Not to give the antibiotics?

[megandraper]

Doctor has given DS2 antibiotics for tonsillitis, but am thinking about not giving them to him. Explanation below -

Took DS2 (age 3) to the doctor this morning. He's had a temperature for a couple of days, (been on Neurofen) and this morning a very sore throat, so he couldn't talk or even open his mouth and was dribbling hugely because he wasn't swallowing.

Doctor said he has tonsillitis, but it's not too bad, and she doesn't know why he's 'overreacting'. Prescribed antibiotics though.

Back home, I gave him the first antibiotic dose, but he dribbled most of it back out again because he couldn't swallow.

Anyway, a few hours later, he's talking again, not dribbling, and Neurofen/Calpol seem to be keeping it under control. We get tonsillitis quite often and I don't usually take the DCs to the doctor for it, (too many antibiotics not good) just wait it out and it's over in 2-3 days.

So AIBU to not give DS2 the antibiotics now? Even though he's had one dose (but dribbled nearly all of it back out)?

I suppose thrush can be a side effect... but I have had this and easily treated it with canestan. I suppose different people have different experiences.

I am not one for rushing to the GP expecting antibiotics for everything far from it but from what you have said it does sound like he will benefit from them. Just because the pain relief is helping ease the pain of swallowing it doesn't mean they are curing him.

Good point Sirzy. The Calpol should wear off in the next couple of hours, so will see how he is then.

Update for anyone who is interested.

DS2 seems completely better today and is back at nursery. Haven't given the antibiotics.

I think actually I was U to take him to the doctor's yesterday - the not-being-able-to-swallow seemed such an extreme reaction but went away by itself in a few hours. Doctor was also mystified by it. Hope it's a one-off!