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Original poster

Tonsilitis; pregnant and allergic to ABs

15 replies

ShootTheMoon · 31/03/2015 18:56

I know there have been a few threads on tonsilitis recently, sorry to repeat.

I'm pregnant and am pretty sure I have tonsilitis. I feel shocking and have a very painful tonsil on one side. My uvula has white spots and my whole back of throat is very red.

I'm recently allergic to antibiotics, but so far everything I try (penicillin and erithromycin) makes me react - horrendous rashes which swell and then peel, lately on my throat and face.

So is there any point seeing a GP? I really don't want to take ABs so I am gargling with salt water, will try gargling with aspirin, and saw a mouthwash recommended on a thread on here.

Long story short it is a very busy time at work leading up to a major conference in two weeks. I can't afford to miss preparation but equally I need to be on form for the event itself. And of course I want to avoid risk to myself or the baby.

Any advice please?

OP posts:
shewolfroar · 31/03/2015 22:08

hepar sulph if you want to try homeopathy. ..it might help but there are lots of remedies so it might not be right one. safe and worth a try. apple cider vinegar in water to drink. rest rest rest...

Original poster
ShootTheMoon · 31/03/2015 22:16

Thank you shew - I'll keep that in mind, and am doing all the resting I can with a toddler around Smile.

More white spots appearing so seems likely to be bacterial. Will get myself off to the GP if it worsens.

OP posts:
DayLillie · 01/04/2015 14:41

My doctor won't give out antibiotics for tonsillitis. Last time dd had it, he said he wasn't worried as long as she had white spots on her tonsils, it was the result of a virus and I just had to wait for her to get better Confused. She got better after three weeks (I saw him after 2).

Probably best to see the doctor if there is any change, but to look after yourself in the meantime, to make sure you do not get any secondary infection.

Delphine31 · 01/04/2015 14:48

Manuka honey (must be 10+ strength). Available in larger supermarkets.

Drop half a teaspoon of the stuff down your throat. Then stir another half teaspoon into hot water and gargle with it.

Obviously not a replacement for medical advice/treatment but manuka honey has been shown to have antibacterial properties.

Then normal salt-water mouth washes & gargling.

Original poster
ShootTheMoon · 01/04/2015 15:19

daylillie wow, that's different from my childhood! I have noticed that my GP isn't keen on giving ABs to my toddler - in fact she's never had any - but they are always giving them to me (I'm asthmatic, and they have also said that they are overcautious with pregnancy and like to give ABs as a precaution). I have had probably 8 lots of ABs in the last 18 months with wisdom teeth, chest infection, sinus infection, and jaw surgery - I'm guessing that it was this overload which caused the allergy to become apparent.

delphine thanks again, I don't know why I didn't think of that, it's so soothing in any case. I'll pick some up later

Pain is just about manageable with paracetamol but bloody awful when I wake up in the night. One side of my face is completely congested, my ears are ringing and a bit sore, so I'm keeping my eye out for secondary infection like an ear infection. And I've cancelled all my plans as much as possible, just working from home.

OP posts:
Annietheacrobat · 01/04/2015 15:29

I would still see your GP to discuss. If they do think antibiotics are needed they can always seek the advice of the specialist microbiology team regarding alternatives.

Original poster
ShootTheMoon · 01/04/2015 15:33

Thanks annietheacrobat - I'll certainly see the GP if it persists at this level of pain for much longer. I've had a run of long-running ENT infections in the last couple of years, it's getting very tiresome now. I suspect it's the consequence of having small germy offspring!

OP posts:
glasgowlass · 01/04/2015 15:34

I would still see your GP for a chat & diagnosis. Mauve even try to get a prescription for Difflam oral rinse or spray. It will numb the back of your throat a treat. Also available to buy over the counter in pharmacies.
Hope you feel better soon.

Original poster
ShootTheMoon · 01/04/2015 15:42

Thanks Glasgow. That spray sounds ideal!

OP posts:
glasgowlass · 01/04/2015 16:12

Anytime. If you can get a prescription for Difflam (just ask the GP outright) then it's a bonus as last time I bought some it was around £12, it's worth every penny, but if you can get it for less then all the better.
Tonsillitis is horrible, especially when you're pregnant. Definitely try the Manuka honey as suggested up thread also.
Don't suffer in silence. Your GP will be able to make other suggestions for you. I'm sure he/she would rather give you a check up anyway.

littlesupersparks · 01/04/2015 16:20

Please see the GP - it's rare but tonsillitis can have some pretty horrible complications. Just explain the situation. Sorry you feel rotten - I am pregnant with a cold and feel shitty xxxxx

Original poster
ShootTheMoon · 01/04/2015 16:54

Thank you. I'll try to get an appointment :)

OP posts:
Madeyemoodysmum · 01/04/2015 17:43

In allergic to penicillin and erythromycin too. ( fun ain't it). However I was put on Doxycycline
Which treated it well. Don't know if it's safe for pregnancy though.
If it doesn't improve you could ask about that.

I used hydrogen peroxide mouth wash and Manila honey as well.

Original poster
ShootTheMoon · 01/04/2015 17:45

Oh that's good to know madeyemoody, thanks. The mouthwash - Peroxyl I think - is helping quite a bit.

OP posts:
Madeyemoodysmum · 01/04/2015 21:06

Glad to hear that.

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