What is going on?! (Illness related)

[Sticklebrickle]

Okay so 2 weeks ago I had an ear / throat infection which caused the inside of my mouth and throat to turn bright red and sore. My left ear was so painful, especially when swallowing, felt like my ear was going to pop.
I was prescribed antibiotics by my GP and the symptoms cleared up almost instantly.

Now two weeks later and I’ve got ear/throat pain when I swallow again, but on the other side this time, alongside a feeling of fullness in my right ear now!

Surely I can’t have the same infection again?

My mouth/throat isn’t red raw this time though.

Do I need another course of antibiotics so soon?

You might need a different antibiotic.

@3luckystars would it have moved to a different ear/side of throat though?

Bacteria come in several types and some antibiotics only work on one type. Most throat infections are just one of the types, so they would have guessed that it was likely that and given you the appropriate antibiotics. If you actually had an infection that was a mix of both types, the first set of antib would have killed one lot of bacteria, but now you are left with the other ones that are now able to take over as there is lots of room! So yes it would be appropriate to get another lot of different antibs

And maybe a swab of your throat if possible?

My son had recurring tonsillitis for a long time, he would be finished the antibiotics and it would come back again. I never realised it was the same infection that was not clearing up. He eventually ended up in the hospital and got a different antibiotic and never got it again.
Good job too because his appointment to see the ENT doctor finally came this summer, 11 years later! (Ireland)

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

@SeaToSki what should I say to the GP when I call them? That I suspect I need different antibiotics? They only gave me a 5 day course last time.

I’m still sick, can I try something else or get a swab taken. Thank you.

You probably needed a 7 day course. Not your fault. Go back and explain.

I once had a bad UTI and was given a 3 day course. It came back on day 5 so I had to return. 2nd GP didn’t understand why the first gave me such a short subscription.

I’m just wondering why it’s taken 2 weeks to reappear? And why it’s now in the other side of my throat/ear

Just go back and explain. Don't make a big thing of it being on the other side. Just say it cleared up nicely for a couple of days and is now back with a vengeance.