White throat infection:
Lots of different health conditions can cause white spots in the throat such as viral, fungal, or bacterial infection. Let us discuss each possible cause.
| Cause | Causative Agent | Treatment | Description |
| Strep Throat | Group A Streptococcus bacteria | · Antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin to eliminate the bacterial infection,
· Rest · Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for symptom relief. |
· Bacterial infection causing severe sore throat, white patches, fever and swollen tonsils.
· Proper antibiotic treatment helps to prevent complications like rheumatic fever. |
| Tonsillitis
|
Viral or bacterial infections
|
· For bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotics are prescribed if caused by streptococcal bacteria. · For viral tonsillitis, rest, fluids and pain relief are recommended. |
· Inflammation of the tonsils resulting in a sore throat.
· Difficulty in swallowing and white or yellow patches in the throat. |
| Thrush or
Candidiasis |
Candida yeast | · Antifungal medications such as nystatin and fluconazole. | · Fungal infection causing creamy white lesions in the mouth and throat.
· Common in those with weakened immune systems or taking antibiotics. |
| Diphtheria | Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria | · Antitoxin
· Antibiotics |
· Rare bacterial infection causing grayish-white membrane in the throat.
· Vaccination has greatly reduced its prevalence. |
| Viral Infections | Various respiratory viruses | · Rest
· fluids |
· Various respiratory viruses cause respiratory symptoms such as sore throat with white patches, cough, runny nose and fever. |
| Mononucleosis | Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) | · Rest
· Fluids intake, · pain relievers |
· Viral infection causing extreme fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and sometimes an enlarged spleen.
· Commonly affects young adults. |
| Leukoplakia | Often associated with tobacco use | · Address underlying cause
· regular check-ups |
· Thickened white patches in the mouth and throat, possibly precancerous.
· Linked to tobacco use and requires monitoring and management. |
| Oral Lichen Planus | Autoimmune reaction | · Topical steroids
· Management of symptoms |
· Chronic immune-related condition causing white patches or sores in the throat.
· Sensitivity in the mouth and throat. |