White 'plaque like' substances on tonsils

hithere44 | 06:58 Mon 31st Mar 2008 | Body & Soul

8 Answers

Hello all!! I just noticed this morning that I have just a few tiny, white 'patches' on my tonsils. Like I said, there very small, they almost look like plaque. I tried scrapping off one, it kind of 'moved' but did not come off... I don't think it's oral thrush, as I've seen that usually is throughout the whole mouth. Is that correct? I ONLY have a couple on my tonsils and no where else in my mouth. I do also have a cold... Anyone know? Thank you!

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sairejayne

I'm not a doctor, but sounds a bit like tonsilitious, (they are white spots on tontils). Do you have a sore throat? I would ask a chemist or your doctor to be sure.
Hope your feeling better soon!!

hithere44

Question Author

yes actually, I have a bit of a sore throat, coughing, stuffy nose, pretty much a cold. : )

Panic Button

Yes, I would say tonsilitis.

The best cure is to lay on the sofa with your duvet, watch films, and let out little moans occasionally.

hithere44

Question Author

what is the difference between oral thrush and tonsillitis (besides I think thrush is all over the mouth right?) Thanks!!

Panic Button

Thrush isa yeast infection, while tonsilitis can be bacterial or viral.

hithere44

Question Author

and how can you tell the difference in terms or appearance? Isn't thrush all over the tongue and cheeks? I only have a couple little white 'patches' on my tonsils...

Scarlett

Oral thrush is an upset of the bacterial contents of your mouth- it is usually caused by taking anti-biotics which kill all bacteria- good and bad. You can also get it from taking steroid inhalers for asthma. If you get it, you have white patches in your mouth, your throat is very very dry (no saliva) and you may feel that your breath smells. You may also have a coating on your tongue. For this you take drops, usually.
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. They act as a gateway to your throat, so are very sensitive to incoming infection. When they suspect infection, they over-react and produce white cells to help fight the infection. Many people have over-zealous tonsils, that over-react and hence get inflamed at the slightest thing. Having tonsillitis all the time is grim and that's why people have them taken out. But the are only trying to do their job!
This is what you have- white blobs on the tonsils. The blobs will come out if prodded but I suggest you leave them alone- they are just trying to fight the infection you have with your cold. You may also feel like your throat is sore. It will pass within a few days but best to stay off work so you don't spread your infection around.