Recurring Strep Throat After Antibiotic Treatment
I’m a 26-year-old female, 5’2”, generally in decent health, taking daily medications including Wellbutrin, Zyrtec, and birth control. I was diagnosed with strep throat on July 30 after a swift test at an urgent care facility. My symptoms included painful swallowing, severely inflamed tonsils, nausea, and a lack of cough or fever. The treatment prescribed was amoxicillin, two pills daily for a duration of ten days. I completed this course, but within about 48 hours, I began to experience a resurgence of symptoms, including significant fatigue and widespread body aches. Consequently, I returned to urgent care, where I received a new prescription: cephalexin, taken three times daily for another ten days. I noticed an improvement and felt relatively normal for a few days, but unfortunately, the symptoms reappeared shortly after finishing that course of antibiotics. Just this past Friday, I completed my cephalexin regimen, and once again, I’m suffering from painful swallowing and inflamed tonsils. Throughout this ordeal lasting 20 days, I’ve made an effort to maintain my intake of probiotics and vitamins. Living alone without any pets, and being single, I’m fairly certain I’m not in contact with anyone who could be carrying the bacteria. At this point, I feel somewhat lost. Should I revisit urgent care to explore my options further and possibly request a culture to check for antibiotic resistance? Alternatively, would it be sensible to consult with an ear, nose, and throat specialist? Having recently relocated to a new state, I have not yet established a primary care physician. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 12:21:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable that you’re feeling overwhelmed with ongoing symptoms after multiple treatments for strep throat. Your experience indicates a potential issue with persistent infection or antibiotic resistance. Here’s a clearer plan moving forward:
Key Points:
- Recurring Symptoms Post-Antibiotic Treatment: Your symptoms returning after completing multiple courses of antibiotics suggests that it might be time to reevaluate your situation.
- Consideration of a Culture: A throat culture can help identify whether the strep bacteria persist and if they are resistant to the antibiotics you have taken.
- Referral to Specialists: Consulting with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist may provide additional insights into your condition.
Explanation:
While strep throat is typically treatable with antibiotics, repeated infections could indicate a few factors, such as:
- Possible antibiotic resistance: The bacteria might not be responding to the antibiotics due to resistance.
- Incorrect initial diagnosis: Sometimes, what seems like strep throat could be caused by another condition.
- Carrier state: Some people can carry the streptococcus bacteria in their throats without showing symptoms, making them possible sources for re-infection.
Next Steps:
-
Visit Urgent Care or Emergency Room: Given that you have had a resurgence of symptoms, returning to urgent care is advisable. Request a throat culture specifically to test for strep bacteria and to check for antibiotic resistance.
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Consider an ENT Specialist: An ENT can evaluate your throat for chronic issues related to infections. They may suggest further investigations like imaging or even a procedure to assess your tonsils if they're consistently problematic.
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Symptom Management: While you await your next appointment, focus on symptom relief:
- Stay hydrated and consider soothing teas or throat lozenges to help with painful swallowing.
- Continue taking your daily probiotics as they can support gut health during this time.
- Monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience difficulty breathing, high fever, or severe pain, seek medical attention immediately.
By following these steps, you’ll be in a stronger position to get to the root of your issue and find relief. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support as you navigate these challenges—experiencing prolonged discomfort can be very tough.
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