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What Causes Yellow Patches On The Tonsils?

Posted on Mon, 13 Feb 2017

Question: i have had a scratchy sore throat off and on for a month, sneezing and coughing some sinus pain. I also have large amounts of thick post nasal drip that is hard to get out of my throat. I noticed my right tonsile is not really enlarged but near the bottom has kind of a yellow color area. I can see little veins running in it. the rest of the tonsile is a normal red color. Is that anything to be concerned about?

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It looks like an infection is setting in

Detailed Answer:
Hello

The most common cause for yellow color would be the accumulation of pus in the tonsil and it looks like that a tonsil infection is setting in.

You also complained of sinus pain and lot of post nasal discharge, which indicates a sinus infection.

In my opinion you will need a course of antibiotics and nasal decongestants for the sinus infection. The antibiotics will also take of the tonsil infection. Please meet a doctor for the prescription.

In the mean time, i would like you to take steam inhalation 2-3 times a day and gargle with warm salt water twice a day.

Please do not ignore your symptoms and seek treatment before the infection becomes more severe.

Get well soon!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (7 hours later)

Would I have tonsil pain. It doesn't seam to hurt.

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pain will occur after sometime

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Yes pain will occur and this generally happens when the infection has set in. You may also develop fever.

Before these symptoms set in , it would be wise to meet your doctor soon that the infection can be managed at the beginning stage itself.

Take care!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (3 days later)

So I went to clinic and was given amoxicillin/potassium 875 2 times a day for 10 days. She said since I have had symptoms for a month it may take two rounds. My tonsils are not swollen but the one still has yellow at the bottom. I also have a non productive cough. How long before the tonsils should be normal and the cough go away?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You will have to wait for at least 3 days

Detailed Answer:
Hello

It should normally take 2 to 3 days for the swelling to subside and you will have to wait till then.

If your symptoms do not decrease or if they worsen them it is likely that the micro organism may be resistant to the antibiotic and the antibiotic may need to be changed.

In the meantime please continue the gargles

Take care!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (25 hours later)

Just one more question. There is no swelling and my throat is not sore. The only issue is the one tonsil still has a yellow patch near the bottom. Is this something that will just take a while to go away. I still have a dry cough but it has calmed down quite a bit.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It may take a while to go away

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Most of the times the patch should disappear by 2 weeks, however in some patients it may persist for 2-3 months.

Please dont worry as it will eventually resolve. Only if the patch enlarges, becomes painful or swollen will you have to meet your doctor again.

In the meantime i would advice you to continue gargles at least twice a day for next 3-4 weeks.

Take care

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. Raju A.T