Sore, swollen, spotty tonsils…

[JulietSierra]

My dd is 17 and for about 6 days has had a red raw throat. Her tonsils are swollen and have white blotches on them. Her throat is really sore at all times but especially when eating and talking. Apart from the painful throat though, she feels fine in herself. She doesn’t have a temperature, still has an appetite, is fine to go to school etc.

She’s reluctant to see a doctor as she says she doesn’t want antibiotics because she doesn’t feel unwell. I think it’s gone on long enough with no signs of improvement and she might need an antibiotic.

Any thoughts? None of us are prone to throaty things so not sure whether these things usually just sort themselves out.

Tonsillitis. She needs antibiotics

Unlikely she’ll be prescribed antibiotics - I’ve just had similar and sounds like viral tonsillitis rather than bacterial which means no antibiotics. Gargling with cooled boiled water with salt in it will help and paracetamol/ibruprofen

Even though she feels well?

@Snoopystick How long did yours last?

Do you have a picture?

I had a bad throat with some white spots for about a week, went to GP who said viral and my throat was still bad for about another 2 weeks.

No and I can just imagine the look she’ll give me if I ask for one!!

Wow, 3 weeks? Think I’ll definitely try and get her to agree to getting checked out if it’s not starting to improve in the next day or two.

In a tea glass or mug: capful of cider vinegar 'with the mother', dessertspoonful of honey, top up with hot water, sip.

The heat is comforting, the acidity of the vinegar will slow down the virus, and the honey is antibacterial.

Give it a couple of days, if it isn't shifting talk to the doctor again.

The pharmacist can have a look and advise. If it’s a simple case of bacterial tonsillitis in an otherwise healthy person they can prescribe antibiotics for it now too.

I think I caught the virus from my partner but he hasn’t got any tonsils to get infected 🥴 . Hope your DD gets well soon.

Son, 19, has had same. No pain but very swollen tonsils with ulcer like spots and could hardly speak. He saw pharmacist, who said likely viral & advised to take ibruprofen & gargle with salt water..saw improvement almost immediately.

Pharmacy First - they can advise self care or otherwise if indicated issue a prescription for antibiotics. It’s a new nhs pilot for a handful of simple ailments that lets a pharmacist prescribe. Sore throats are on the list!

Thanks everyone for the advice. I had tonsillitis once but I felt ill with it and then it cleared up after a few days. My dd has an intense sore throat but no other symptoms and it’s showing no signs improvement. Really strange!

Get a strep test.