Question 1

is chronic bacterial tonsillitis a sign of a weakened imune system?

Accepted Answer

Rarely: There is more likely just a bacterial formation called a 'biofulm'. Treatment ranges from mechanical disruption of the bacteria to partial/complete removal of the tonsils. Oral antibiotics don't help most cases. See an ENT for good advice.

Question 2

how to know if you have viral or bacterial tonsillitis, i mean, i searched the difference of those two but my symptoms can be found at viral and the other one is in bacterial (aside from their common symptoms?

Accepted Answer

: You do a strep test. The symptoms overlap &amp; many of the nastiest looking throats are viral. Most primary care offices carry simple quick tests where a swab picks up the genetic material in the germ &amp; turns the test positive if strep. It only takes a few minutes.

Question 3

i have bacterial tonsillitis and its re occuring. im an adult so what would the risks of a tonsillectomy be?

Accepted Answer

Tolerable: Recurrent bacterial tonsillitis is an indication for tonsillectomy. The operation is one of the safest surgeries but there is a significant recovery phase.

Question 4

i have bacterial tonsillitis and im in extreme severe pain! im taking my second round of amoxicilin and was wondering what i should take or do for the horrible horrible pain.?

Accepted Answer

Get re-evaluated: For tonsilitis, amoxicilin should do the job and you should feel better after few days of therapy. Since you are on second round of amoxicillin, it may not be the right med for you--possible resistent bug. Also,  tonsillitis usually does not cause "horrible pain." i suggest getting re-evalutated for possible abscess, aphthous ulcers which can be very painfull. Consult doc. Good luck.

Question 5

what is the difference between strep / bacterial tonsillitis and viral tonsillitis?

Accepted Answer

Different agents: Viral tonsillitis is from a virus such as epstein-barr or adenovirus.  Antibiotics don't help.  Strep and other bacterial tonsillitis are caused by bacteria against which antibiotics work.  Symptoms and throat appearance are very similar.

Question 6

i've been told i have bacterial tonsillitis, allergic to penicillin, been on clarithromycin for 7 days, still not gone
what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Tonsillitis: clarithromycin should take care of streptococcal pharyngitis (tonsillitis), which is the most common cause for that infection, however, other organisms can also infect the tonsils, viral, fungal or other bacteria. You need to see your doctor again for re-evaluation, probablyyou will need to see an ENT specialist, after ruling out other causes as infectious mononucleosis, best wishes

Question 7

started new job in june & get tonsillitis everytime leading up to a work event, become very stressed at this time, can stress trigger it? since sept had 3 bouts of bacterial tonsillitis. currently have it, came on suddenly & progressed very quickly?

Accepted Answer

: I wonder if you were treated appropriately. If yes, you will need tonsillectomy due to 3 bouts of infection in one month and the disease prohibits you from doing your job. I am not sure if stress can trigger bacterial tonsillitis.

Question 8

i have all symptoms of bacterial tonsillitis except fever, also both (inner) ears are sore and have been for 4 days now. is it time to see a doctor?

Accepted Answer

Sore throat: yes see your physician tomorrow or go the the ER  you could have a virus but you could also have strep.

Question 9

i've been taking clarithromycin for 4 days for bacterial tonsillitis. i've since developed swollen gums, ulcers and cold sores. what can i do?

Accepted Answer

Call Professionals: You may have one problem that's spreading, or two concurrent unrelated problems.  Call 2 Professionals.  Call the Physician that prescribed the antibiotic for your tonsillitis and describe your new symptoms.  Also call your Dentist and let him/her know what's going on.  they may want to talk to each other.

Question 10

i have bacterial tonsillitis lastnight my ear started to ache, i put some olive oil on a cotton bud then this morning there was blood soaked in it help?

Accepted Answer

Probably scratched: Blood in your ear canal does not relate to tonsillitis. More than likely you scratched the canal when you put the q-tip in. It may have moved hard ear wax, or otherwise irritated it. In general, as our mom's said: don't put "anything smaller than your elbow" into your ear! if pain, or more blood, have it checked out. But more than likely it will clear up on its own.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Bacterial tonsillitis

A member asked:

Is chronic bacterial tonsillitis a sign of a weakened imune system?

A member asked:

How to know if you have viral or bacterial tonsillitis, i mean, i searched the difference of those two but my symptoms can be found at viral and the other one is in bacterial (aside from their common symptoms?

A member asked:

I have bacterial tonsillitis and its re occuring. im an adult so what would the risks of a tonsillectomy be?

A member asked:

I have bacterial tonsillitis and im in extreme severe pain! im taking my second round of amoxicilin and was wondering what i should take or do for the horrible horrible pain.?

A member asked:

What is the difference between strep / bacterial tonsillitis and viral tonsillitis?

A member asked:

I've been told i have bacterial tonsillitis, allergic to penicillin, been on clarithromycin for 7 days, still not gone what should i do?

A member asked:

Started new job in june & get tonsillitis everytime leading up to a work event, become very stressed at this time, can stress trigger it? since sept had 3 bouts of bacterial tonsillitis. currently have it, came on suddenly & progressed very quickly?

A member asked:

I have all symptoms of bacterial tonsillitis except fever, also both (inner) ears are sore and have been for 4 days now. is it time to see a doctor?

A member asked:

I've been taking clarithromycin for 4 days for bacterial tonsillitis. i've since developed swollen gums, ulcers and cold sores. what can i do?

A member asked:

I have bacterial tonsillitis lastnight my ear started to ache, i put some olive oil on a cotton bud then this morning there was blood soaked in it help?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?