Persistent Strep Throat Problems
As a 23-year-old woman, standing at 5’2" and weighing 120 pounds, I have no prior health issues and do not smoke or take any medications. My boyfriend experienced a sore throat back in July. Fortunately, he recovered within a few days, but shortly after that, I met him and shared a kiss, only to find myself unwell the following week. I presumed he had strep throat, which seemed to have cleared up naturally before he inadvertently passed it to me. After visiting urgent care, the doctor examined my throat and prescribed cephalexin, which helped me feel better within 48 hours. (I have a known allergy to penicillin stemming from childhood, which is why it wasn't prescribed). The week after completing my antibiotic course, I saw my boyfriend again and, despite knowing the risks of kissing someone potentially contagious, I went ahead and did it anyway. My lack of knowledge about the duration of contagiousness was a poor excuse, and soon after, I fell ill again with similar symptoms. I consulted my doctor, who conducted a rapid strep test that came back positive, confirming my earlier diagnosis. He prescribed a ten-day course of Biaxin (clarithromycin), yet it did not alleviate my symptoms. Once I finished the medication, I returned to the doctor as my symptoms persisted, marked by enlarged tonsils but no longer a sore throat. After performing blood tests and a throat culture, the doctor suspected mononucleosis, yet I tested positive again for strep throat. It has now been four weeks of battling swollen tonsils. On my recent visit, my doctor decided to prescribe amoxicillin. I have been taking it for three days now and, surprisingly, I still suffer from swollen, infected tonsils. Could this be an indication of antibiotic resistance? I genuinely feel at a loss regarding how to proceed. Is amending my tonsils the only solution to resolve this? It seems outrageous to have undergone four rounds of antibiotics for strep throat. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
8/21/2025, 2:31:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve had a challenging experience with persistent throat issues, and I understand how frustrating and concerning this can be. Given your circumstances, let’s break down what you’re facing and how to proceed effectively.
Key Points:
- Recurrence of Strep Throat: You’ve experienced multiple episodes of strep throat despite several rounds of antibiotics.
- Possible Antibiotic Resistance: While your situation may raise concerns about resistance, there are other factors to consider.
- Tonsil Health: You are questioning the necessity of tonsil removal and considering your symptoms.
Explanation:
Strep throat is usually caused by a bacterial infection (Streptococcus pyogenes) and is typically treated effectively with antibiotics. Persistent symptoms, such as swollen tonsils, suggest the possibility of:
- Incomplete resolution of the infection: Sometimes, bacteria can be more resistant than typical strains.
- Secondary infections or complications: Conditions like mononucleosis can complicate recovery.
- Other underlying issues: Chronic tonsillitis or other infections/inflammatory conditions can also contribute.
Next Steps:
- Continue Watching Symptoms: Monitor for any new symptoms, such as fever or difficulty swallowing, as these could suggest complications.
- Complete the Amoxicillin Course: Finish the full course of amoxicillin as directed. Sometimes antibiotics take longer to show improvement, especially with inflammation.
- Supportive Care:
- Stay hydrated and consume soothing foods (like warm teas or soups) that are easy to swallow.
- Gargle with salt water several times a day to help reduce swelling and soothe your throat.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can also help manage discomfort.
- Follow-Up Care: If symptoms persist after completing the amoxicillin, or if they worsen, you should return to your doctor for further evaluation. Discuss the possibility of seeing an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist to consider if tonsillectomy could be beneficial in your case due to recurrent strep throat or chronic tonsillitis.
- Discuss Testing Options: If you have not yet had testing for other potential causes (like mononucleosis or viral infections), ensure this is explored with your doctor.
Additional Consideration:
Avoid close contact with anyone who is ill during this recovery phase, to prevent reinfection. Sharing drinks or utensils should also be avoided until you are symptom-free.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or need additional support. Your health is important, and it’s okay to seek further clarity in your care process.
Related Questions
Three Weeks Post Gallbladder Surgery - Is It Infected?
Patient Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Issue Duration: 3 weeks Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Approximately three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. Recently, I have observed a slight amount of cloudy fluid emerging from the surgical site over the past few days. Just moments ago, I noticed a possible pus discharge from the incision. While there is no significant pain, I do feel mild soreness when shifting my position. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there is no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or would it be prudent to seek immediate medical attention at the ER for a professional evaluation?
Should I Seek Medical Attention?
At 22 years old, I am a female who has been on medications like duloxetine, lamotrigine, and hydroxyzine for several years. I have managed to keep my Graves' disease under control, but I have reasons to believe I may also be experiencing symptoms of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Last year, I was scheduled to consult a neurologist regarding hand tremors and the possibility of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I could not continue my treatment after relocating and losing my health insurance. Just 15 minutes ago, I fainted. Prior to that incident, I was feeling unwell—dizzy, my vision was blurry, and I experienced a whooshing sensation along with heat in my ears. My face and arms also felt tingly. After fainting, I experienced a heavy, aching sensation in my head, and I still have a headache now. Additionally, I’ve been waking up with headaches for a couple of days. I want to know if it's advisable to go to the emergency room. It's important to note that this isn’t my first fainting spell; I had one incident years back, which helped me recognize the signs when it started happening. At that time, I was lifting a heavy bed frame, and when I began to feel faint, I tried to sit down but stood back up to assist, and that’s when I lost consciousness. I’m unsure how long I was out, but I initially thought I was just sleeping before realizing what had happened when I regained awareness.
Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Sudden Hearing Loss Case
I am looking for advice regarding my mother's situation with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). **Patient Overview:** - **Age:** 48 years - **Gender:** Female - **Medical Issues:** Hypothyroidism and overweight (approximately 95 kg at the onset) - **Treatment:** Thyroid medication (25 mcg taken daily) **Medical Background:** In November 2025, my mother experienced an abrupt hearing loss in her right ear accompanied by dizziness and nausea. We consulted several ENT specialists within approximately 36 hours following the onset of her symptoms. She received a diagnosis of SSNHL but unfortunately, she did not undergo intratympanic steroid injections during the critical first 24 hours that could have aided her recovery. Despite receiving subsequent treatment, she has not regained hearing in her affected ear. **Examination Results:** - **Audiogram:** Loss of approximately 100 dB in the right ear; left ear shows normal hearing. - **Brain MRI:** A normal scan was conducted previously, ruling out tumors. - **Laboratory Tests:** Recent blood tests (including thyroid function, HbA1c, renal and liver function tests, CBC, etc.) show elevated TSH (6.73) and a HbA1c of 8.5%. We are currently preparing for a contrast MRI to eliminate the possibility of a vestibular schwannoma or nerve issues. **Current Condition:** The hearing loss persists in her right ear. She is feeling anxious about the upcoming contrast MRI, which involves gadolinium injection. However, she has started making positive lifestyle changes and has lost about 4.5 kg over the past two months, adhering to a protein-rich diet and a walking regimen. **My Inquiries:** 1. Is it still beneficial to perform a contrast MRI several months after the initial SSNHL diagnosis, considering that a normal MRI has already been completed? 2. For cases such as this—severe SSNHL with delayed steroid intervention—are there realistic prospects for hearing recovery at a later date? 3. Are there any additional tests or treatments that should be taken into account at this stage? 4. For family gatherings where loud music will be present, would high-quality earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds be a good option to safeguard her healthier ear? 5. Is it advisable for her to continue with whey protein supplementation and the weight-loss plan? 6. What should we prioritize for long-term management: hearing aids, rehabilitation, regular monitoring, etc.? I recognize that the chances of recovery may be slim, but I want to ensure we are covering all bases and that her care plan is appropriate. I appreciate any insights or suggestions you can offer. Thank you for your assistance!
Seeking Clarity on Medical Notes
Greetings, I’ve chosen to use a throwaway account to keep my medical details private from my main one. My daughter, a 3-year-old with cerebral palsy, is prescribed baclofen, gabapentin, senna, and occasionally, Miralax. She is raised in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. Recently, my daughter has exhibited instances of staring and being unresponsive, which we discussed with her pediatric neurologist. These episodes occurred multiple times over three weeks. Concerned about potential seizure activity, we recorded some incidents and shared them with the doctor. He advised us to schedule an EEG, which was set for the soonest available time a week later, while instructing us to call if more episodes occurred. When another episode took place, we reached out to the neurologist, who practices at a children’s hospital approximately two hours away. He recommended that we go to our local emergency room. Upon arriving there, the attending physician reviewed her history but seemed skeptical. After a lengthy wait and attempts to clarify our situation, the on-call neurologist eventually came to see us—although he showed little interest in the video evidence we provided. He proceeded with an EEG that lasted only 15 minutes during which my daughter did not have any episodes. Unfortunately, this neurologist was rather abrupt and seemed dismissive, ultimately sending us home without satisfactory answers. Now, I find myself puzzled. In the EEG report, the neurologist mentioned something called a "teddy bear sign." As I had never encountered this term before, I did some research and discovered that it may suggest that seizure activity is not genuine if the patient is in possession of a stuffed animal or similar item. Is this a legitimate observation? My daughter indeed had her beloved baby doll, which she takes with her everywhere. I fail to comprehend how this could be relevant or why it might indicate that her potential seizure activity is fabricated. I plan to reach out to her primary neurologist to gain deeper insight into the meaning of this "teddy bear sign." Thank you for your help!
Evaluating the Reliability of Blood Tests for Liver Disease
As a 30-year-old man who has indulged in heavy drinking during weekends for the past decade, I recently sought to understand the health of my liver through a blood test conducted at a laboratory. Initially, I felt a wave of relief when I received my results indicating that all my liver enzyme levels were within normal limits. However, my sense of security was short-lived as I stumbled upon information suggesting that some forms of liver disease might not be detectable through standard blood testing. This has prompted me to question the extent to which I can rely on my test results. Is it possible that underlying issues might still exist despite what the blood work revealed?