Persistent Tonsillitis: Seeking Guidance After Multiple Antibiotic Treatments
Age: 23 Gender: Male Height: 5'4" (163 cm) Weight: 220 lbs (99 kg) Ethnicity: Caucasian Symptoms Duration: Since May 26th Region: Southern California Pre-existing Health Issues: None Current Medications: None I am a 23-year-old male experiencing recurrent bouts of tonsillitis for several months. My struggles led me to visit two urgent care centers, the first of which only conducted a strep test. At the second urgent care clinic, I underwent several tests, revealing the following abnormalities in lab results dated July 14, 2025: - ermB, C; mefA: 24.07 A - Fusobacterium nucleatum, necrophorum: 12A - tet B, tet M: 23.962 A Initially, I was prescribed Amoxicillin for a week, which brought some relief, but soon the symptoms recurred. I was then treated with penicillin and a steroid for ten days that offered slight improvements. Finally, the second urgent care facility provided me with Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (875-125 mg) for ten days, resulting in significant enhancement; however, just a few days after completing the antibiotics on July 25, the condition returned, and now it feels worse than ever. I am currently experiencing a fever fluctuating between 99°F and 101°F (37°C - 38°C). The swelling has intensified, making it painful to open and close my mouth, particularly on the left side of my jaw. Additionally, I've developed stiffness in my neck and mild ear discomfort on the left side alongside increasingly severe throat pain. I have been using Tylenol to help manage the pain and fever, but my symptoms continue to escalate. I have an appointment with an ENT specialist scheduled for this Monday, yet with these new developments, I am uncertain if I should wait or seek emergency care sooner. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
7/31/2025, 2:31:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re going through a challenging time with recurrent tonsillitis and experiencing worsening symptoms. Given your situation, here are the main points to consider:
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Worsening Symptoms: Your recent symptoms, including fever, severe throat pain, neck stiffness, and jaw pain, suggest that you may have an infection that needs immediate attention.
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Urgency of Care: You have an appointment with an ENT specialist, which is a great step, but your current symptoms could necessitate seeking emergency care sooner.
Explanation
Recurrent tonsillitis can indicate an underlying issue, such as persistent infection or anatomical abnormalities. The presence of fever, neck stiffness, and significant pain can be signs of complications like a peritonsillar abscess or other serious infections, which may require urgent treatment.
Next Steps
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Seek Emergency Care: Given the escalation of your symptoms, particularly neck stiffness and difficulties with mouth movement, consider seeking emergency medical care sooner rather than waiting for your ENT appointment. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate intervention.
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Pain and Fever Management: In the meantime, continue to use acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed to manage pain and fever, but don't hesitate to communicate your symptoms clearly to the healthcare professionals.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially since swallowing may be painful. Warm teas or broths may also be soothing.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoking or other irritants that could exacerbate your throat discomfort.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a record of any changes in your symptoms, including temperature readings, to share with your healthcare provider.
Your health and well-being are the priority. Taking these steps will help ensure you receive the care you need promptly. Please take care and seek medical attention as necessary.
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