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Tonsil Infection, Swelling, White Patches, Pain, Penicillin, Erythromycin, Amoxicillin, Mono, Abscess
Question: Age: 27
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 175
History: Tonsil infections 3 times a year. 1 bout of mono 2 years ago.
I came down with a throat infection 4 weeks ago. It came on rapidly/overnight and my tonsils we covered in puss. I was treated with penicillin (10 days, I missed the occassional dose, but took all the meds) and the swelling, white patches and pain went away. As soon as I finished the meds the white spots, pain and swelling came back only on one side, the right tonsil. I was then prescribed erothromycin and that didn't have any effect. I didn't take the full prescription, stopped after third day as nothing was happening. I was then prescribed amoxicillin that took away the white patches but not the swelling. My right tonsil is still swollen and occasionally develops white patches. I have had mono before and this doesn't feel like mono. It is also not a abscess. I have been off antibiotics for a week and nothing has changed. Should I get steroids for swelling and a more powerful antibiotic????
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 175
History: Tonsil infections 3 times a year. 1 bout of mono 2 years ago.
I came down with a throat infection 4 weeks ago. It came on rapidly/overnight and my tonsils we covered in puss. I was treated with penicillin (10 days, I missed the occassional dose, but took all the meds) and the swelling, white patches and pain went away. As soon as I finished the meds the white spots, pain and swelling came back only on one side, the right tonsil. I was then prescribed erothromycin and that didn't have any effect. I didn't take the full prescription, stopped after third day as nothing was happening. I was then prescribed amoxicillin that took away the white patches but not the swelling. My right tonsil is still swollen and occasionally develops white patches. I have had mono before and this doesn't feel like mono. It is also not a abscess. I have been off antibiotics for a week and nothing has changed. Should I get steroids for swelling and a more powerful antibiotic????
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting your query
The symptoms described by you are suggestive of chronic tonsillitis.If severe it can spread and lead to pharyngitis and abscess formation which may extend to the lateral tonsil and causes Peritonscellar abscess.
The ideal treatment for it is the use of antibiotics as Penicillin or Amoxicillin which you were prescribed.First of all you should not stop taking the antibiotics and restart with new as it leads to resistance against the drugs and no improvement in the condition.
1)For the pain relief anti inflammatory medications as Ibuprofen can be taken.
2)Do warm salt water gargles,have lozenges and drink warm liquids.Avoid solid foods if pain is very severe.
If the pain persists continuously for more than 3 weeks even after taking drugs then Tonsillectomy(surgical removal of tonsils)is the only choice.
Steroids are usually not prescribed in Tonsillitis.Consider visiting a ENT specialist for examination to see if the infection is localized or has spread.
Hope I have answered your query.I will be available for follow up query.
Thanks for posting your query
The symptoms described by you are suggestive of chronic tonsillitis.If severe it can spread and lead to pharyngitis and abscess formation which may extend to the lateral tonsil and causes Peritonscellar abscess.
The ideal treatment for it is the use of antibiotics as Penicillin or Amoxicillin which you were prescribed.First of all you should not stop taking the antibiotics and restart with new as it leads to resistance against the drugs and no improvement in the condition.
1)For the pain relief anti inflammatory medications as Ibuprofen can be taken.
2)Do warm salt water gargles,have lozenges and drink warm liquids.Avoid solid foods if pain is very severe.
If the pain persists continuously for more than 3 weeks even after taking drugs then Tonsillectomy(surgical removal of tonsils)is the only choice.
Steroids are usually not prescribed in Tonsillitis.Consider visiting a ENT specialist for examination to see if the infection is localized or has spread.
Hope I have answered your query.I will be available for follow up query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for confirming my suspicion. Should I go back on antibiotics? Is there are different antibiotic that is not penicillin, amoxicillin or erithromycin that I should take as they have not worked? Should I get a stronger dose of the antibiotic?
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up
It is better to get the tonsils examined first.Usually the drugs prescribed to you are the drugs of choice and if needed they can be given in higher doses for longer duration.Do not go for self medication as it can worsen the symptoms and take the medications as prescribed.It may take time to heal but will help you.
Wishing you Good Health!
Thanks for follow up
It is better to get the tonsils examined first.Usually the drugs prescribed to you are the drugs of choice and if needed they can be given in higher doses for longer duration.Do not go for self medication as it can worsen the symptoms and take the medications as prescribed.It may take time to heal but will help you.
Wishing you Good Health!
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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