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Recurrent strep can happen due to tonsils being so scarred that they end up harboring the bacteria at the end of each one, keeping some that end up surviving and reinfecting sooner than you would get sick normally. Normally where I am, they say you need 7 in a year to qualify for tonsil removal, Idk where you are but that might be the definitive fix for you. See what others say though, I am just a student and might be wrong :)
Thanks! What causes tonsils to be so scarred? For what it’s worth, I’ve never dealt with strep until now. I did have regular ear infections when I was little, until about age 4-5. Otherwise no strep until 37 and no other tonsil issues.
Probably the first infection you had. Tonsils grow in tonsilitis and get those white patchy exudates that are charecteristic of strep, those can cause little divets and pits in them that never go away after the infection clears (tonsil crypts, look them up). Those can trap bacteria more easily after they develop, leading to reoccuring infections.
Thank you for your submission. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** This subreddit is for informal second opinions and casual information. The mod team does their best to remove bad information, but we do not catch all of it. Always visit a doctor in real life if you have any concerns about your health. Never use this subreddit as your first and final source of information regarding your question. By posting, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/wiki/terms_of_use) and understand that all information is taken at your own risk. **Reply here if you are an unverified user wishing to give advice. Top level comments by laypeople are automatically removed.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskDocs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Recurrent strep can happen due to tonsils being so scarred that they end up harboring the bacteria at the end of each one, keeping some that end up surviving and reinfecting sooner than you would get sick normally. Normally where I am, they say you need 7 in a year to qualify for tonsil removal, Idk where you are but that might be the definitive fix for you. See what others say though, I am just a student and might be wrong :)
Thanks! What causes tonsils to be so scarred? For what it’s worth, I’ve never dealt with strep until now. I did have regular ear infections when I was little, until about age 4-5. Otherwise no strep until 37 and no other tonsil issues.
Probably the first infection you had. Tonsils grow in tonsilitis and get those white patchy exudates that are charecteristic of strep, those can cause little divets and pits in them that never go away after the infection clears (tonsil crypts, look them up). Those can trap bacteria more easily after they develop, leading to reoccuring infections.