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Original poster

To see Dr or wait?

9 replies

Dracarys1 · 05/03/2023 17:55

I think I've got tonsillitis. Really sore throat glands like golf balls, headache, nausea, just feel exhausted (but mum of 2 under 6 so could be that!!). I do have some white patches too. But no fever. The NHS website says to see GP if it's too painful to eat. It's sore but I've just about been managing. I know you can have tonsillitis and it doesn't need treatment so I'm not sure if it warrants a gp visit or not. I don't like to waste their time if it's just viral but I'm not sure how you'd know the difference and whether it might warrant antibiotics? Just looking for thoughts really. Please be kind 😊

OP posts:
Wishiwasatailor · 05/03/2023 18:11

It’s likely 50/50 if you viral or bacterial. Impossible to tell 100% without a swab but the doc can make an assessment if you are worried. I assume you are taking regular paracetamol and/or ibuprofen plenty of fluids if it’s painful to swallow you can get difflam spray otc which you can use every 90mins if needed.

Nimbostratus100 · 05/03/2023 18:13

See a gp xx

GoodChat · 05/03/2023 18:14

Go and see a pharmacist

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Original poster
Dracarys1 · 05/03/2023 18:17

Wishiwasatailor · 05/03/2023 18:11

It’s likely 50/50 if you viral or bacterial. Impossible to tell 100% without a swab but the doc can make an assessment if you are worried. I assume you are taking regular paracetamol and/or ibuprofen plenty of fluids if it’s painful to swallow you can get difflam spray otc which you can use every 90mins if needed.

Thank you. I tried difflam but didn't find it very effective. Paracetamol helped a bit. Having young children means I can't easily rest up but will try to tonight. I will call GP in the morning. I don't like wasting their time but equally don't want an infection to go untreated. I always feel a bit of a fraud when I'm ill as I know I need to be on top form for the kids and I always doubt how ill I actually am. But I will try to get seen. Thank you.

OP posts:
Wishiwasatailor · 05/03/2023 18:21

@Dracarys1 no worries hope you feel better soon. Keep going with the self care in the meantime. Do you have a cough? That’s often an indicator of viral or bacterial.

Original poster
Dracarys1 · 05/03/2023 18:28

Wishiwasatailor · 05/03/2023 18:21

@Dracarys1 no worries hope you feel better soon. Keep going with the self care in the meantime. Do you have a cough? That’s often an indicator of viral or bacterial.

No cough. Starting to feel a bit shivery though. I haven't had tonsillitis in 20 years and then I got it just before Christmas and looks like again now! I long for the old pre children sick day just lying on sofa 😂

OP posts:
WeCome1 · 05/03/2023 18:31

Our GP use the following three criteria for antibiotocs for tonsillitis:
no cough
had it for more than three days
pus

so using that, they would think bacterial. If you’ve no cough, which you don’t mention. I’d make an appt if there was pus generally.

Original poster
Dracarys1 · 05/03/2023 18:37

Thank you everyone, I'll see if I can get an appointment in the morning x

OP posts:
SecretDoor · 05/03/2023 19:18

They feverPAIN can be used to decide whether to offer antibiotics or not
see here:

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng84/chapter/terms-used-in-the-guideline#centor-criteria

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