I Got A Tonsillitis That Started On They Are Now Worse

Posted on Mon, 19 Sep 2022

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 Answered on

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : I got a tonsilitis that started on Thursday 8th of September and lasted until Friday 16th. My symptoms were the following: mild fever, sore throat, red tonsils with white spots and difficulty to swallow, swollen lymph nodes. I went to my GP who confirmed that it was caused by a virus and not a bacteria. I used pain killers (paracetamol and ibuprofen) for a few days.
It eventually got better, but my issue is, my lymph nodes actually got more swollen and painful in the past 2-3 days, although I do not have any symptoms anymore (only mild throat pain in the morning, and still a little tired). They are not getting smaller at all even though I try to rest a lot, drink enough, etc. I am worried because my lymph nodes are actually much more swollen than when I was sick last week, the area is so sensitive that it even hurts a bit when I move my head or neck. The lymph nodes are XXXXXXX painful, the area in my neck is a little warmer and I estimate them to be around 2 to 2.5 cm / 0.8 to 1 inch big.
My question is the following: is it concerning to have my lymph nodes being more swollen and painful than last week? I know that swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom for tonsilitis, what I worry about is the fact that they are now worse, and it doesn%E2%80%99t seem to be getting better (I do not think they are getting bigger either, simply staying as they are now).

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You may needed antibiotics.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

If you were having white spots on tonsils most probably it was a bacterial infection which let you with swollen lymph nodes.
In this case antibiotics treatment is recommended because they are not likely to go away without antibiotics.
The lymph nodes may persist and may look more swollen and painful after the infection.
They will get down gradually . You may need to use anti-inflammatory drugs such ibuprofen or acetaminophen for swollen lymph nodes.
I can recommend you to do a total blood count with formula.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)

Thank you for your answer. I have some follow up questions:
1. My GP did a blood test and was able to rule out the bacterial infection as she said my level of CRP is too low for that (under 2 mg/l). This test was done 5 days ago, while I was still quite sick but my lymph nodes were smaller. Can the swollen lymph nodes come from something else? Or would you say that even with this test results, it could still be a bacteria?
2. I am currently traveling to a relatively remote area abroad. Would you say that this situation is dangerous or urgent and requires immediate care? Or can it possibly wait for 5 more days until I am back from vacation? Please note that I do not have any fever, pain of any kind nor sign of infection%E2%80%A6 the only symptom is my swollen and painful lymph nodes and a mildly sore throat in the morning (most likely leftover from the tonsilitis). I am overall feeling fine.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can wait till back from vacations.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thank you for asking again.
1.Even with normal crp you may still have a bacterial infection . Most probably the reason of swollen neck lymph nodes can be tonsillitis.
2. It doesn't need immediate medical attention and you can wait for 5 days until back from vacations.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T