HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Sore Throat, One Tiny Spot On Each Tonsil Is It Strep?

default
Posted on Fri, 14 Apr 2023
Question: sore throat, one tiny spot on each tonsil.is it strep
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
probably not

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

More commonly than not, sore throat and white spots on the tonsils are caused by viral infections (not streptococcus that is). This particularly so when the patient also has runny nose/congestion and/or cough. In favor of streptococcus are the following signs/symptoms or factors:
- high fever
- enlarged and painful cervical lymph nodes
- age (adults are less likely to get streptococcus)

Please note that the appearance of the tonsils is not diagnostic and cannot distinguish between viral and bacterial causes. I must add that in many cases streptococcus causes extensive white patches on the tonsils. Although the lack of extensive white patches does not exclude streptococcus, it is usually suggestive of other causes.

It's because we can't clinically distinguish between the various causes or tonsilitis that a strep-test is required in most cases. The strep-test can identify the presence of streptococcus in the throat. Therefore this is the recommended course of action for someone with a sore throat and white spots on the tonsils. If the strep-test is positive then antibiotics should be prescribed. Otherwise antibiotics can be avoided.

I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Regards.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Sore Throat, One Tiny Spot On Each Tonsil Is It Strep?

Brief Answer: probably not Detailed Answer: Hello, More commonly than not, sore throat and white spots on the tonsils are caused by viral infections (not streptococcus that is). This particularly so when the patient also has runny nose/congestion and/or cough. In favor of streptococcus are the following signs/symptoms or factors: - high fever - enlarged and painful cervical lymph nodes - age (adults are less likely to get streptococcus) Please note that the appearance of the tonsils is not diagnostic and cannot distinguish between viral and bacterial causes. I must add that in many cases streptococcus causes extensive white patches on the tonsils. Although the lack of extensive white patches does not exclude streptococcus, it is usually suggestive of other causes. It's because we can't clinically distinguish between the various causes or tonsilitis that a strep-test is required in most cases. The strep-test can identify the presence of streptococcus in the throat. Therefore this is the recommended course of action for someone with a sore throat and white spots on the tonsils. If the strep-test is positive then antibiotics should be prescribed. Otherwise antibiotics can be avoided. I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance. Regards.