White spots in the throat can be concerning. These spots often appear on the tonsils or the back of the throat and signal various underlying conditions. They can indicate an infection or other medical issue requiring attention. Understanding their causes helps determine if medical consultation is needed.
Common Causes of White Spots
Several common conditions can lead to white spots in the throat. These white patches may present as dots, streaks, or a coating on the tonsils or throat lining.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection characterized by a sore throat. White patches or streaks of pus often appear on red, swollen tonsils. Other symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and sometimes tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth.
Tonsillitis involves inflammation of the tonsils. This condition can be caused by either viruses or bacteria, though viral infections are more common, accounting for approximately 70% of cases. When infected, tonsils become swollen and red, and may develop a white or yellowish coating or distinct spots.
Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans yeast. It typically presents as creamy white, slightly raised patches on the tongue or inner cheeks, but can extend to the roof of the mouth, gums, tonsils, or the back of the throat. These patches might resemble cottage cheese and can cause redness, burning, or soreness, sometimes leading to difficulty eating or swallowing.
Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, are small, hardened formations that develop in the crevices of the tonsils. They consist of calcified material, food debris, bacteria, or fungi and typically appear as small white or yellow pebbles. While often harmless, tonsil stones can cause symptoms such as bad breath, a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of something being stuck in the throat.
Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, is a viral infection often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This illness can lead to a severe sore throat, where tonsils may be red with white spots or pus. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Less Common or Serious Conditions
While most white spots in the throat are linked to common infections, some less common or more serious conditions can also cause them. These conditions often have additional distinguishing features.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a condition characterized by thick, white patches that form on the tongue, inside the cheeks, or on the throat. These patches cannot be easily scraped away and are typically painless. It is often associated with chronic irritation, such as from tobacco use. While usually benign, some cases can show precancerous changes.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection, is now rare in many parts of the world due to widespread vaccination. In severe cases, it can cause a thick, grayish-white membrane to form over the back of the throat and tonsils. This membrane can make breathing and swallowing difficult and is accompanied by symptoms like sore throat, fever, and swollen neck glands.
Canker Sores
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, can appear as white or yellowish spots with a red border in the throat area, though they are more common on the inner lips, cheeks, or tongue. While generally small and self-limiting, larger or unusually located canker sores might cause discomfort and be mistaken for other conditions.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Seek medical advice when white spots in the throat are accompanied by concerning symptoms. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Consult a doctor if white spots persist for more than a few days, especially if home care measures do not lead to improvement. Severe symptoms, such as significant pain, difficulty swallowing, or trouble breathing, warrant immediate attention.
A high fever, swollen glands in the neck, or a rash alongside throat spots also indicate a medical evaluation is necessary. Recurrent episodes of white spots, difficulty speaking, or a muffled voice should also prompt a visit to a healthcare provider.
Diagnostic Procedures and Treatment Options
A healthcare professional typically begins evaluating white spots in the throat with a physical examination of the mouth and throat. They will visually inspect the affected areas and may feel the neck for swollen lymph nodes.
Diagnostic steps often include a throat swab for testing. This swab can be used for a rapid strep test to identify bacterial infections, or sent for a culture to identify specific bacteria or fungi. Blood tests may also be performed, particularly if conditions like mononucleosis are suspected, to check for specific antibodies or white blood cell patterns.
Treatment varies by diagnosis. Bacterial infections, like strep throat, are treated with antibiotics. Fungal infections, such as oral thrush, are managed with antifungal medications. Viral infections, including mononucleosis, do not respond to antibiotics; supportive care with rest, fluids, and pain relief is used.
Tonsil stones causing discomfort can often be dislodged with warm salt water gargles or gentle manual removal. Surgical intervention may be considered for persistent or very large stones. Completing the full course of prescribed medication is important for infection resolution.