Tonsillitis Infection Causes And Treatment

By Patricia | January 20, 2010

Pus and white spots on tonsils can be symptoms of throat disorders such as a sore throat and tonsillitis. The oval shaped lymphatic tissues located on either side of the back of the throat are known as the tonsils. Tonsils secrete mucous that fight against the bacteria and viruses entering into the mouth and sinus region. Pus spots on tonsils occur when excess of mucus is secreted as a result of bacterial infection.

Most people that have tonsillitis do not usually need a tonsillectomy. However, if the tonsillitis is severe and the pus has begun to overflow in your mouth, a tonsillectomy may be the only chance you have to stop the infection from spreading all over the body.

Causes And Home Remedies

Tonsils are the vital part of our immune system as it is the body’s natural defense system that acts against infections. Under normal conditions, the color of tonsils is similar to that of our throat. The pus patches and white spots that are seen on tonsils could be a symptom of tonsillitis. The inflammation of tonsils is known as tonsillitis. Sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, headache, and a scratchy voice are some of the symptoms of tonsillitis.

The pus spots on the tonsils may be the indication of viral or bacterial infection, and the accumulation of pus on tonsils results in white patches. Pus patches on tonsils are the symptoms of throat disorders such as swollen tonsils, tonsillitis infection, sore throat, and strep throat.

Causes

The infection of viruses and bacteria causes tonsillitis. When white blood cells fight against microbes, pus spots on tonsils occur. The manifestation of pus on tonsils results in inflammation of tonsils. There are several causes that can trigger the formation of pus patches on tonsils. The most common causes include

  • Tonsillitis
  • Sore throat
  • Strep throat
  • Tonsil stones
  • Oral thrush
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Eating too many sweets and not drinking adequate water afterwards
  • White patches may be the symptoms of underlying oral disease and allergies
  • Infections associated with nasal congestion, cough, runny nose, sinus pain, difficulty in swallowing also cause white patches on tonsils.

Symptoms

Besides pus on tonsils, other symptoms include the following:

  • Bad breath
  • Fever and chills
  • Chronic stomach aches
  • Swollen and painful lymph glands
  • Fatigue
  • A sensation of lumpy feeling in the throat
  • Sore throat
  • Red inflamed tonsils
  • Excessive phlegm

Treatment

It is recommended to access the severity of the condition before opting for a home treatment regimen. If you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, frequent swallowing, or high fever more than 24 hours, it is necessary to seek medical help. If you observe white spots spread all over the oral cavity, consult a doctor immediately.

Since, in most cases, the cause cannot be diagnosed from the symptoms alone, using a throat swab, most doctors will confirm the cause of a sore throat with pus on the tonsils and prescribe medicines accordingly. If the white patches on tonsils are caused by bacteria, a course of antibiotics can be prescribed.

The health professional will examine the pus on tonsils and will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. If bacteria like streptococcus cause pus on tonsils, antibiotics like penicillin are given. Pus due to abscesses can be removed by inserting a needle into the infected area.

Home remedies

Apart from medications, you can ease the discomfort of pus patches on tonsils using simple home remedies.

  • Gargle with warm saline water frequently. Gargling the saline solution first in the morning, before and after meals, and before retiring to sleep help to relieve you from discomfort.
  • Eat healthy food and avoid taking too many sweets.
  • Abstain from drinking alcohol and smoking.
  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Mix honey and lemon juice. Sip the solution little by little. It helps to alleviate throat pain.
  • Sucking throat lozenges also helps to reduce throat pain.

Make sure that you check with your doctor before you actually begin with any of the home treatments.

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