Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Tonsillitis

December 20, 2013 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,
I had a sore throat the day before yesterday and yesterday. Yesterday I went to an ENT doctor who unfortunately was a substitute for my regular doctor. He examined everything and said it was a classic case of tonsillitis with slight "spot formation"? I was prescribed Penicillin Stada V 1.2. I told him that as a child I had a terrible rash from some antibiotic, but he said to take it anyway tomorrow, so today, if it's not better and not to delay, otherwise it could affect the heart.
So yesterday I gargled with saline solution all day, with sage and chamomile, sucked on Anginosan which is supposed to be antibacterial, and since late yesterday evening I have had no more sore throat. This morning I looked in my throat and as a layman I can say that one side looks normal again and the other is slightly swollen, with small white/clear spots on the slightly swollen side, but not very severe. I haven't had a fever at all. Now that I have no more pain, I wanted to ask you as a specialist if I would be acting very negligently if I don't take the Penicillin now. I'm still afraid that something could reach my heart.
I have had this type of sore throat for two days many times before, but I never considered it dangerous.
Best regards

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

If the ENT colleague has seen the classic "spots", i.e. pus points, on your tonsils, then we must assume that you also have a purulent tonsillitis. Obviously, some pus points are still present.

The remedies you have tried are all not able to sufficiently combat a bacterial infection, and bacteria can travel from the affected tonsils to the heart valves, kidneys, and joints. That's why I don't think it's wise to forego antibiotics.

It is not known whether the rash was a penicillin allergy, but it is to be feared. It would be best if you went to the emergency outpatient department today for a check-up and, if necessary, have a cephalosporin prescribed instead of penicillin. It is highly unlikely that you are allergic to cephalosporins, while a penicillin allergy is to be feared.

Wishing you all the best and happy holidays!

Sincerely, Dr. Höllering