Can mild tonsillitis be overcome without anti-bios?

[dsionach]

I've been given a course of antibiotics - erythromycin 250mg four times a day for seven days - for tonsillitis. Only one tonsil was slightly swollen and red over a week, a couple of small bits of puss, no pain, no fever and has improved slightly over the week - the doctor has not performed a swab test and seemed to be in two minds as to whether to give any drug (she would have given me penicillin but I've never used it so she didn't want to risk an allergic reaction). I have read that the side-effects of this drug are commonly nausea and vomiting and as someone who has a morbid fear of vomiting, I am really reluctant to take it - in fact, I am shaking with fear even thinking about it.
- As it is not causing me any problems, is it worth hanging on for another few days and seeing if it clears naturally?
- Or not taking the drug create further problems in the long-run?
- If I take erythromycin, at what point should I call the doctor and ask for an alternative?

[Vivek V Gurudutt, MD]

If you have a bacterial tonsillitis, treatment with antibiotics will help to get you better.  Although you may be able to recover without treatment, you run the risk of the infection getting worse, spreading to other parts of your throat and potentially forming an abscess that would need to be drained.  If you have side effects while taking medication, let your physician know.  Side effects like swelling, rashes, and breathing difficulty need immediate attention.  Experiencing nausea with medication can occur.  Ask your physician for an alternative if you are unable to handle it.  Good luck.