Sore Tonsils With White Spots: What It Could Mean & Where To Get Help

 

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Sore tonsils with white spots can be a sign of infection, but it can also mean something else. Before making any conclusions about your condition, learn the symptoms of infected tonsils, how to remedy it from home, and when it’s time to see a doctor.

 

What are tonsils?

 

Tonsils are lymph nodes located at the back of your throat and are part of your lymphatic system. Because they are one of your first lines of defense against bacteria or viruses, they are also one of the first to show changes whenever you get an infection.

 

During an infection, you may notice your tonsils swell and change in color. Common physical changes include streaks or white spots on the two round, fleshy masses.

 

What does it mean when your tonsils have white spots?

 

White spots (or streaks and blotches) on your tonsils typically signal that your body is fighting an infection.

 

Besides the color change, you may also experience accompanying symptoms such as the following:

 

•          Sore throat

•          Swelling

•          Bad breath

•          Cough

•          Fever

•          Difficulty swallowing

•          Stuffy nose or sneezing

•         Headache

 

What causes infection or white spots on your tonsils?

 

There can be several reasons why your tonsils are swollen and have white spots. However, the most common causes of infection include the following:

 

Strep throat

 

Strep throat, also officially called streptococcal pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. This is a contagious bacterial infection; your symptoms can include fever, headache, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.

 

Children usually experience strep throat, but adults can also catch it when exposed to the bacteria. To know if you are suffering from strep throat, rush to your nearest emergency room and get tested with a strep throat rapid antigen test.

 

Mono

 

Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, can be another cause of the white spots you see on your tonsils. It is painful and uncomfortable, like strep throat, but a virus causes the infection. You may also have a swollen spleen when you suffer from mono.

 

Oral thrush

 

A fungal infection causes oral thrush. If a person suffers from oral thrush, you may observe the white spots on your tonsils to look like white bumps filled with pus. This is especially common among breastfeeding babies, people with dentures, and diabetics.

 

Unlike strep and mono, oral thrush does not usually cause a sore throat, but it can be uncomfortable to swallow solid food. You might also notice the white patches on your cheeks or tongue.

 

Viral tonsillitis

 

Viral tonsillitis may feel like strep throat or mono, but a single bacteria or virus does not just cause it.

 

You may suffer from swollen tonsils with tonsillitis, but this usually goes away after a few days of rest. If it doesn’t, it may be caused by a more serious underlying condition, and you should see your doctor immediately.

 

Tonsil stones

 

Instead of white patches, you may notice larger and harder white stones on your tonsils. This can occur when bacteria and debris (food and mucus) get trapped in your tonsils. When the residue is not taken out, it can calcify, and they become tonsil stones.

 

Besides its physical appearance, tonsil stones symptoms may include bad breath, ear pain, and pain when you swallow.

 

There are other causes of infection or white spots at the back of your throat. If they are not caused by strep throat, mono, viral tonsillitis, or tonsil stones, they may be caused by other conditions, such as the following:

 

•          Oral herpes

•          Oral cancer

•          Leukoplakia

•          In rare cases, early signs of cancer

 

Home remedies for sore tonsils with white spots

 

In many cases, sore tonsils go away after a few days of rest and proper care. While waiting for your doctor’s appointment, you can try several treatment options you can do at home to manage your symptoms.

 

•          Gargle with warm saltwater

•          Eat soft foods only

•          Suck on throat lozenges to relieve throat pain or sore throat (for adults)

•          Avoid smoking

•          Take over-the-counter pain relievers

•          Avoid dry and cold air; use a humidifier/steamer

•          Rest well

 

When to go to the doctor for sore tonsils with white spots

 

The only way to find out what is causing your tonsil infection and the best treatment options for your condition is to go to your nearest emergency room and see a doctor.

 

You should consider getting your tonsils checked when your symptoms last longer than three to four days without significant improvements or if you still suffer from pain despite your efforts to manage it at home.

 

Since many factors can cause sore tonsils, your doctor will evaluate your throat and order necessary tests to identify whether your sore and swollen tonsils are caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.

 

Once a proper diagnosis is made, your doctor can effectively prescribe you appropriate treatments and medication.

 

It can be tempting to ignore tonsil infection, hoping it can go away on its own. However, ignoring it can lead to more serious complications. If you’re unsure if the white spots on your tonsils or the back of your throat are something you should worry about, go to your doctor or your trusted emergency care facility.