Post-ABx Recovery Symptoms After Peritonsillar Abscess (25-Year-Old Female)
Approximately two weeks ago, at the age of 25, I began experiencing discomfort when swallowing along with notably swollen tonsils. Given my history of recurrent tonsillitis, I initially assumed it was a viral infection. However, after a few days of ongoing pain and inflammation that didn't seem to respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, I decided to visit the emergency department for further assessment. I underwent blood tests and a CT scan, which confirmed that I had a bacterial peritonsillar abscess. Consequently, I was prescribed IV dexamethasone, a ten-day course of Augmentin, and high-dose prednisolone before being discharged. By the end of my antibiotic treatment, I felt significantly improved, and the swallowing pain had subsided. Nevertheless, I continue to experience sharp throat pain when I yawn or laugh, along with a sensation of fullness in my ears, as if they were submerged. Is this a typical part of the recovery process? Should I consult an ENT specialist? I am okay with taking my time to heal, but I had initially planned to follow up with the outpatient clinic; unfortunately, their next available appointment isn't for another two months, so I postponed it. If it turns out I need to see a physician sooner, I'm willing to schedule a visit. Thank you in advance for your insights and advice! :)
Answers (1)
8/31/2025, 1:14:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re on the mend after your recent treatment for a peritonsillar abscess, but experiencing ongoing discomfort can be concerning. Sharp throat pain when yawning or laughing, along with a sensation of fullness in your ears, can occur during the recovery phase due to inflammation or irritation in the throat and surrounding structures. This is not uncommon, especially after a significant infection.
Explanation
The pain and ear fullness you're experiencing may be due to lingering inflammation in the throat or eustachian tubes, which connect the throat to the ears. After an intense infection and treatment, it can take time for everything to return to normal. However, it’s important to monitor any changes in your symptoms as they progress. In some cases, persistent or increasing symptoms might require further evaluation.
Next Steps
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep track of your symptoms over the next week. Note any changes in pain intensity, the occurrence of new symptoms, or if your existing symptoms worsen. This will help inform whether further medical attention is needed.
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Home Care: Continue to manage your throat discomfort with warm salt water gargles several times a day, stay well-hydrated, and consider using over-the-counter throat lozenges.
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Pain Management: If your throat pain worsens or remains significantly bothersome, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if tolerated) as directed on the package.
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Ear Pressure Relief: For the sensation of fullness in your ears, you can try yawning, swallowing, or doing a gentle Valsalva maneuver (pinching your nose and gently blowing) to equalize pressure.
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Consider a New ENT Appointment: If symptoms do not improve in the next week or if they worsen, it would be wise to see an ENT specialist sooner than your scheduled appointment. You can call the clinic to explain your condition and see if there’s any chance for an earlier slot.
Your willingness to take your time to heal is great, but trust your instincts about your body—if something doesn't feel right, follow up sooner rather than later. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!
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