Are These Symptoms Normal?
At 19 years old and not on any medications, I abruptly stopped taking my birth control last December due to weight gain concerns. My doctors have indicated a possibility of PCOS. At the beginning of January, I contracted the flu, which lingered for two weeks. Afterward, I noticed my throat was still hurting and discovered that my tonsils were quite inflamed. As a child, I had issues with tonsillitis, but I believed I had outgrown them. Regardless, I scheduled an appointment with my doctor and was prescribed antibiotics along with steroids about two and a half weeks ago. Although I initially felt much better and saw improvements in my tonsils, they became inflamed again just two days later. I often wake up with an excruciatingly dry mouth and tongue—so much so that swallowing is painful. I also frequently have mucus accumulating in my throat, making it difficult to sleep soundly and speak clearly. Moreover, I've noticed an increase in saliva production. I’m sharing two images: one taken before I visited the doctor and another from this morning, showcasing the changes over the past month. This ongoing discomfort is becoming frustrating, and I’m worried about the possibility of a more serious issue.
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 2:40:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a combination of persistent throat issues and concerns related to your overall health, which can understandably be frustrating. Let's address your symptoms and outline the most important steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Persistent throat inflammation and dryness may be linked to your previous health issues (like the flu and tonsillitis) or could be impacted by other factors.
- Weight gain and concerns around PCOS should be discussed further if they affect your overall health or symptoms.
- Focus on symptom management and monitoring changes in the coming days.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, including inflamed tonsils, dry mouth, and mucus accumulation, could be caused by several factors. After having the flu, it’s not uncommon for throat issues to linger, especially with a history of tonsillitis. The dryness and increased saliva production might be related to irritation from your tonsils or potentially a side effect of the medications you were prescribed.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help soothe your throat. Warm herbal teas or broths may also provide relief.
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Humidifier: Use a humidifier in your bedroom to maintain moisture in the air, which can alleviate dryness in your mouth and throat during the night.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong fragrances, and allergens that may irritate your throat further.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary for the next week. Note when your symptoms worsen, any changes in color or consistency of mucus, or if you develop fever or chills.
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Consultation on Recovery: If your tonsil inflammation persists or worsens, or if you experience severe pain, trouble breathing, or swallowing, it's important to follow up with your healthcare provider about further evaluation and potential treatment options.
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Discuss PCOS Concerns: If you have ongoing concerns about weight gain and PCOS, consider bringing this up with your doctor to discuss preventive strategies or treatments that might help.
Remember, it's essential to take care of yourself during this period and not hesitate to reach out for help as needed. You're not alone in this, and support is available. Let me know if you have any specific questions or need further information!
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