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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Throat Infection?
Question: my name is XXXXXXX I am a 28 yo male with a healthy history, non-smoker, occasional drinker and taking no medications. Roughly one month ago I had what was described as allergy related bronchitis due to pain in my chest. I have not had any issue for roughly a month.
I noticed that my right tonsil is slightly enlarged with a white plaque like lining all over it. I first noticed the problem yesterday due to what felt like food stuck in my tonsil which at the time I believed to be a tonsilith. I have a hx of these however this appears to be much different. The rest of my mouth is WNL and there is no pain or burning associated with it. I would describe the white areas as being for the most part non-wipeable as I've tried using Q-tips to remove them. I have taken several pictures and the tonsils are somewhat red due to slight irritation from trying to remove the white areas. I was wondering if you could give me an idea of what this could possibly be?
My original thoughts were strept, tonsiliths, STD, allergy. None of these seem to be conclusive due to lack of symptoms I feel I should have.
Thank you
I noticed that my right tonsil is slightly enlarged with a white plaque like lining all over it. I first noticed the problem yesterday due to what felt like food stuck in my tonsil which at the time I believed to be a tonsilith. I have a hx of these however this appears to be much different. The rest of my mouth is WNL and there is no pain or burning associated with it. I would describe the white areas as being for the most part non-wipeable as I've tried using Q-tips to remove them. I have taken several pictures and the tonsils are somewhat red due to slight irritation from trying to remove the white areas. I was wondering if you could give me an idea of what this could possibly be?
My original thoughts were strept, tonsiliths, STD, allergy. None of these seem to be conclusive due to lack of symptoms I feel I should have.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Pharyngitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using healthcaremagic,
I have seen the pictures posted by you and from your symptoms it lookks like you have throat infection - pharyngitis.
Your tonsils are enlarged , inflamed, the pillars of the tonsil as well as the posterior wall of the throat are also inflamed.
The white material over the tonsil is nothing but dried up secretion over the inlamed tonsil.
Do not worry.
You should see a doctor. With culture and sensitivity testing the infecting organism can be identified and also the antibiotic can be selected based on sensitivity testing.
Apart from the antibiotics you will also require anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to reduce the inflammtion.
You should also follow some general measures like
1) Warm salt water gargling.
2) Drink plenty of fluids.
3) Avoid cold foods and drinks.
4) Steam inhalation for the throat.
5) Avoid airconditioning.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi
Pharyngitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using healthcaremagic,
I have seen the pictures posted by you and from your symptoms it lookks like you have throat infection - pharyngitis.
Your tonsils are enlarged , inflamed, the pillars of the tonsil as well as the posterior wall of the throat are also inflamed.
The white material over the tonsil is nothing but dried up secretion over the inlamed tonsil.
Do not worry.
You should see a doctor. With culture and sensitivity testing the infecting organism can be identified and also the antibiotic can be selected based on sensitivity testing.
Apart from the antibiotics you will also require anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to reduce the inflammtion.
You should also follow some general measures like
1) Warm salt water gargling.
2) Drink plenty of fluids.
3) Avoid cold foods and drinks.
4) Steam inhalation for the throat.
5) Avoid airconditioning.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Dr. Godhi,
Thank you for the quick response I appreciate it. The white areas were really concerning especially considering they were somewhat localized to that one tonsil.
I was wondering if I could ask one more question related to my tonsils. I was considering getting my tonsils removed due to a hx of bad breathe as well as tonsiliths every so often. I know the older you get the more difficult the surgery. Although I am sure you would need to do a thorough exam, is there anyway to tell whether or not it looks like I would be a good candidate.
My biggest concern is the bad breathe (halitosis) which I believe my tonsils contribute to. Is there anything you recommend doing besides removing the tonsils to combat this problem?
Thank you, XXXXXXX
Thank you for the quick response I appreciate it. The white areas were really concerning especially considering they were somewhat localized to that one tonsil.
I was wondering if I could ask one more question related to my tonsils. I was considering getting my tonsils removed due to a hx of bad breathe as well as tonsiliths every so often. I know the older you get the more difficult the surgery. Although I am sure you would need to do a thorough exam, is there anyway to tell whether or not it looks like I would be a good candidate.
My biggest concern is the bad breathe (halitosis) which I believe my tonsils contribute to. Is there anything you recommend doing besides removing the tonsils to combat this problem?
Thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Many causes for bad breath
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXXXXX
So Sorry for the delay, I have been unwell myself.
Tomsillectomy does not get difficult in adults.
Tonsillectomy is done only when there are clear cut indications for it like recurrent and persistent tonsillitis that is frequently disrupting your routine over long periods of time.
Tonsillectomy can be done for bad breath; but there can be other contributory causes for bad breath.
I would suggest that you should try to rule out all other causes for bad breath like caries teeth, gum problems, plaque etc before you consider tonsillectomy.
I suggest you meet with a dentist and fix any dental problems that might cause caries.
Drink lots of water and use a mouth wash regularly.
Floss everyday and brush 2 times daily.
After all causes are ruled out then we will think about tonsillectomy.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi
Many causes for bad breath
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXXXXX
So Sorry for the delay, I have been unwell myself.
Tomsillectomy does not get difficult in adults.
Tonsillectomy is done only when there are clear cut indications for it like recurrent and persistent tonsillitis that is frequently disrupting your routine over long periods of time.
Tonsillectomy can be done for bad breath; but there can be other contributory causes for bad breath.
I would suggest that you should try to rule out all other causes for bad breath like caries teeth, gum problems, plaque etc before you consider tonsillectomy.
I suggest you meet with a dentist and fix any dental problems that might cause caries.
Drink lots of water and use a mouth wash regularly.
Floss everyday and brush 2 times daily.
After all causes are ruled out then we will think about tonsillectomy.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi
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. Prasad
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