Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Persisting Tonsillitis Symptoms. Negative Strep Culture Reports. Enlarged Tonsils, White Line In The Throat. Not Responding To Antibiotics
I have had tonsillitis-like symptoms for 3 months and cannot get rid of them, no matter which anti-biotics I take. Multiple doctors have told me it looks like a bacterial infection , but I have had 2 negative strep culture tests. My tonsils are quite enlarged, and have white crypts. I have a thick white line on the back of my throat as well. I am very confused about what is wrong with me, and am not sure if it is even a bacterial infection as multiple rounds of anti-biotics are not working to get rid of the problem. Any advice?
Fri, 23 Aug 2013
hello and welcome to HCM,
The whitish crypts or lumps are called the tonsillolith or tonsil stones which are collections over and inside the tonsils in areas called the crypts.These are harmless and self limiting which gets better over time with medications and general measures.
The tonsils are infected and thats why they appear swollen
If your pain is more you can consider taking injectables for better symptom control in consultation with your ENT
However if the symptoms are recurring and since you are getting recurrent such lesions it is advisable that you consult an ENT who may advice treatment which can be in the lines of medication or even removal of tonsil which can cure the problem
In all possibility, if you get an tonsillectomy done then both your crypt problem and your recurrent infection problems will go away or at least become much better
get well soon
take only warm fluids and do salt water gargle
Dr Sriram Nathan
The whitish crypts or lumps are called the tonsillolith or tonsil stones which are collections over and inside the tonsils in areas called the crypts.These are harmless and self limiting which gets better over time with medications and general measures.
The tonsils are infected and thats why they appear swollen
If your pain is more you can consider taking injectables for better symptom control in consultation with your ENT
However if the symptoms are recurring and since you are getting recurrent such lesions it is advisable that you consult an ENT who may advice treatment which can be in the lines of medication or even removal of tonsil which can cure the problem
In all possibility, if you get an tonsillectomy done then both your crypt problem and your recurrent infection problems will go away or at least become much better
get well soon
take only warm fluids and do salt water gargle
Dr Sriram Nathan
I find this answer helpful
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Streptococcal pharyngitis
Loading Online Doctors....