your tonsil is still swollen.
- Rapid tests may be negative, but cultures show persistent strep.
Explanation
Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection (Streptococcus pyogenes) and can recur, especially if:
- Incomplete eradication of the bacteria occurs during treatment.
- You might have carriers around you who are transmitting the infection back.
- Certain conditions, like chronic inflammation in the throat or related to immune response, can prolong symptoms like swelling and fatigue.
The tonsil swelling could also be due to residual inflammation, not just the presence of the bacteria. Your previous history with strep throat can increase your susceptibility to additional infections.
Next Steps
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Complete your current antibiotic course: Make sure you finish the full 10 days of cephalexin, even if symptoms seem to improve.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or worsening fatigue after starting the new antibiotic. If they worsen or do not improve after completing this course, it might indicate a different underlying issue.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and getting adequate rest. This supports your immune system in fighting infections.
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Consider Overall Health Factors: Since you have a history of Crohn's Disease, it's important to ensure that your condition is well managed, as it might affect your immune response.
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Follow-Up Cultures: If your symptoms persist beyond this course, consult with a healthcare provider about repeat throat cultures to check for antibiotic resistance or other infections.
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Discuss with Family: If strep infections are common in your immediate environment, encourage family members to get tested as carriers can reintroduce bacteria.
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Stay in Touch with Professionals: Since you’ve had recurrent infections, you might benefit from seeing an ENT specialist to discuss the potential for further investigations or treatments, including the possibility of surgical options like tonsillectomy if infections continue to recur.
I understand this situation can be very discouraging, but with careful monitoring and the right strategies, you can work towards resolving this issue. If you have any more specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
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