Tonsillitis: Should I See a Doctor or Tough It Out?
Age: 27, Female I have been experiencing recurrent bouts of tonsillitis but no other ear, nose, or throat problems. For the past two weeks, my tonsils have been swollen and producing pus. It’s painful to swallow and, as you can imagine, quite uncomfortable. I haven’t had any cold symptoms like a runny nose or cough, though. I started a course of Penicillin V on the 4th and took all the medication as directed. While I felt some improvement in my overall condition, the pus and throat pain have persisted. In fact, the discomfort has intensified significantly since yesterday, making it worse than it was before. The swelling of my tonsils is quite pronounced and there’s still bilateral pus present. There aren’t any alarming symptoms to note: - I can still swallow, though it hurts (so I find myself trying to avoid swallowing). - My voice is hoarse, but there’s no sign of it being muffled. - There’s no jaw stiffness or trismus. - The tonsil swelling affects both sides. - No history of peritonsillar abscess; previous tonsillitis episodes have either resolved on their own in about a week or responded well to a single round of Penicillin V. I’m contemplating whether I should schedule an appointment with a doctor for possible additional antibiotics, yet I’m also hesitant about taking up their time unnecessarily. I’m unsure if I should just wait it out. Any insights would be appreciated! Thank you! 😊
Answers (1)
9/15/2025, 7:50:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to address your concerns regarding recurrent tonsillitis, especially since you have ongoing symptoms despite completing a course of antibiotics. Here are the key points to consider:
Main Points:
- Persistent tonsil swelling and pain after antibiotic treatment may indicate a need for further medical evaluation.
- Monitoring symptoms and understanding the right time to seek help is crucial.
Explanation: Tonsillitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, and antibiotics like Penicillin are effective for bacterial infections. However, if you've completed a full course of antibiotics and still have significant symptoms (such as pus formation, pronounced swelling, and intense pain), it might suggest that the infection is not completely resolved, or it could be a different issue, such as a resistant bacterial strain, a secondary infection, or even the development of complications.
Given the persistence and worsening of your symptoms, you should not hesitate to seek medical attention. It’s not taking up time unnecessarily; your health is important, and you deserve an evaluation by a healthcare provider who can assess your condition thoroughly.
Next Steps:
- Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment: Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your ongoing symptoms. A physical examination and possibly additional tests (like a throat culture or rapid strep test) might be necessary.
- Keep a Symptom Diary: Document your symptoms, noting their severity and any changes in your condition. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to soothe your throat and help with recovery.
- Pain Management: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if appropriate, to help manage throat pain.
Your symptoms are significant enough to warrant further investigation, so pursuing medical help is the best course of action for your health and comfort. Please take care!
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