A white spot in the back of your throat can be an unsettling discovery. These spots may signal a range of underlying issues, from common infections to less frequent conditions requiring medical attention. Understanding the various potential causes is helpful for anyone experiencing this symptom. Recognizing distinguishing characteristics and associated symptoms can guide appropriate action.
Common Culprits Behind White Spots
Strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus, frequently presents with white patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils. This condition often leads to a sudden and severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a fever. Redness and swelling of the tonsils are also common, and tiny red spots, known as petechiae, can appear on the roof of the mouth.
Tonsillitis involves inflammation of the tonsils, which can result from either bacterial or viral infections. The tonsils may become red and swollen, sometimes displaying white or yellow patches or a coating. Individuals with tonsillitis often experience a sore throat, which can range from mild to severe, and may have difficulty swallowing, bad breath, and a fever. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are a common symptom.
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small, hardened lumps that form in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones appear as white or yellowish pebbles and are composed of calcified material, food debris, and microbes. Often harmless, they can cause symptoms such as persistent bad breath, a sensation of something being stuck in the throat, and sometimes a sore throat or earache. Unlike infections, tonsil stones do not cause a fever.
Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. This condition manifests as creamy white patches or spots resembling cottage cheese, on the tongue, inner cheeks, and can extend to the roof of the mouth, gums, or tonsils. These patches can be raised and may bleed if scraped. Symptoms include redness, burning, or soreness in the mouth, a cottony feeling, and sometimes a loss of taste.
Other Possible Explanations
Infectious mononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It often presents with white spots or pus on the tonsils, resembling strep throat. Symptoms include a severe sore throat lasting about 6-10 days, a fever, and significant fatigue. Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck are common, and can persist for up to a month.
Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are small, painful, open sores that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth, including the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or at the base of the gums. These lesions appear as round or oval ulcers with a white or yellowish center and a red border. They can cause pain, especially when eating or talking, but are not contagious and heal within one to three weeks.
Diphtheria, a rare bacterial infection, can cause a thick, gray-white membrane to form in the throat, nose, or tongue. This membrane can adhere firmly to the tissue, leading to severe breathing and swallowing difficulties by narrowing the airway. Symptoms often include a sore throat, a low-grade fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, sometimes causing a “bull neck” appearance.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare professional if white spots in your throat are accompanied by severe pain or difficulty swallowing or breathing. These symptoms indicate a more serious condition requiring prompt medical attention. A high or persistent fever warrants a medical evaluation.
Consult a healthcare provider if the white spots spread, do not improve within a few days, or are recurrent. Symptoms such as extreme fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or a rash suggest a need for professional assessment. Individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions should seek medical attention for any new white spots in the throat.