1. Why Do Tonsils Have White Spots?
The surface of the tonsils is not entirely smooth but contains 10 to 20 crevices extending deep into the tissue. These crevices can trap small particles formed from living or decayed lymphatic cells, exfoliated epithelial cells, and microorganisms.
In cases of granular tonsillitis, numerous white spots often appear on the surface of the tonsils. These spots are typically ivory-colored, resembling fragments of peanuts, and emit a strong, unpleasant odor. Sometimes, they protrude from the crevices on the tonsil surface, causing discomfort, a sensation of something stuck in the throat, or even sharp pain radiating to the ears. Granular tonsillitis is one of the common causes of bad breath.
When white spots appear on the tonsils, it indicates that the tonsils are actively fighting an infection. These spots are often pus formed as white blood cells combat bacteria and viruses attacking the tissues in the throat. White streaks on the tonsils may be signs of suppurative tonsillitis, streptococcal pharyngitis, infectious mononucleosis, or other infectious conditions.
White spots on the tonsils may appear exclusively on or around the tonsils or spread throughout the mouth. Additionally, white streaks can develop at the back of the throat or on and around the tonsils. Symptoms associated with these white spots include sneezing, sore throat, coughing, fever, pain when swallowing, nasal congestion, headache, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, patients may experience difficulty breathing due to swollen tonsils partially blocking the airway.
2. What Conditions Are Associated with White Spots on the Tonsils?
Tonsillitis
When the tonsils are infected by viruses or bacteria, they respond by producing white pus and forming white patches. Early-stage tonsillitis may present with symptoms like headaches, fever, or a stiff neck.
Tonsil Stones
Tonsil stones are caused by debris trapped in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones may contain bacteria, mucus, food particles, or dead cells that accumulate over time. This debris creates an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive, increasing the risk of infection. Inflammation exacerbates the issue, making the debris harder and larger, leading to discomfort and complicating treatment.
Oral Thrush
White patches on the tonsils can also result from a fungal infection. While our bodies naturally harbor a harmless level of fungi, certain conditions can cause overgrowth, negatively impacting health. People with weakened immune systems or those who consume excessive sugar are more prone to oral fungal infections. These white patches can appear not only on the tonsils but also on the tongue, cheeks, and roof of the mouth. Although they typically do not cause swelling, they can alter taste perception.
Strep Throat
A streptococcal infection is one of the most common causes of a sore throat. When infected, white streaks often appear on the tonsils and throat. Patients may experience pain while chewing or a scratchy sensation in the throat. Additionally, the lymph nodes in the neck and the tonsils may swell, accompanied by a high fever as the body works to combat the bacterial infection.
Infectious Mononucleosis
Also known as Mono, this is a rare disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Viral infections associated with Mono often present flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, fever, and headaches. Adolescents with the disease often develop pus-like patches in the throat, particularly around the tonsils, resembling tonsillitis with pus. Lymph nodes may become swollen, and in some cases, patients may develop a red rash on their body.
3. How to Treat White Spots on Tonsils?
To treat white spots on the tonsils, regularly gargling with saline solution is recommended. During acute infections, patients should use appropriate antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare provider. For tonsil stones, the stones around the two tonsillar crypts in the throat can be gently removed using a finger or a cotton swab. If the condition recurs frequently and causes significant discomfort, tonsillectomy may be necessary.
The Otolaryngology Department at Vinmec International Hospital specializes in diagnosing and treating common ENT conditions, including tonsillitis, sore throat, tinnitus, non-allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, throat cancer, tumors in the head and neck region, and congenital abnormalities in the ear, nose, and throat by surgical methods.
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