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.
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