Can you have tonsillitis without the white spots?

[LolaLuffnagal]

I am in utter hell right now. I woke up today with a very sore throat. Couldn't talk properly, had to take very small sips of water etc. I then fell asleep for a few hours and woke up and I honestly feel at death's door.

I can't speak, I can't drink, can't eat, can't even swall my own saliva. My whole body is aching and my head feels like someone hit it repeatedly with a baseball bat.

I had a look down my throat in the mirror and can see my tonsils are quite enlarged and very angry looking.

I hVe had tonsillitis before and the symptoms feel similar, but the other times they had those white spots of pus on them. They don't seem to this time.

Could it still be tonsillitis? I am going to ring gp in the morning but tbh they aren't great.

Generally the white spots are only a symptom of bacterial tonsillitis / strep throat. You could still have viral tonsillitis or another virus which affects the throat - although doctor unlikely to be able to help in that case.

Try a throat spray like Covonia - it contains a local anaesthetic which should help a bit with the pain.

Difflam is really good for tonsils/throats :)

If you can't swallow your saliva see a GP so they can check for quinsy. They'll probably also give you some antibiotics if it's that bad as it's usually worse when it's bacterial not viral

I had very similar symptoms to you and had to push for a blood test because i felt so rough but the GP couldn't see any white spots. It was strep throat so might be worth getting an appointment.

yes i used to get viral tonsillitis a lot ,doctors would not give antibiotics due to it being viral ,after each bout of viral tonsillitis i would then develop Psoriasis on my arms ,legs body

Can you post a pic op?

Tbh, bacterial or not I would go without AB’s if I could. I get tonsillitis every few years and whilst it’s awful, it’s generally a self limiting illness, AB’s would only kick in after a couple of days any way. Quincy is different as that needs treatment, but I think that mostly affects one side?

The overuse of AB’s terrifies me.

Yes can completely be tonsillitis. I'm sorry you are feeling rough it's the worst pain ever.

@tulipvase I agree AB can be overused. However when struggling with not being able to eat/drink then AB can be a godsend. My tonsillitis was recurrent when I was at Uni and had me crying down the phone to my mum as it hurt soooo bad. And you just feel so shit with it. Fortunately a healthier lifestyle and it hasn't been back recently. But I definitely suggest going to the doc to get the AB prescription - even if you decide not to get it filled as it's getting better.. . For me I usually needed the AB.

Thank you so much everyone. I have just rechecked and they are now covered in white spots 😭

My temperature is 39.8 and all I've had to eat/drink today is a slice of toast and about a quarter glass of water. tmi but I have to spit my saliva into a bowl (sorry) as I can't swallow it. Feeling so ill

Does your voice sound like you're talking through a mouthful of hot potato? If so, this can be indicative of quinsy, an abscess behind the tonsils.

I had bacterial tonsillitis that ended up being bilateral quinsy. I couldn't swallow, had to spit out my saliva. Couldn't breathe lying on my back. I got an out of hours GP appointment via 111, the GP took a little look at me, and sent me straight to ENT emergency. I had to have both sides drained, two types of antibiotics and a serious dose and course of steroids.

I would be phoning 111, especially as you can't swallow your own saliva.

Good luck.

Agree - being unable to swallow your saliva could mean quinsy - get seen tonight please

Sorry I missed your update. Did you get to the docs? Would he prescribe you something?

Hope you got seen OP..

You can get tonsillitis without tonsils. I had it not long after having mine out after a bout of quinsy. Have not had it since though, and it's been years.

@squishee

Hope you got seen OP..

You can get tonsillitis without tonsils. I had it not long after having mine out after a bout of quinsy. Have not had it since though, and it's been years.

Yes, I was very confused when I was told I had tonsillitis about 35 years after I had my tonsils out! Sympathies, op, its horrible

@Tulipvase

Tbh, bacterial or not I would go without AB’s if I could. I get tonsillitis every few years and whilst it’s awful, it’s generally a self limiting illness, AB’s would only kick in after a couple of days any way. Quincy is different as that needs treatment, but I think that mostly affects one side?

The overuse of AB’s terrifies me.

That's all well and good for you. Not everyone has the same experience of tonsillitis. I've been horrendously ill with it many times and ABs are essential to clear it up. It depends on severity and op doesn't sound well at all. @LolaLuffnagal - warm drinks help more than cold, (honey & lemon or honey & apple cider vinegar) and soluble paracetamol. I have every sympathy 💐 hope you can get seen by a doctor soon

@HotelCaliforniaOnRepeat pretty sure that’s why I said ‘if I could’.

OP - hope you feel better soon.

If you can't swallow saliva then you need to see a Dr see if you can get an emergency GP who will be able to do an emergency ENT referral. If not it might be an A&E job. Call 111 and see what they can do. Tell them you can't swallow saliva and are worried about quinsy.

Sorry everyone I actually forgot about this thread🙈

Yes I got to see the doctor yesterday morning after my temp rose to 40.3 during the wee hours.

Turns out I have a severe case of acute tonsillitis. The doctor prescribed me liquid forms of antibiotics and painkillers which I was so bloody grateful for!!

I have to force them down very painfully but once the painkillers kick in I am able to drink some water and eat a little bit of food . The doctor was considering send me to hospital as she was concerned about dehydration but thankfully I was able to avoid that!

Thank you everyone who replied I really appreciate it. I wouldn't wish this on anyone!

Meant to say as well I have lost 8 lbs in 3 days!