White spots on throat or the tonsils are often seen as an indication of an infection. The white dots on throat can occur with no pain or no fever. Strep throat and some STDs can cause white bumps and patches on back of throat.
In many cases, the spots will be painful or highly irritating. The pain can be worse, when you have to swallow something, or when your throat is exposed to acidic foods.
These spots could also be as a result of incurring an injury, or when you are exposed to harmful chemicals.
White spots on throat will in many instances be accompanied by the following:
- Sore throats
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
- Sinus pressure or pain
- Body aches
- Runny nose
- Problems when eating or swallowing food.
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that could lead to white patches on throat. The infection is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria and is not only common, but it also happens to be very contagious.
When you contract it, you can expect to have a tender and painful sore throat that will be accompanied by symptoms such as fever.
What Causes White Spots on Back of Throat?
As a human being, your health is always your greatest asset, and it is therefore always discomforting when you realize that you are not at your best due to the white patches on throat.
For instance, white patches on the throat are an indication of serious health concerns, which may include yeast and bacterial infections.
It is important that you do not ignore any of the symptoms as they could indicate a serious underlying condition, which you should have check immediately.
The causes include:
1. Strep Throat
Strep throat is one condition that is quite popular amongst teenagers and small children. However, you should understand that adults could also get it.
Strep throats are caused by bacteria and are highly contagious. It comes accompanied by symptoms such as:
- White spots on throat
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Difficulty swallowing food.
If you leave the condition untreated, it could lead to more serious conditions within your body such as the inflammation of your kidney.
2. Tonsil Stones
Tonsil stones lead to the formation of calcium deposits at the back of the throat in the small crevices found within your tonsil.
Some of these changes can be brought about either by bacteria, food particles that have not been swallowed, or the presence of large amounts of mucus.
When the calcium deposits start forming, they occur in different sized, and will often be very painful when they occur.
Additional symptoms of tonsil stones will include having a metallic taste in the mouth, bad breath, and encountering difficulties when swallowing.
3. Tonsillitis
It is a viral or bacterial illness, which causes the appearance of white spots on throat, fever, and is accompanied by difficulty in swallowing food.
At times, you may also notice the lymph nodes begin to swell at the side of your neck.
4. Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is accompanied by symptoms such as white spots on throat, ragged mouth corners, throat pain, and difficulties in swallowing food.
Oral thrush is an infection brought about by yeast infections and is very common in adults, and small babies that may have an immune system that has become weak with time.
5. Oral Herpes
Oral herpes comes with symptoms such as lip sores and white spots on throat. Oral herpes is brought about by the herpes simplex virus and is highly contagious.
It is often spread from person to person through oral sex, or by sharing utensils by someone who is already infected.
Additional symptoms include difficulty swallowing, breathing, burning, and itching.
6. Candidacies
It is a condition that is characterized by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, and the presence of a burning sensation in the mouth.
Often, this condition is brought about by a yeast infection, and although it is rare, it can often be found in people who have immune systems that are weakened.
7. Drugs
Frequent usage of drugs such as aspirins has also been known to cause white spots on throat. The white spots will often appear as though they have been caused by burns.
Often, this condition will become more apparent, when you chew the pill instead of swallowing it. If the white spots on throat have been brought about by taking drugs too many times, you will need to ensure that you start swallowing your medication instead of chewing it.
8. Chemical Exposure
Exposure to chemicals may cause the appearance of white spots on throat, or at the back of your throat.
It is therefore recommended to ensure that you seek help as soon as you get exposed to chemicals as this may ensure that white spots on throat will not begin to form.
White Spots on Throat No Pain
It is common to find people complaining of pain coming from their throats. When this pain becomes recurring or is persistent in nature, it is always recommended that you consult with a physician.
You may find that the white patched been seen on your throat have been brought about by pus that has been accumulating for a long period. It could also mean that the white patches are because of tonsil stones, hence the need to visit a GP.
White Bumps on Throat Not Strep
Having white spots on throat is bound to be very disconcerting. This is more so when these white patches have been accompanied by additional symptoms.
When you come across white patches in your throat, this could be an indication of a number of conditions such as the bacterial infection, or the development of oral yeast.
It is vital to make sure that you do not ignore the conditions that are associated with the formation of white spots in your mouth as this could indicate a serious underlying medical condition, which will need to be checked out as soon as possible.
Home Remedies for White Spots on Throat
White patches on the throat are not only highly contagious, but they could also mean that you have a serious underlying problem.
In many cases, the white patches are brought about by viruses or bacteria and can be transmitted by sneezing, coughing, or by touching a person who is infected.
It is the main reason why it is recommended that you seek immediate medical treatment. Before you seek professional medical treatment, you can try the following home remedies, which will help in managing your symptoms, and in keeping the infection at bay as well.
1. Salt Water
The best treatment for the spots while at home will be to gargle some warm water. Gargling warm water is helpful as the water has a soothing effect, and the salt that has been added to it is vital when it comes to killing bacteria and viruses.
Salt, a common ingredient in all households has also been known to help in dealing with inflammations, and in the process provides you with instant relief.
Directions
- Prepare a cup of warm water and add a tablespoon of normal salt
- It is recommended that you do not swallow the solution, but instead, you should use it to gargle
- Once done gargling, spit out the water
- Repeat the gargling procedure as often as possible
2. Lemon
Lemons are not only readily available in all homes, but they also come with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which will help you fight the infection, while at the same time taking care of the inflammation.
It contains many vitamins, which will help in improving your body’s resistance to dealing with infections.
Directions
- Squeeze the juice from a single lemon and add it to lukewarm water
- You will also need to add a pinch of salt, and a single teaspoon of honey
- Once you have combined all this, proceed to drink the solution very slowly, and be sure to take it at least two times each day
- Alternatively, you could take some pepper and salt, and proceed to sprinkle it on a single lemon slice
- Once sprinkled, you will need to suck this lemon
3. Basil
You can also take Basil to help you deal with the white patches. It comes with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
In addition, it also comes with soothing and healing properties, which help in managing the pain, as well as reducing the swelling.
Basil is also vital in speeding up the healing process
Directions
- Pick twelve Basil leaves and blend them a single cup of water
- You will need to boil this blend for at least ten minutes
- Pick the juice and strain the water from the solution
- You could also choose to add a single cup of honey to it in a bid to make it sweeter
- Drink the blend for at least three days
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the home ingredients that come with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help in fighting infections brought about by the white patches, while at the same time being able to relieve the symptoms, which are likely to be very irritating
Directions
- Pick a single teaspoon of turmeric powder and proceed to add it to a glass of salt water
- You have to make sure that you use this mixture to gargle a few times each day
- It is recommended that you gargle every evening before you go to bed and it will help in eliminating soreness, and getting rid of inflammation
- Alternatively, you could pick a single teaspoon of turmeric powder, blend it with ground black pepper, and add it to a single glass of warm milk.
- Ensure that you drink this blend for three days
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another very important ingredient that is used in treating white spots at the back of the throat from the comfort of your home.
It comes with microbial properties, which are vital in inhibiting bacterial growth as well as other micro-organisms. Apart from inhibiting growth, it will also help in managing pain, reducing swelling, and eliminating inflammation.
Directions
- Scoop a single teaspoon of cinnamon powder and add it to your glass of hot water
- To make it sweeter, you can add some honey to it
- You should drink it while still warm
- You will need to take it for at least two days
6. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm, another home ingredient comes with mucilage, which is a gel-like substance, and which has been known to help ease inflammation, pain, and soreness
When you ingest it, it will help in soothing the tissues that have become inflamed as a result of the white patches.
It also helps in dealing with the mucus membranes that are found in the throat area.
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Direction
- Scoop a single teaspoon of slippery elm powder and add it to a single cup of boiling water
- You should allow this solution to steep for at least five minutes before using a sieve to strain the solution
- It is highly recommended that you drink the strained juice while it is still warm
- Alternatively, you can choose to mix the slippery elm with cayenne powder honey, and some water
- You will need to consume two teaspoons of this mixture for the next few days
7. Mint
It has always been believed that mint contains antimicrobial properties, and is, therefore, vital in helping deal with viruses and bacteria, which helps in dealing with the white spots, and patches.
Mint also comes with menthol, which is vital in helping deal with irritated mucus membranes found in the throat, and will provide relief from all your symptoms.
Directions
- You will need to boil a single glass of water that has been combined with mint leaves.
- Allow this blend to boil for at least half an hour
- Once it has boiled, strain it, and then add a single teaspoon of honey
- You will also need to ensure that you drink the solution while it is still warm
- It is recommended that you drink the solution for three days
- Alternatively, you could choose to gargle using a mint-flavored mouthwash for several times in a week.
8. Fenugreek
Meth, also called Fenugreek, contains antibacterial properties, which are important when dealing with white spots, and white patches.
Its bacterial properties are vital when dealing with inflammation and pain from the back of your throat
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Directions
- Scoop two teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds and blend it with two cups of hot water
- You will need to allow this solution to simmer for at least thirty minutes
- Once it has boiled, provide it with some time to cool before you can strain it
- Once it has become cool, take it and use it to gargle for a minimum of thirty seconds, before you proceed to spit it out
- Ensure you repeat this procedure for at least two times each day for as long as you have this problem
9. Carom Seeds
Carom seeds have a lot of nutritional value, which is vital when it comes to dealing with the symptoms that are associated with white spots on the back of throat.
Carom seeds come with many antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, which will play an important role in boosting your immune system, and in the process helping in fighting infections.
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Directions
- Use a pan to heat four teaspoons of carom seeds until they become brown
- Scoop a single teaspoon of turmeric powder, and add it to the blend
- Proceed to add a single cup of warm milk to this solution before blending it well
- Remove the pan from the heat
- Allow the drink to cool down for a few moments, but ensure that you drink it while it is still warm
10. Figs
Figs have become very effective when it comes to dealing with white patches while at home. Given that they contain a very high percentage of mucilage, they will help in reducing soreness, while also reducing any pain that could have been caused by inflammation.
Directions
- Place three dried figs in a pan and proceed to boil them in a single cup of water
- As they are boiling, you will need to smash these fig leaves
- Use a tablespoon to eat the smashed fig leaves
- Consider adding a little honey to sweeten the leaves
- Alternatively, locate fresh figs, boil, and smash the leaves.
As the leaves are boiling, start smashing them, and continue to grind the leaves. Once it is completely smashed, scoop this paste and apply it to the outer area of your throat
- It is recommended that you allow it some time to dry before you can use some water to rinse the paste from the throat
- It is recommended that you repeat this daily for the duration of the white patches
Given that, white patches at the back of the throat are considered to be contagious it is recommended that one maintain high levels of hygiene, as this will help make sure that you do not spread the disease to others.
Treatment for White Patches on Throat
If the home remedies do not work, you can always try the following treatment methods.
1) Ensure You Get Plenty of Rest
When the human body is under a lot of stress, you will find that you will need a lot of down time for you to speed up the healing process
It is important for you to prioritize getting good sleep. Therefore, you must make sure that you get a minimum of seven hours each night.
You will need to provide yourself with a break every once in a while or stay away from your normal routine for a few days.
2) Treat All the Throat Symptoms Naturally
People with white patches on back of throat will often experience swollen, and very sore throats.
When you have such symptoms, it is recommended that you try and ease the pain by following the recommendations that have been described above, or by using over the counter medication, such as painkillers.
To deal with the discomfort that will be present in your throat, you are advised to try and drink warm water as often as possible.
You may also choose to suck on some ice or drink fluids that are really cold, in a bid to help ease the swelling that is likely to be present on the back of your throat.
Given that there is a possibility you will experience some trouble swelling, you should ensure that you only consume foods that are smooth, such as fruit smoothies, vegetable juices, or eat mashed potatoes.
According to Dr. Axe, you should ensure that you drink lots of fluids, which will help in flushing your system, while at the same time ensuring that the body is hydrated at all times. You must, however, make certain that you do not drink irritating fluids, like sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, or acidic drinks, as they may worsen your condition.
3) Try Using a Humidifier or Vaporizer
Humidifiers and vaporizers help in moistening the dry indoor air, and these helps in relieving any discomfort that you could be experiencing in the throat or the mouth, due to breathing in the indoor air, which has been treated.
It is especially vital during the winter seasons when you find yourself spending too much time indoors, and you thus do not get to become exposed to fresh air.
The more clean air you breathe, the less swollen your air passages become, and this will make you feel better much quicker, and help your body get rid of all the infections.
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- Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier (Check price on Amazon)
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- Pallas 2019 Humidifier – 5L Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier for Bedroom, Baby, Home, Vaporizer for Large Room (Check price on Amazon)
- TaoTronics 4L Humidifiers for Bedroom (Check price on Amazon)
It is highly recommended that you first try the home remedies that have been outlined above, before trying any treatment methods. If you try the home remedies, and they fail to work, make sure to consult your GP.
The GP will be able to diagnose your problem after looking at the causes. A suitable treatment method will also be recommended, which will help in getting rid of your symptoms, and in dealing with any infection, or soreness that could be present.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5OPdWAgDik
References;
- https://draxe.com/tonsillitis/
- http://www.healthline.com/health/white-spots-on-tonsils
- http://patient.info/health/sore-throat-leaflet
- http://www.livestrong.com/article/346628-what-causes-white-spots-in-the-throat/
- http://www.treatcurefast.com/throat/white-spots-tonsils/white-spots-on-tonsils-get-rid-no-pain-std-not-strep-fever-patches-dots-stuff/
