What Causes White Spots On The Back Of The Throat?

• White spots at the back of the throat can signal viral, fungal, or bacterial infections, with treatment and symptoms varying based on the underlying cause.
  
  
• Common culprits include strep throat, infectious mononucleosis, tonsil stones, and leukoplakia.
  
  
• The likelihood of white spots indicating oral cancer is very rare.
  
  
• While these spots may resolve naturally, seeking medical care ensures a smoother healing process and offers peace of mind.

Throat infections are common, with millions of strep infections diagnosed annually in the EU. Additionally, there are approximately 500 reported cases of mono per 100,000 people each year in the EU, a contagious infection spread through infected saliva.

While your sore throat might stem from something harmless like postnasal drip, it can also be a sign of an infection.

Sometimes, throat pain comes with white spots on the back of the throat. To address these spots, it's crucial to identify the underlying cause.

In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind white spots in your throat, available treatment options, and ways to prevent them.

Is The White Spot On The Back Of My Throat Something To Worry About?

White spots on your throat usually indicate a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, which is generally not a significant concern.

While some spots might go away alone, others may need a doctor's evaluation and prescribed medication.

Once you identify the root cause of these white spots, you can take the appropriate steps to treat the underlying condition.

What Are The Causes Of White Spots On My Throat?

A sore throat can be an initial indicator of an underlying illness or infection the body is combating. White spots may accompany it on the throat or tonsils, and these symptoms can be associated with various conditions:

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection characterised by a sore throat, swollen neck glands, and difficulty swallowing.

It is highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets or by sharing food and drinks with an infected person.

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat strep throat to prevent complications like kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever.

Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono):

Mono is a highly contagious viral infection, often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), commonly affecting teens and young adults.

Symptoms include fatigue, sore throat, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and an enlarged spleen.

Mono spreads through saliva droplets and, less commonly, through blood and semen. There is no vaccine for mono, and treatment involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medicines, as antibiotics are ineffective.

Leukoplakia:

Leukoplakia presents as thick grey or white patches inside the mouth and sometimes the throat.

While usually harmless, it can rarely be a sign of cancer. It is often caused by constant irritation, with smoking and tobacco use as significant contributors.

Medical attention is necessary if these patches persist for more than two weeks, along with other changes or ear pain upon swallowing. Treatment may involve surgical removal of the patches and addressing the underlying cause.

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (Oral Thrush):

Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by an excess of candida in the mouth, essentially a yeast infection in the mouth. It's important to know that it cannot be spread to others.

Some common signs of oral thrush include difficulty swallowing, a loss of taste sensation, and a feeling of cotton in the mouth.

While anyone can get oral thrush, certain factors make it more likely to occur, such as:

• Diabetes
  
  
• Using corticosteroids or antibiotics, especially for asthma
  
  
• Experiencing dry mouth
  
  
• Smoking
  
  
• Having a weakened immune system, like individuals with cancer or HIV
  
  
• Babies and infants are also susceptible to oral thrush.

Some home remedies can help manage oral thrush, but it's advisable to consult a doctor for effective treatments. Strong antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor can quickly help people with a strong immune system recover from oral thrush.

Viral Tonsillitis:

Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils, the soft tissue flaps located on each side of the throat, become inflamed. Viral or bacterial infections can bring it about and are frequently associated with other illnesses like strep throat, herpes, or measles.

Enlarged tonsils can also result from irritants like polluted air, but some individuals naturally have larger tonsils.

Tonsillitis can often be alleviated using home remedies, throat lozenges, and over-the-counter medications. When left untreated, viral tonsillitis can persist for up to two weeks, but a healthcare professional can prescribe antibiotics that can resolve the infection in about five to seven days.

It's important to note that tonsillitis is contagious and can be transmitted from one person to another through saliva.

Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths):

Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are solid accumulations that form in the tonsils, consisting of bacteria, food particles, and mucus. They are usually inconspicuous and can be expelled when eating or drinking. Some individuals with specific tonsil shapes may be more susceptible to developing these stones.

Typically appearing as white, yellow, or grey masses, tonsil stones can be coughed up, often producing an unpleasant odour. Common symptoms include halitosis (bad breath), a sore throat, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing.

Tonsil stones are relatively common, and good oral hygiene can effectively address them. Rinsing the mouth vigorously with salt water may help dislodge smaller tonsil stones, but larger ones may require manual removal.

Oral And Genital Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2):

Herpes type 1 (oral herpes) and type 2 (genital herpes) can be spread through saliva and sexual contact with an infected person.

In addition to white spots in the mouth or throat, herpes can cause tingling sores on the mouth and genitals, along with a sore throat and flu-like symptoms.

While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications prescribed by a medical professional can help manage and clear outbreaks.

 

Could White Spots On The Throat Be Oral Cancer?

The presence of white spots in your throat or mouth is usually not indicative of cancer, and the likelihood of it being cancer is relatively low. Instead, white spots in these areas often indicate a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

However, it's essential to be aware of other symptoms that could be precancerous when they occur alongside white spots. These symptoms may include:

• Speckled or raised lesions.
  
  
• Persistent sores that do not heal.
  
  
• Unusual lumps.
  
  
• White and red patches appear in the mouth.
  
  
• Various changes in the tissue of the mouth.
  
  
• Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck.
  
  
• Persistent cough.
  
  
• Continual pain.

If you happen to experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

What Symptoms Usually Appear Alongside White Spots On My Throat?

The symptoms you might experience due to the condition causing white spots on your throat can vary, and they may include:

• Mouth pain
  
  
• Throat pain ranging from mild to severe
  
  
• The presence of a white or yellow coating on the tonsils
  
  
• Swollen tonsils
  
  
• Muscle aches
  
  
• Difficulty swallowing
  
  
• Bad breath
  
  
• Lesions appearing in the mouth and throat
  
  
• Difficulty in speaking or breathing
  
  
• Other flu-like symptoms

Your specific symptoms can depend on the underlying cause of the white spots, so it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What Are The Treatments For White Spots On My Throat?

White spots on your throat can sometimes disappear independently, but they might also indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention. Here are some treatments for different causes of white spots in your throat:

• Strep Throat: Antibiotics like amoxicillin and penicillin can clear the infection. Over-the-counter pain meds and throat lozenges can provide relief, and gargling with warm salt water is helpful.
  
  
• Infectious Mononucleosis (mono): Rest and over-the-counter pain relief medicines can help alleviate pain and other symptoms.
  
  
• Leukoplakia: Early detection and surgical removal of white patches may be necessary. Addressing the cause, such as quitting smoking, can also resolve the issue.
  
  
• Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (Oral Thrush): Treatment involves antifungal medication or mouthwash.
  
  
• Viral Tonsillitis: Managing the underlying condition, such as treating strep throat, is essential. Over-the-counter pain relief, saltwater gargles, throat lozenges, and staying hydrated can provide relief.
  
  
• Tonsil Stones (tonsilloliths): Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, can help prevent tonsil stones. Gargling with warm salt water is effective. In severe cases, they may need surgical removal, and sometimes, removing the tonsils is recommended.
  
  
• Oral And Genital Herpes: Antiviral medication can clear herpes outbreaks.

Your doctor may suggest other treatments based on the specific cause of the white spots in your throat.

How Do I Prevent White Spots On The Back Of My Throat?

Just as treating white spots on the rear of your throat depends on the underlying cause, preventive measures also vary accordingly. Here are some preventative steps to consider:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth can help prevent various throat issues.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Refrain from sharing utensils or other personal items, especially with unwell individuals.

Frequent Handwashing: Practice frequent handwashing to reduce the risk of infections.

Limit Contact With Infected Individuals: Avoid kissing or touching people with infections that can lead to white spots in the throat.

Boost Your Immune System: A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can strengthen your immune system, making you less susceptible to infections.

Consume Probiotic-Rich Foods: Including probiotic-rich foods in your diet can promote a healthy balance of bacteria, potentially reducing the risk of certain throat conditions.

These measures can contribute to a healthier throat and overall well-being by minimising the risk of white spots and related issues.

When Should I Visit A Doctor?

You may wonder when seeing a doctor regarding white spots on your throat is necessary. Typically, white spots alone are not a significant concern. However, if these spots persist and come with other troubling symptoms like a sore throat, fever, or difficulty swallowing, it's advisable to seek medical help.

Should you find yourself experiencing significant discomfort or have concerns about the possibility of a more serious underlying issue, it's a good idea to schedule a consultation with a healthcare professional. They can provide the appropriate evaluation and guidance based on your specific situation.

Mobi Doctor can provide the assistance and medical guidance you need for white spots on your throat, ensuring your health concerns are addressed effectively.