White throat infection
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. |