· White spots on your tonsils are usually a sign of a bacterial or viral infection, so it's a good idea to get checked out by a healthcare provider to determine and treat the underlying cause. White spots on your tonsils are often a sign of an infection, like strep throat or tonsillitis. Depending on the exact cause, you may need antibiotics. Talk with a healthcare professional right away if the spots are accompanied by pain or a fever.If you suddenly see white spots on your tonsils, you might be concerned. However, in many cases, you can easily treat the underlying cause and avoid surgical removal of the tonsils.See full list on healthline.comWhite discoloration may appear only on the tonsils or it may appear around the tonsils and throughout the mouth. The discoloration may look like streaks in the back of the throat or blotches on or around the tonsils. In addition to the white spots, your tonsils may feel scratchy and you might find it difficult to swallow. Other symptoms that often accompany white spots on the tonsils include: •sneezing•a sore throat•coughingSee full list on healthline.comInfectious mononucleosisThe Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis, or mono. It’s an infection that spreads through saliva, which is why it’s sometimes called “the kissing disease.” People who develop mono will frequently experience white patches of pus around the tonsils. Other symptoms include: •flu-like symptoms •headaches •fevers •body rashes •swollen lymph nodes •fatigueAlso, if penicillin family antibiotics are prescribed for mono, they may cause a rash.Strep throatStrep throat, or streptococcal pharyngitis, is a contagious disease. The bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes causes it. It’s most common in children, but it frequently occurs in teenagers and adults as well. It causes white streaks or spots in the throat. Other symptoms of strep throat include: •weakness •fatigue •inflammation and swelling of the throat •difficulty swallowing •a fever •a headache •flu-like symptomsThe bacteria often spread through contact with droplets from someone else’s sneezes or coughs.TonsillitisTonsillitis is a general term that refers to an infection of the tonsils. This infection usually occurs due to S. pyogenes, but other bacteria or a virus can also cause it. When your tonsils try to fight the infection, they swell and can produce white pus. Other symptoms of tonsillitis include: •a fever •a sore throat •difficulty swallowing •a headacheSee full list on healthline.comPeople with a weakened immune system are at an increased risk of white spots on the tonsils. Other risk factors depend on the specific condition. For example, being in close quarters, such as in a school or childcare facility, can increase your risks of strep throat and mono.See full list on healthline.comYour doctor will ask about your other symptoms and will likely run a swab over the white spots on your tonsils. They’ll then test the swab to see if the sample contains any pathogens. They’ll also perform a physical exam and gently feel your lymph nodes to see if they’re swollen or tender. See full list on healthline.comFor infectious mononucleosisDoctors don’t usually prescribe medications to treat mono. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids for severe inflammation, as well over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen. Your best course of treatment will be good home care. Get plenty of rest and fluids while the infection runs its course. Avoid contact sports if your spleen is enlarged.For strep throatYour doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), to reduce swelling and pain. In addition to taking medication, get a lot of rest. You may also try gargling warm salt water, which can help reduce swelling and pain.For oral thrushDoctors usually prescribe antifungal medications to treat thrush. Gargling salt water and rinsing your mouth with water may help prevent the yeast from spreading beyond your mouth.See full list on healthline.comWhite spots on your tonsils could have many different causes. Usually, the conditions causing whiteness in the throat can be managed easily either with medications prescribed by a doctor or with home therapies, such as gargling salt water, getting plenty of rest, or drinking warm liquids. The treatment will depend on the cause. In extreme or recurrent cases, a doctor might recommend removal of the tonsils. You should call a doctor to set up an appointment if you’ve had the white spots for several days or if they are very painful or make it difficult for you to swallow. You may have an infection that requires medical treatment. If you’re also having trouble breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention because you’re at risk of an airway obstruction.See full list on healthline.comView allSep 2, 2025 · Causes of white spots on your tonsils can include strep throat, tonsil stones, and oral thrush. Learn how various causes are diagnosed and treated. · Several conditions can cause whitespots to appear on the tonsils, and most are easily treated. Learn more about causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor here. · White spots on tonsils can have a few different causes, including: strep throat, tonsillitis, oral thrush, infectious mononucleosis, and tonsil stones. Find out when to worry about white spots on tonsils. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what causes whitespots on tonsils, explore effective home remedies backed by medical research, and recognize when it's time to seek professional ENT evaluation. · Causes of white spots on your tonsils can include strep throat, tonsil stones, and oral thrush. Learn how various causes are diagnosed and treated. · Several conditions can cause whitespots to appear on the tonsils, and most are easily treated. Learn more about causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor here. · White spots on tonsils can have a few different causes, including: strep throat, tonsillitis, oral thrush, infectious mononucleosis, and tonsil stones. Find out when to worry about white spots on tonsils. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what causes whitespots on tonsils, explore effective home remedies backed by medical research, and recognize when it's time to seek professional ENT evaluation. · Several conditions can cause whitespots to appear on the tonsils, and most are easily treated. Learn more about causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor here. · White spots on tonsils can have a few different causes, including: strep throat, tonsillitis, oral thrush, infectious mononucleosis, and tonsil stones. Find out when to worry about white spots on tonsils. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what causes whitespots on tonsils, explore effective home remedies backed by medical research, and recognize when it's time to seek professional ENT evaluation. Best Pizza in Buenos Aires, Capital Federal District: Find Tripadvisor traveller reviews of Buenos Aires Pizza places and search by price, location, and more.
