Discovering white spots in the back of your throat can be unsettling. This common symptom can arise from various conditions, including infections. Understanding the potential reasons behind these spots is important.
Common Causes of White Spots
Strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, frequently presents with white streaks or spots on the tonsils and throat. Individuals experience a sudden and severe sore throat, fever, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes in the neck. This infection is common in children, teenagers, and adults.
Tonsillitis involves inflammation of the tonsils, the two lumps of soft tissue at the back of the throat. This condition, often caused by viral infections but also by bacteria, can lead to swollen, red tonsils that may have white patches or spots. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, and fever, sometimes exceeding 100.4°F (38°C).
Oral thrush, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans, a type of yeast. This condition manifests as creamy white lesions, often resembling cottage cheese, on the tongue, inner cheeks, and potentially the back of the throat or tonsils. Individuals may experience a cottony feeling in their mouth, pain, or a loss of taste.
Tonsil stones are small, hard, yellowish-white formations that develop in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones are formed when food debris, dead cells, mucus, and bacteria become trapped and harden over time. While often asymptomatic, they can cause persistent bad breath, a sore throat, earache, or a sensation of something being stuck in the throat.
Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and spreads through saliva. White patches on the tonsils are a common sign, alongside severe fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin. Symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks, though fatigue may persist longer.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical evaluation if white spots in your throat persist for more than a few days without improvement. Immediate medical attention is warranted if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, as these can indicate a more serious underlying issue. A high fever, particularly above 102°F (39°C), should also prompt a doctor’s visit.
Severe throat pain that interferes with eating or drinking, or the presence of swollen glands in the neck, are also reasons to consult a healthcare provider. The appearance of a rash along with throat symptoms also suggests medical assessment. If home care measures do not lead to improvement, professional guidance can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
A healthcare professional will diagnose white spots in the throat with a physical examination, inspecting the throat, tonsils, and neck for swelling or other signs. To identify bacterial infections like strep throat, a throat swab may be taken for laboratory testing. Blood tests might also be ordered to confirm viral infections such as mononucleosis.
Treatment approaches vary based on the underlying cause of the white spots. Bacterial infections, like strep throat, are commonly treated with antibiotics. Fungal infections, such as oral thrush, usually respond to antifungal medications. For viral infections, supportive care including rest and fluids is typically recommended, as antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
Tonsil stones can often be dislodged at home with gargling or gentle pressure, but larger or persistent stones may require professional removal. The specific treatment plan is determined by a healthcare professional after diagnosis.