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What Causes White Patches On Tonsils?
Question: Hi doctor, for past 1 month my tonsils got white patches as shown in the photo. Went to GP and they first gave penicillin V antibiotic and it didn't go after 7 days then after a week I went again and he prescribed co-amoxiclav antibiotic which I have taken for 7 days now but when I see the tonsils using a torch light I still see them the same way as they were before start of the month. I Noticed it on 4th April and even after a month it's still there I am really worried and afraid whether it is anything serious. Also I have sudden blocked nose all the time since 4th of April.
Brief Answer:
Seems like harmless natural depressions in tonsils
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
Most of the causes of white patches on tonsils are infective but there can be other causes also. But in your case as can be observed from the images, which are of very good quality, is that these are tonsillar crypts (depressions which are normally present in tonsils) in which some debris is there.
If there are no symptoms of infection in throat which seems to be the situation viewing your photographs, there is no need for treatment. Only treatment you can take is the use of an antiseptic mouth wash for gargling.
If there are symptoms like sore throat, fever and difficulty in swallowing and these are not responding to antibiotics, please go for a throat swab for culture and sensitivity and then use a specific antibiotic.
Also get a complete dental and ENT examination done to rule out any focus of infection in the vicinity.
If you want these spots to go altogether, the option is tonsillectomy.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
Seems like harmless natural depressions in tonsils
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
Most of the causes of white patches on tonsils are infective but there can be other causes also. But in your case as can be observed from the images, which are of very good quality, is that these are tonsillar crypts (depressions which are normally present in tonsils) in which some debris is there.
If there are no symptoms of infection in throat which seems to be the situation viewing your photographs, there is no need for treatment. Only treatment you can take is the use of an antiseptic mouth wash for gargling.
If there are symptoms like sore throat, fever and difficulty in swallowing and these are not responding to antibiotics, please go for a throat swab for culture and sensitivity and then use a specific antibiotic.
Also get a complete dental and ENT examination done to rule out any focus of infection in the vicinity.
If you want these spots to go altogether, the option is tonsillectomy.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Doctor. Why am I having nasal congestion as well Doctor? I was worried thinking these were STD or something worse.
Brief Answer:
No it is not STD
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Naaal congestion seems to be an unrelated peoblem and steam inhalation should help.
Otherwise stress can also lead to nasal congestion.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
No it is not STD
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Naaal congestion seems to be an unrelated peoblem and steam inhalation should help.
Otherwise stress can also lead to nasal congestion.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Doctor.
Brief Answer:
pleasure answering your query
Detailed Answer:
It was pleasure answering you queries.
pleasure answering your query
Detailed Answer:
It was pleasure answering you queries.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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