(27M) Is My Strep Throat Getting Worse Despite Antibiotics? Seeking Guidance
UPDATE: This morning, I noticed a significant reduction in the white spots on my affected tonsil, which I hope indicates improvement. However, my throat continues to hurt at a similar level. I just completed my sixth dose of amoxicillin and today I’m feeling somewhat chilly and clammy. Overall, the sore throat appears to be showing slight signs of progress. Once again, it seems to feel better during the day. There’s no fever, my blood pressure appears normal, and my blood oxygen saturation is within the usual range. I began experiencing a sore throat on Tuesday morning and by that evening around 6 PM, I tested positive for strep throat. I started my antibiotics that same night. So far, I have taken five 500mg doses of amoxicillin. I’m nearing the end of my second day on the medication and heading into the third. Curiously, my throat pain seems to have increased since yesterday and the very first day, which makes me wonder if I am overreacting. I’m just trying to determine if another visit to the doctor is necessary. Additionally, I am taking 400mg of ibuprofen every six hours to help manage the pain.
Answers (1)
8/29/2025, 7:43:02 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a challenging situation with your strep throat and managing your symptoms thoughtfully. Here are the main points and some guidance for your situation:
Main Points
- You are on antibiotics (amoxicillin) for strep throat, and while you notice some improvement (reduction in white spots), throat pain persists.
- It's common for throat pain to fluctuate, especially when starting antibiotics.
- Feeling chilly and clammy may be concerning, but without fever or other alarming symptoms, it can be less critical.
Explanation
Strep throat typically improves within 2 to 3 days of starting antibiotics, but it’s normal for the throat pain to fluctuate at first. Signs of improvement, like the decrease in white spots, are encouraging, but continued pain can happen as the body heals. The clammy feeling might be a response to inflammation or a reaction to pain, rather than an indication of worsening infection.
Next Steps
-
Continue the Antibiotics: Complete the full course of amoxicillin as prescribed, even if you’re feeling slightly better. This is essential to ensure the infection is fully treated.
-
Pain Management: Continue taking ibuprofen every six hours as you have been. If the pain persists or worsens despite this, consider increasing your hydration or alternating ibuprofen with acetaminophen (Tylenol), if you can take it safely.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in your symptoms. Note if you develop a fever, severe headaches, difficulty swallowing, or rapid difficulty breathing; these would be causes to seek medical attention promptly.
-
Reassess After 48 Hours: If you still feel miserable or your symptoms worsen after another 48 hours of antibiotics, a follow-up visit may be warranted for further evaluation.
-
Stay Hydrated and Rest: Drink plenty of fluids and rest your voice as much as possible to support your recovery.
It's understandable to be concerned, and you're doing a great job managing your symptoms. If you have further questions or if your condition changes, feel free to reach out!
Related Questions
Exploring Endolymphatic Hydrops: Could This Be My Condition?
34 years old / Female Current weight: 165 lbs Navigating the challenges of motherhood In early December 2025, I caught a cold. By mid-December, my right ear felt blocked, but I attributed it to the cold virus. As New Year approached, I experienced another cold, which coincided with an onset of ringing in my ears. Disturbingly, sounds started to seem altered from the affected ear, accompanied by a persistent fullness in that area. Additionally, I noticed twitching of my eye and swelling in the salivary gland on the same side. My primary care physician prescribed a decongestant and Flonase; however, because I am currently breastfeeding, I hesitated to take the medications as directed. On January 27, I was evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who requested a hearing assessment the following day. The results indicated that I had sensorineural hearing loss affecting my low-frequency hearing range (250 Hz to 500 Hz). The doctor prescribed a steroid with the hope of addressing the issue promptly. Now on day 10 of steroid treatment, I have experienced significant relief. Remarkably, I've noticed a substantial amount of thick, putty-like mucus clearing from my nasal passages. The pressure in my ear has subsided, and sounds are returning to normal, though I still perceive a slight ringing — possibly just a touch of hearing loss remains. What concerns me is whether ongoing sinus congestion could be the root of these symptoms or if I might genuinely be dealing with endolymphatic hydrops. Notably, I have not experienced any episodes of dizziness. In the evenings, I tend to feel considerable pressure building on the right side of my head, almost as if my sinuses are becoming blocked once more. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this matter, as I find myself in a state of uncertainty regarding my condition.
Gene Testing Outcomes Suggest Elevated Risk for MPN
A 27-year-old male of Irish heritage recently conducted a commercial gene analysis, and here are the findings: - **Rs12340895 (C;G)** Result Interpretation: "Doubles the likelihood of developing V617F-positive MPN." - **Rs3780374 (A;G)** Result Interpretation: "Significantly raises the probability of V617F-positive MPN manifestation." Based on my research, it appears that having these two genetic markers indicates a strong predisposition to this particular form of cancer. What steps should I consider taking to either prepare for or potentially postpone the onset of this condition? Should I discuss these findings with my healthcare provider? My studies suggest there isn’t a definitive cure for this condition.
Understanding Preseptal Cellulitis in Children
Hello everyone. I'm reaching out for assistance. My 6-year-old son recently experienced a concerning issue. He woke up on Friday with significant swelling around his eye, nearly closing it entirely. We quickly took him to the emergency room, where doctors diagnosed him with preseptal cellulitis. They prescribed antibiotics, specifically cephalosporin, as part of his treatment. However, after approximately 30 hours on the medication, I’ve noticed that his condition seems to have deteriorated. We’ve been applying warm compresses, which help reduce some swelling temporarily, but he now has a noticeable bump right in the center of the affected area. This morning, he woke up again with his eye completely shut. I’m uncertain whether I should return to the ER for further evaluation. I appreciate any advice or insights you can provide. Thank you!
Unexpected Head Pain During Dance Moves
This may seem humorous, yet I'm genuinely interested in uncovering the cause of this peculiar experience. I’m a 34-year-old female. A few months back, hoping to elevate my mood and get my body moving away from the grip of depression, I decided to play some music and dance in my living room. In a moment of misguided enthusiasm, I attempted to twerk. It's worth noting that I have a long history of lower back discomfort, I've never attempted to twerk before, and I lack the rhythm, flexibility, or skills typical of proficient dancers. As I embarked on my very first serious twerk attempt, a sudden jolt of agony shot through my forehead, nearly causing me to lose consciousness. It felt like being struck with a hammer. I was momentarily blinded by the pain, convinced I might have suffered an aneurysm or something equally serious. This intense sensation only lasted for about a minute, during which I dramatically considered that I might be the first individual to perish from twerking. You might think it was just a case of me bumping my head while trying to dance away my sadness; however, I assure you that this wasn’t the case. Just as abruptly as the pain struck, it dissipated. In that moment, I promised myself to never attempt twerking again. Fast forward to today, and I experienced a similar incident again—not the twerking, but the sudden stabbing pain in my skull. I was engaged in some back stretches, particularly the cat-cow pose, and during the cow portion, I once more felt an intense sharp pain in the center of my forehead, just above my right eye. Stars filled my vision, and everything seemed slightly distorted. This sensation vanished within seconds, leaving me puzzled. What is causing this reaction? How do my forehead and lower back relate in this context? It's baffling! I genuinely seek any insights that might help explain this mysterious phenomenon.
14-Year-Old Male with Cough and Rash Symptoms
My 14-year-old son, who stands at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 149 pounds, has been experiencing persistent cough and cold-like symptoms for slightly over a week. He stayed home from school on January 30 and February 3 as he was feeling unwell, but aside from that, he has managed to attend school. The predominant issue has been his cough. Initially, he had a runny nose for a couple of days, but that symptom has since resolved. He has not complained about a sore throat or experienced any fever. This afternoon, he reported developing a rash with red spots. He mentioned that it itches a little, but it's not uncomfortable, and he does not feel any pain. The rash is primarily located on his abdomen and chest, with some patches on his legs and a little on his arms, but there are no spots on his back. I checked his temperature, which was recorded at 99.4°F. He is fully vaccinated according to the standard vaccination schedule recommended by pediatricians in the United States. Our residence is near Vancouver, WA, in case that information is pertinent. Additionally, we have not changed any laundry or personal care products recently. What could this condition possibly indicate?