Strep Is A Bacterial Infection
Most sore throats are caused by viruses, or are side effects of infections in other parts of the nose or sinuses. However, strep throat comes from a common bacterial group, Group A Streptococcus, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes.
Group A strep bacteria are some of the most common disease-causing bacteria in humans. About 5% to 15% of all people have the bacterium in their bodies without showing any signs or symptoms of infection. Only humans carry group A strep bacteria.
Group A strep can cause a whole range of health problems, from strep throat and scarlet fever to skin diseases like impetigo and cellulitis. It can cause the devastating flesh-eating disease necrotizing fasciitis, too, which kills about one quarter of its victims.
It is important to determine if your infection is caused by strep, as antibiotics are prescribed to decrease the chance of complications.
Viral Sore Throat Vs Strep Throat Symptoms
Sore throat symptoms are typically caused by inflammation due to a virus like the common cold. However, about 15 percent of sore throats are caused by bacteria called streptococcus, or strep. Strep throat requires treatment with an antibiotic, while viral causes of sore throat do not.
Viral Sore throat symptoms:
Oral And Genital Herpes
Oral herpes is a common viral infection. It can spread through kissing, oral sex, or sharing utensils or cups with an infected person. Genital herpes is an infection thats spread through sexual contact.
The most common symptom of oral herpes is a sore on your lip. The most common symptom of genital herpes is a sore in your genital area. Both infections may occur without symptoms.
Both types of herpes can cause sores and white spots to appear on your throat and tonsils. Some additional symptoms are more common with the first episode of an infection, and may include:
- tingling or itching in the area of your sores
- fever
Don’t Miss: Clairitan
How To Get Rid Of White Spots On Tonsils
If you have a specific cause for white spots on tonsils stemming from a bacteria or fungus, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications as a treatment. If your condition is caused by a virus or something else non-threatening, there are some general tips you can use in order to get rid of the white spots on tonsils.
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink warm or cold fluids to ease throat pain
- Eat smooth foods like ice cream or yogurt
- Use a cool mist humidifier in your room
- Suck on lozenges
- Avoid irritating foods, like spicy food, chips, raw vegetables, highly acidic food, etc.
- Avoid smoking
- Use a cotton swab to dislodge tonsil stones
- Limit alcohol consumption
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University . He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine , and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
Signs & Symptoms Of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The swollen tonsils lead to a very painful sore throat along with white or yellow spots at the back of the throat. Other associated symptoms may include bad breath, hoarse voice, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and fever. For cases of tonsillitis caused by bacteria, antibiotics can be prescribed to fight the infection. Viral cases will need to resolve on their own. However, patients can help the process by getting adequate amounts of rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications to increase comfort.
Next time you find yourself with a sore throat, visit an ear, nose and throat specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The sooner you seek the help of an ENT, the sooner youll find yourself on the road to recovery. Now accepting new patients from the greater Baton Rouge region, the ENT specialists at Lane treat all forms of ear, nose and throat related illnesses.
You May Like: Can Allergies Cause Chest Tightness
Worried Your Sore Throat May Be Strep Top 5 Signs To Look For
A sore throat can leave you feeling run down, hoarse, and unable to eat or speak normally. Luckily, most sore throats are caused by viruses and go away on their own.
On the other hand, strep throat is caused by bacteria and requires antibiotic treatment. At Physicians Medical Urgent Care in San Jose, California, Dr. Sveltlana Burkhead and Dr. Ines Munoz De Laborde are experts in diagnosing sore throats and strep infections.
If you see any of the 5 following signs, it might be time to come to our offices for a quick in-office test.
Your First Protective Barrier
We dont think much about our tonsils unless we get a sore throat or some other infection. What exactly are tonsils for and are they really of any use? These two clumps of tissue in our throat actually play an important part of your immune system and act as a filter. They fight off germs and other pathogens that enter our mouth and nose.
They filter out bacteria, viruses, and debris like allergens, especially pollen and food particles. Unfortunately, and ironically, they are prone to infections.
You May Like: Which Allergy Medicine Works Fastest
White Spots On Throat Dots Patches No Pain Fever Not Strep Pictures Causes Treatment & Home Remedies
White spots, patches or dots on throat that are accompanies with pain and fever are usually a sign of infections like strep, or oral thrush. However, you might have white spots with no pain or fever and it is not strep. Having just one white spot on back of throat is also common. Explore the causes of white spots, dots or patches on throat, including cancer. Learn how to get rid of them, treatments and home remedies.
Oral Thrush Or Oral Candidiasis
Oral thrush is another cause of white spots on throat. Oral thrush is a fungal attack or yeast infection that originates from candida albicans that usually affects mouth and throat. The condition leads to large white patches and dots on the tongue, the roof of the mouth, gums, inside of cheeks and on the throat.
Oral thrush can often appear in the mouth of toddler, infants or children. Adults also can develop a yeast infection in the mouth. According to Mayo clinic, oral thrush can develop after using strong antibiotics in the body systems that kill bacteria in the mouth that control the growth of the yeast.
Oral is a mild condition that cannot develop into a serious condition. However, people with weakened immune system, oral thrush can cause a serious damage on their throats.
Signs and symptoms of oral thrush on your throat include:
- Creamy white patches on tonsils, tongue, gums and on roof of the mouth
- Tiny white bumps on tonsils
- Pain or irritation of throat
- Loss of taste especially to infants
- Difficulties in chewing and swallowing food
- Soreness of throat
Recommended Reading: Allergy Claritin
How Are White Spots On Your Throat Treated
The treatment of white spots in the throat depends upon the cause.
Your doctor will do a detailed examination, take your medical history, and conduct tests for planning the treatment.
- Antibiotics may be given in case of bacterial infections.
- Oral thrush may be treated with antifungal mouthwashes or oral medications.
- Viral infections such as herpes may be treated with appropriate medications including antiviral drugs, plenty of fluids, and rest.
Anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids may be prescribed to relieve pain and swelling.
Cancer may be treated depending upon its stage and grade. The treatment options may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Tonsil removal surgery or tonsillectomy may be done to treat tonsillitis.
Signs & Symptoms Of A Cold
A sore throat is a common first symptom from a run-of-the-mill cold virus. Viral sore throats such as those associated with a cold typically improve within the first 24 to 48 hours. Other symptoms that may accompany them include a runny nose, sneezing, and cough. In some cases, a low-grade fever and mild body aches may also be present. While there is no cure for a cold, there are steps that can be taken to ease symptoms and keep you comfortable. Over-the-counter pain and cold medications, sore throat lozenges and sprays, and nasal sprays may all be useful. Additionally, patients with a cold should stay well rested and drink plenty of fluids as they recover.
Also Check: Tryptase Level Anaphylaxis
Can You Get A Bacterial Infection On Your Tongue
Bacterial and viral infections on the tongue and mouth are relatively common, and in most cases can be taken care of with proper diagnosis and treatment. Several infections that may affect the mouth and tongue include: Tonsil Stones Also known as Tonsilloliths, are bacterial infections that affect your tonsils.
Does White Spots On Throat Mean Strep
You might see white dots or patches in the back of your throat. Your tonsils the bumps on either side at the back of your throat might be red and swollen, too. These could be signs of bacterial infection like strep throat or oral thrush, or a viral infection like oral herpes or mononucleosis.
Can you have white patches in your throat and not have strep? Infectious mononucleosis is another common cause of white patches in the throat. Symptoms include fatigue, sore throat, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, a rash, and a swollen spleen. Unlike strep throat, mononucleosis is usually not treated with antibiotics, since it is caused by a virus instead of a bacteria.
Do white spots in throat mean strep? You might see white dots or patches in the back of your throat. Your tonsils the bumps on either side at the back of your throat might be red and swollen, too. These could be signs of bacterial infection like strep throat or oral thrush, or a viral infection like oral herpes or mononucleosis.
Whats strep throat look like? Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck. Fever.
Recommended Reading: Robotussin Drug
Risk Factors For Pharyngitis And Tonsillitis
Frequent exposure to germs is the major risk factor for getting pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
Viral and bacterial infections are spread by close contact with other people who are sick. As a result, children attending school or daycare are at risk. This is especially true during the winter months, when most viral and bacterial infections occur.
Ways To Prevent Sore Throat
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
- Avoid sharing drinking glasses and food
- Sneeze or cough using a tissue and dispose it afterwards
- Use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol as an alternative when you are not in reach of water and soap.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
Lau Medical is a family practice located near you. Our offices are located in Chicago. We offer services such as family medicine, pediatric care, integrative medicine and many more. Our team is committed to provide our patients with quality service care. Book an appointment with us and enjoy the services provided.
You May Like: Allergy Medication Non Drowsy
What Does Chlamydia In The Throat Look Like
Chlamydia in the throat may cause white spots to appear in the back of the throat or tonsils. If you have swollen tonsils and any other symptom that resembles a strep throat infection, it may be wise to still get tested for chlamydia. These white spots may resemble tonsillitis that are caused by a bacterial infection.
White Lumps In Throat
The appearance of white lumps in the throat is due to tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths. The condition should not raise alarm since they do not make anyone feel ill. The factors can also result in bad breath.
Tonsil stones appear as a result of the collection of food debris in the pockets of the palatal tonsils at the back of the throat. This environment makes the tonsil region to be favorable for bacterial growth which later results in the development of tonsil stones.
Also Check: Allergy Meds Non Drowsy
Gargling With Salt Water
Inflamed tonsils can be healed using salt water. Warm salt water can remove the patches with just one or two gargles. Heres how to get rid of white plaque in the throat by gargling.
Salty water has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and will help you eliminate any infections in the mouth and throat that cause white lines on tonsils.
- Hard area on the gums, throat and inner mouth lining
- Red, raised lesions
Smoking cessation often resolves the white spots, but your doctor may give further counsel on the same.Oral thrust: This is a fungal infection in the mouth, though it can affect anyone, this infection is common in children. In both children and adult, it can occur as a side effect of medication such as oral steroids. Apart from children, people with weak or compromised immune system are at an increased of developing this condition. In most of the case, the white spots are the only sign other symptoms may include:
- Sore throat
Stomach Acid Isnt Staying Put
Reflux that affects the throat is called laryngopharyngeal reflux , or LPR. LPR is a very common problem in the U.S., mostly from poor diet, says Dr. Zalvan. When stomach acid travels up and into the throat on the regular, the chronic burning and irritation can cause sore and swollen tonsils.
You might also feel the need to clear your throat a lot, have trouble swallowing, or get saddled with a cough that just wont quit.
If you suspect LPR is whats messing with your tonsils, avoid aggravating factors, such as acidic or spicy foods and drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, says Dr. Morrison, who also recommends sleeping with sufficient pillows to keep yourself propped up, popping antacids as needed, and steering clear of tight-fitting waistbands.
Read Also: Robitussin Decongestant And Expectorant
How Do You Know If You Have A Bacterial Infection In Your Throat
Symptoms
Does strep throat go away by itself? These kinds of sore throats usually go away on their own in 4 to 5 days. If you have strep throatwhich is caused by bacteriayour doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, such as penicillin. But strep throat goes away on its own in 3 to 7 days with or without antibiotics.
What viral infection causes white patches throat?
Infectious mononucleosis
This highly contagious viral infection, also called mono, can cause white spots on your tonsils and in your throat. Additional symptoms of mono include: fever. fatigue.
What does leukoplakia look like? Leukoplakia appears as thick, white patches on the inside surfaces of your mouth. It has a number of possible causes, including repeated injury or irritation. It can also be a sign of precancerous changes in the mouth or mouth cancer.
What Are Causes And Symptoms Of White Spots On Tonsils
Tonsil stones: Tonsil stones are hardened white deposits of fragments compiled of bacteria, food particles, dead cells, and mucus. Tonsils normally contain cells to fight off infection, but they can still become infected when the tonsil stones get trapped.
Common symptoms of tonsil stones include bad breath and ear aches. The good news is that tonsil stones dont normally require treatment, but if they cause discomfort or distress your doctor may have to remove your tonsils.
Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, accompanied by fever and swallowing difficulty. Pus inside the white spots on tonsils indicates either a bacterial or a viral infection. Other symptoms of tonsillitis include headache, stiff neck, and fever.
If the cause of the infection is bacterial, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If tonsillitis is recurring, then your doctor will remove your tonsils.
Strep throat/pharyngitis: Strep throat and pharyngitis are similar conditions that can cause white spots on tonsils. Strep throat is more serious than pharyngitis because it is brought on by the strep bacteria, which can cause extreme sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, chills, and in some causes nausea and vomiting.
To treat strep throat, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If strep throat is left untreated it can get progressively worse, and the bacteria may even enter the bloodstream making the condition deadly.
Also Check: Can Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes
Can Acid Reflux Cause White Spots On Throat
Classic tonsil stone symptoms include halitosis , sore throat, ear pain, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and swollen tonsils. These symptoms can make you think that you suffer from a throat infection or acid reflux irritation. However, you can also see tonsil stones as white or yellow spots on the tonsils.
What does strep throat look like? Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck. Fever.
What should the back of my throat look like? A healthy throat is usually consistently pink and shiny. Some people may have noticeable pink tissue on either side of the back of their throat, which is usually the tonsils. Cough, runny nose, or hoarseness that changes the sound of a persons voice. Some people may also have conjunctivitis or pink eye symptoms.
Can white spots on tonsils be viral?
White spots on tonsils are usually caused by pus, and they tend to appear with bacterial infections like strep throat. White spots can also appear with viral infections, such as mononucleosis, measles or cytomegalovirus.
