Struggling with Severe Tonsillitis: Amoxicillin Ineffective
I'm a 22-year-old male, standing 5'7" and weighing about 132 pounds. I'm of Asian descent, don't smoke, and drink occasionally. Currently, I'm studying abroad in Italy, which makes it challenging to consult my regular physician. Unfortunately, I seem to have developed a severe case of tonsillitis. One of my tonsils is so swollen that it’s protruding into my throat, causing excruciating pain that radiates to my neck and ear. This ordeal has been quite unbearable. I visited a walk-in clinic where I was given a prescription for 1 gram of amoxicillin, along with prednisone to reduce the inflammation and a few other over-the-counter remedies. Now, two days into the amoxicillin treatment and having taken five pills, I’m noticing only a slight improvement. The prednisone, while it initially alleviates some discomfort, tends to lose its pain-relieving effects after about eight hours, leading to a resurgence of pain as the inflammation resumes its intensity. I’m left wondering if my situation is particularly severe, which might explain the delayed response to treatment. Should I feel alarmed about the slow progress? When would it be advisable to revisit a healthcare professional? I had anticipated quicker results due to the potency of the medication, but that has not been the case at all.
Answers (1)
9/15/2025, 2:20:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort from severe tonsillitis, and I understand how distressing this can be, especially while you're abroad. Let's break down your situation:
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Slow Improvement After Treatment: It is not uncommon for severe tonsillitis to take longer to respond to antibiotics if the infection is caused by certain bacteria or if it's particularly severe. While amoxicillin is effective for many bacterial infections, there are some strains that may not respond as well.
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Use of Prednisone: It's positive that the prednisone has provided some relief initially. However, the need for frequent dosing indicates that inflammation is still significant.
Immediate Steps to Consider:
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Continue Amoxicillin and Prednisone: Take the full prescribed course of amoxicillin, even if you feel only slight improvement. It may take more time for the antibiotics to work effectively, especially in severe cases.
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Maintain Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Soft foods can help if swallowing is painful. Consider options like smoothies, soups, or yogurt.
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Pain Management: Keep taking the prednisone as directed. You might also consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed on the package, if you're not contraindicated for them. This could help manage pain during the intervals when the prednisone wears off.
When to Revisit a Healthcare Professional:
- Persistent or Worsening Symptoms: If your symptoms don't continue to improve over the next couple of days, or if they worsen (e.g., increasing pain, difficulty breathing, high fever), definitely seek medical advice.
- Signs of Complications: If you experience trouble swallowing, significant swelling, or if the pain becomes intolerable, it's crucial to get assessed sooner rather than later.
Monitoring Progress:
- Keep track of your symptoms daily to report any changes should you need to see a healthcare provider again. Note improvements, worsening, or any new symptoms.
Your health and comfort are important, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated. Taking these steps can help manage your symptoms while you continue your treatment. Let me know if you have any further questions or need assistance with anything else!
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