Question:
i got strep throat about a month ago. i took antibiotics and it went away. a week after it was gone I (stupidly) smoked a few cigarettes and felt it coming back. I took antibiotics again (full cycle again) and it went away. Now, a week later, I can feel it coming back again. My left tonsil is about 2x the size of the other one (only one seems to be infected). And the sore throat comes and goes depending on how rested etc. i feel. I have stopped smoking, but it is still stubborn.
It sucks because it makes me tired and run-down feeling. The white spots are no longer there, but it feels like it is in limbo.
I am wondering if i'll need a tonsillectomy. Is there any advice you can give me? I don't have health insurance so this is a dicey situation. I am thinking of going to a Chinese herbalist tonight to see if that will help. Thanks so much!
Answer:
    A Chinese Herbalist isn't going to cure your strep throat, but he'll gladly take your money! Did you take all of your antiobiotics completely and as directed without skipping doses? If your strep has returned, then you need to try a different antibiotic. If you aren't completely sure that it has returned, you can try home remedies like gargling with salt water, getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, take Ibuprofen/Motrin, use a humidifier in your room at night, and wash-wash-wash your hands often. Whether or not you need a tonsillectomy depends upon just how frequent you are having problems like this, the size of your tonsils in general, your ability to swallow well or not, and just how much it is affecting your health overall.
Answer:
Hey booboocakes, how are you doing?

Viral sore throats do not need treatment. Most cases of sore throat are caused by viruses and are not strep throat.

Choose high-quality fluids such as soup broth (replaces both salt and water losses) and sugar-containing solutions (they help the body absorb the fluids more rapidly). Fever can increase fluid requirements, and painful swallowing can decrease fluid intake.

Getting extra sleep can promote more rapid recovery, especially if a virus is the cause. Malaise (a general feeling of illness) requires rest for the body.

A small percentage (less than 5%) of cases of strep throat may be caused by a bacteria that is resistant to the first antibiotic that you were given. A second medication will be necessary to get better and avoid complications.

To find out when to seek medical care, please visit eMedicine patient education article
.

Best wishes,
The Prison Hospital

Prisoner: Look here, doctor! You've already removed my spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and one of my kidneys. I only came to see if you could get me out of this place!

Doctor: I am, bit by bit.

-- Aha! Jokes



Answer:
I am 34 years old and had my tonsils out a week ago. It has been awful but I know in the long run it is for the best.