White Patches on Tonsils
Most commonly, people complain of pain in their throat. When the pain becomes persistent or recurring, it is best to consult professional help.
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When a closer examination is performed, white patches can be seen on the tonsils.
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The white patches on the tonsils can be pus accumulated over time.
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These white patches can also mean tonsil stones.
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The pus on the tonsils is a sign of viral or bacterial infection, which can lead to other symptoms such as headache, fever, and stiff neck.
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The health provider shall conduct lab tests to determine what causes pus to form on the tonsils, and eventually the pain.
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Tonsillitis, a condition where tonsils are swollen, is among the likely occurrence of white patches.
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Tonsillitis is characterized by fever and difficulty in swallowing, thus, discomfort is a common feature of the condition.
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Sore throat can also have white patches on tonsils.
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Also known as strep throat, such condition comes with severe pain, uneasiness, and itchiness in the throat.
White Patches On Tonsils No Pain/No Fever
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Tonsil stones are sometimes accumulated on the tonsils. They are also whitish or yellowish with foul smell.
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The scientific name for tonsil stones is tonsilloliths. It is also known in monikers like tonsil crypts.
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Physically and healthily, these tonsil stones do not do any harm, except, they emit foul smell.
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Having white patches that are actually stones on the tonsils can be an indication of an oral care issues, particularly, bad breath.
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In contrast to what had been previously believed, the tonsil stones are not actually food debris.
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Instead, these stones on tonsils are a combination of buoyant sulfur compounds, bacteria, and nasal drip.
What Causes White Patches On Tonsils
Depending on the prognosis of the white patches may have varied causes. Generally, white patches caused by infection are associated with other symptoms such as:
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body aches
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sinus pain or pressure
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runny nose
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nasal congestion
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cough
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fever
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problems with swallowing
One infection that is caused by streptococcus bacteria is the strep throat. Strep throat is contagious and comes with fever and pain. White patches can also be caused by the infectious mononucleosis, which is a viral infection. White patches can also be due to an autoimmune reaction, in which, lichen planus occurs. Lichen planus is a harmless skin condition, unless, it becomes painful.
Leukoplakia is another common form of white patches on tonsils. It can turn into cancer when left unchecked. However, 80% of leukoplakia is benign. It is common among people who smoke or chew tobacco.
My son who is 6years old suffers from sudden rise of fever now and then. Is it because of tonsillitis. He does complain of pain in his throat. Whenever I see his throat, it is red but there is no white patch on the tonsils. What is the problem? What precautions should I take to prevent his fever?
One of the reason for sudden rise of temperature in children is tonsillitis. In many cases there may be inflammation and redness in throat without white patch on the tonsil. Most often recurrent tonsillitis is caused due to low immunity among children. To build his immunity against germs, his diet should be rich in vitamins and other nutrients. Avoid giving him Junk food and processed foods. These foods contains dyes and other preservatives that may cause irritation in the throat, besides causing allergies.