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What Causes Recurring Strep Throat Despite Taking Medications?

Posted on Sat, 27 Jun 2015

Question: Hi,

I have had a throat infection close to a month now. It came out as strep twice, even after I took two rounds of antibiotics - 10 days each Ratio-Aclavulanate 875/125mg.Amoxizillin/Clavulanic acid . I have an ear nose and throat appointment and I really don't want a scope. Can you suggest what might be wrong? And is there another way around the scope situation? Can you ask for twilight sedation??

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need few clarifications...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

If you could kindly clarify few things, I will be able to help you in a better way.

1. Do you have fever along with sore throat?
2. Is there nasal block?
3. Do you have heart burn/regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the throat?
4. After taking the antibiotic, what symptoms have improved?
5. Do have any habits of smoking/consuming chilled food and beverages/fizzy drinks?

Awaiting for your reply...

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (30 minutes later)

Hi,

1. No fever
2. No nasal block
3. No heartburn
4. After taking the antibiotic, it feels just like in my mouth, and not so much at my adam's apple area. Now, it just feels like a sore throat.
5. I do consume icecream nightly? But, I did that as more of a relief for my sore throat.
6. My tonsils do look inflamed with pus modules on one side and very red.
7. What are the chances of having a scope? Can I get around this?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You may not require endoscopy...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back and thanks for providing the additional information.

You seem to be having acute follicular tonsillitis not responding to amoxycillin and clavulanic acid combination.

A throat swab with change of antibiotics can give you relief from the present symptoms.

Also, an endoscopy may not be required as the signs of follicular tonsillitis seems to be obvious.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water
2. Avoid chilled food and beverages; this will worsen the congestion and thus the inflammation.
3. Avoid coffee
4. Try doing gargles with povidone iodine mouth gargles.
5. OTC pain reliever such as ibuprofen or diclofenac can be tried.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Thank you!

Why would my GP be so puzzled about why the antibiotics wouldn't work? Why wouldn't he have prescribed me anything different, instead of the same course of antibiotics? What would you suggest for a different antibiotic? Is this common?

Thank you, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (31 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Clarithromycin is another alternative medicine...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

I apologize for the delayed reply.

1. Penicillin group of drugs is the first choice for the treatment of tonsillitis. If it fails, then the second line would be Clarithromycin to treat atypical bacteria.

2. Yes, in many of the cases the amoxycillin-clavulanic acid combination may not work due to the resistance developed by the bacteria for the former drug.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Yogesh D