Having white spots or patches in your throat can be disconcerting, especially if you are experiencing other symptoms. White areas located in a throat can indicate a number of medical conditions, ranging from the development of oral yeast to bacterial infections. Conditions associated with white spots in the mouth or throat should not be ignored, because they can pose a significant threat. See a doctor if you have these spots in your throat, particularly if you also have a fever.
Tonsillitis
The tonsils are tissues located in the back of your throat. Normal tonsils are similar in color to your throat, but they can develop white areas if you have tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is simply inflammation of the tonsils. They may be swollen and cause a number of symptoms, including a sore throat, painful swallowing, a stiff neck, headache and a scratchy voice. You may also develop a fever. Viruses causing tonsillitis require home care, but antibiotics are prescribed if you have a bacterial infection. Repeated episodes of the condition may warrant surgery.
Oral Thrush
Fungus causes oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth. It commonly affects babies, people with poor immune function and those on certain medications. It causes white patches to form in the mouth, on the tongue or in the throat. Thrush can spread into the esophagus in severe cases. Other signs of thrush are cracked mouth corners, poor taste sensation and pain. Antifungal medications are used to treat the condition. Taking supplements or eating unsweetened yogurt with acidophilus may also help, according to MayoClinic.com.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is perhaps the most well-known cause of white spots in the throat. Bacteria causes this painful condition. You also may have swollen tonsils with white areas and pus. Red spots on the roof of your mouth or throat can also develop. Strep throat typically causes considerable throat pain and makes swallowing a challenge. Other symptoms include fever, headache, rash, swollen neck and vomiting. Ignoring strep throat can have serious consequences; it can affect your kidneys and cause rheumatic fever, according to MayoClinic.com. It's treated with antibiotics.
Mononucleosis
A viral infection causes mono, a condition that can affect your health for months. The fatigue associated with mono progresses gradually, as do other symptoms, including a sore throat. You may notice white or yellow spots form in the back of your throat on your tonsils.Having a strep throat infection that doesn't go away can also be a sign of mono. Formation of a rash, muscle aches, drowsiness, poor appetite, swollen lymph nodes and a swollen spleen are other common symptoms. Treatment involves managing symptoms and any associated infections. Fatigue from mono can last for two to three months.
