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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Infection Of The Tonsils And Adenoids

Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2015

Question: Hello, I have been feeling awful for several months now and am desperate for help. It started with a severe case of tonsillitis in September, soon after finishing a course of amoxicilian I had horrible chest pain. I had an EKG, Echo, and stress tests; all were clear. Cardiologist diagnosed idiopathic pericarditis. I took ibuprofen 800mg every 8 hours and this finally cleared after a month. Now, my tonsils are swollen and pitted again. I occasionally get white spots, but not a lot. My uvula is swollen. I had a throat culture done and no bacteria was present. My throat feels incredibly tight and it's very difficult to swallow solid food. Outside of my throat issue, I feel fine. My doctor told me to start ibuprofen again and I've been on it for a month and I fear this is making it worse rather than better. Could my tight throat/choking be from the ibuprofen (400mg twice a day)? What else could be causing this horrible feeling? Thank you so very much.

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Chronic adenotonsilits/Not due to ibuprofen

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam!

Welcome to HealthcareMagic.

I understand your concern and feel sorry for the pain you are going through.Chronic adenotonsillitis is the condition of a persistent infection of the tonsils and adenoids. Again this may be due to streptococcal bacteria (strep throat) or bacteria draining from the nose and sinuses.

You should start taking antibiotics again for a longer time,just taking ibuprofen this time would not help much.This time you should take a combination of amoxicillin and potassium clavulunate as your drug.

In recurrent cases I would suggest removal of tonsils that is Tonsillectomy.
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy should be considered when at least three different antibiotics, including a broad spectrum choice, have been tried for at least two weeks each, and symptoms still persist.

Gargle with warm salt water,take rest and drink plenty of water(preferrably warm)

Hope this helps.Feel free to ask more.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (2 hours later)

Hello,

Thank you so much for you answer. I really appreciate it! So, even after having a negative throat cultural there is a possibility I still have a bacterial infection? And how long do you think it would take on the amoxicillin and potassium clavulunate combination you suggested to get rid of this infection? Are there any additional side effects of amoxicillin and potassium clavulunate that you don't get with just regular amoxicillin?

Thank you so much. You've made me feel much better. I've been so worried and scared about this choking feeling. I appreciate your help.
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not much side effects of amoxicillin and potassium clavulunate

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam!

Thank you so much for writing back!

Generally throat culture does not come out negative even if you have infection,but it can be false negative if you are already on some antibiotic when the throat swab was taken. Since you have have pitted tonsils,it is definitely infectious again.

Amoxicillin and potassium clavulunate is the best drug to take for certain resistant antibiotics. An antibiotic course for maximum 10-14 days would help.You will be fine once you do this.Try to stay warm and drink warm fluids.

Take care!
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (2 hours later)

Thank you so much for your care and concern and explaining everything to me. I really appreciate it.

Thank you so much!!
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

I am happy to help you.Take care of yourself.

If you have no more queries,please rate this answer and close this discussion.
Thank You!
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E