Resolved question:
Eight years old patientago after protected intercourse with some girl I picked up at a bar I developed a tonsil infection 2 weeks later. The tonsils were patchy white and enlarged. After the infection cleared immediately I had the sensation there was a lump in my throat and very soon I could feel my tonsils in my mouth and they would chronically swell on and off with exaggerated allergy response and sinusitis feeling (no discharge). Fearing Hiv I had multiple Elisa hiv tests including RNA tests over a period of a few years old patientall coming back negative. I even did a home oraquick test couple months ago negative. I have seen a few ent specialists with a range of diagnosis from acid reflux to allergies and one recommended removing the tonsils. I saw an oncologist once and he thought I was anemic. A respiratory doctor I saw once thought it was mold allergy. I believe this to be an std. Wether this is viral or bacterial I have no idea but I have been on antibiotics many times and had no satisfactory improvement. One doctor thought my depression was depressing my immune system. Another ent said they had no idea why I had high antibodys to candida. Another infectious dx doc had no idea except if it was Epstein Barr there was no way to prove it. Cat scans look normal. My gums lately seem a little redder and I'm a dentist so a little worried especially since I have aphtous ulcers sometimes. But lately my tonsils have been aching a lot and my ears been popping and the sinus once again feeling inflamed leaving me with anxiety attacks. It had actually gone away all winter long but it's been back since may with a vengeance. Any ideas? Thank you.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Infectious Disease Specialist
Hello.
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com.
I have gone through your history in detail.
You seem to have chronic tonsillitis. The protected intercourse seems to be unrelated because it was protected and the STDs which can cause a throat infection are not transmitted through protected intercourse.
Chronic tonsillitis is sort of a vicious cycle where a previously infected tonsil which is scarred and enlarged is prone to catch infections repeatedly. These infections can be bacterial, which respond to antibiotics or viral which do not.
In addition to this, certain anatomical features like a deviated nasal septum (DNS) can predispose to chronic sinusitis and pharyngitis/tonsillitis. The deviated septum may cause inadequate draining of the sinuses by blocking the sinus opening. The congested sinuses can in turn get repeatedly infected. The post nasal drip that occurs in sinusitis can irritate the throat and result in pharyngitis/tonsillitis.
The inflammation can spread from the back of the throat to involve the eustachian tube causing the ear block and popping, and the gums causing redness etc.
The good thing is, after a thorough ENT evaluation, and appropriate treatment which may involve surgery (Chronic tonsillitis is an indication for tonsillectomy), you will find good relief. If a DNS and sinus involvement has been found, this too has to be treated simultaneously.
So in summary, if tonsils are repeatedly getting infected, it is best to have them removed. And if other factors such as DNS are present, they have to be corrected as well. I know you have been to many ENT specialists, but please do consult a good one again and proceed further.
Meanwhile, you should do warm saline gargling 3-4 times daily, after every meal perhaps.
Please take steam inhalation, 2-3 times daily. This will relieve congestion including that of the sinuses and provide relief from the blocked/popping ears etc.
An OTC like Ibuprofen 400 mg, can be taken twice a day with food, for 3-5 days. This will reduce inflammation as well as the discomfort or pain.
I hope this was helpful. Free to ask queries.
Thank you.