Does antibiotic resistance affect tonsillitis in women at 37?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 37-year-old woman. For about a month, my tonsil (left side) has looked enlarged and irregular. If I press on it, I will sometimes see a little pus (or white fluid) coming out from behind it. It occasionally feels just a tiny bit scratchy. I did see our urgent care, and they prescribed Amoxicillin. Finishing the script (875 mg for 10 days) did not rectify it.

I have an in-person ENT appointment within two weeks. However, with everything going on, I am nervous that I will not get in. I would also just love some reassurance if this is not wildly abnormal.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Tonsillar surfaces are irregular, normally due to the presence of crypts. The tonsil does not appear to be grossly enlarged; however, a better picture showing both tonsils would be of help. Pus discharge from the tonsils can happen in both acute and chronic tonsillitis.

However, in acute cases, there will be fever, sore throat, dysphagia, etc., and in chronic cases, there will be vague irritation in the throat, recurrent sore throat, and bad breath, or halitosis. In either case, since it is exuding pus, you need a systemic antibiotic, as you have already taken. You also need topical antiseptics like Chlorhexidine or Betadine gargles, plenty of fluids, and analgesics for pain.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.