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Various Causes of Tonsillar Detritus and How to Overcome It

Have you ever seen white patches on your tonsils, or so-called tonsillar detritus? If so, maybe it's a sign that you have an infection in the throat. Know the various causes of white spots on the tonsils and how to overcome them. Tonsillar detritus is formed when bacteria and other materials, such as dead cells, mucus, saliva, and food scraps, are trapped in the tonsillary kripta (indentation) which eventually hardens. This condition can be triggered by recurrent tonsillitis (tonsillitis) or chronic inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding areas. Those who experience tonsillary detritus formation usually also have other symptoms, such as colds, sore throats, coughs, fever, difficulty swallowing, headaches, swelling in lymph nodes, and bad breath. In some cases, tonsillar detritus can cause swollen tonsils which can make it difficult to breathe.

Various Conditions That Cause Tonsillar Detritus

White patches on the tonsils are generally caused by a buildup of bacteria and leftovers in the curve of the tonsils. However, there are various other disease conditions that can cause tonsillar detritus, namely:
  • Tonsillitis

  • Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) is inflammation that occurs in the tonsils (tonsils). This condition is usually caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, but other bacteria and viruses can also cause inflammation in the tonsils. Symptoms that arise when you experience tonsillitis, include fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and headaches.
  • Sore throat

  • Sore throat is inflammation and pain in the throat caused by a bacterial infection of Streptococcus pyogenes, but it can also be caused by viruses, allergies, or exposure to substances that irritate the throat. Sore throat due to bacterial infection can be characterized by the appearance of white streaks or patches in the throat. In addition, there are other symptoms that arise from this disease, such as feeling weak, swelling in the throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, headaches, and experiencing flu-like symptoms. Sore throat generally attacks more children and adolescents.
  • Oral candidiasis

  • Oral candidiasis, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection of Candida albicans that develops in the mouth wall. In oral candidiasis, there are white colored lumps on the inside cheeks, gums, or on the tonsils. Other symptoms include pain around the lump, dry and cracked skin in the corner of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and easy bleeding when the lump is scratched. This condition usually attacks infants and people who have a weak immune system, as well as the side effects of antibiotics in the long term.
  • Tonsil stones

  • Tonsil stones are calcium deposits that form in small cracks in the tonsils. These deposits are formed due to a buildup of food debris, mucus, and bacteria, so that it looks like white or yellow spots on the tonsils. Common symptoms arising from tonsil stones are bad breath, sore throat, and ear pain.
  • Mononucleosis

  • Mononucleosis which is also known as glandular fever is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The spread of this infection is through saliva. Symptoms arising from mononucleosis include headaches, fever, skin rashes on the body, swollen lymph nodes, and weakness. This condition can be one of the causes of white patches around the tonsils.
Apart from the various conditions above, tonsillar detritus can also be caused by other less common diseases, such as leukoplakia, oral cancer, to HIV / AIDS. People who have a weak immune system are more prone to experiencing white spots on the tonsils. Not only that, being in close proximity to people with tonsillar detritus also increases your risk of contracting a sore throat, such as strep throat or mononucleosis.

How to Overcome Tonsil Detritus

Treatment for tonsillar detritus sufferers depends on the underlying cause. If the white patches on the tonsils are caused by mononucleosis, you are advised to rest and drink enough water until the symptoms have improved. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids for severe inflammatory conditions. As for strep throat due to bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can be used to help reduce the swelling and pain that arises. For the condition of tonsillar detritus caused by candidiasis, the doctor will prescribe an antifungal drug to treat it. As for tonsil stones, no special handling is needed, except for tonsil stones causing discomfort in the throat. Some other treatments you can take at home to help relieve the symptoms of tonsillar detritus are:
  • Enough rest.
  • Gargle using salt water solution, for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • Consume warm drinks that do not contain caffeine, such as chicken broth or herbal teas.
  • Avoid places that have high levels of pollution. Wear a mask when traveling, to protect you from exposure to dust and dirty air.
  • Use a humidifier to help relieve dry throat.
If white patches on the tonsils occur for several days, accompanied by pain, difficulty swallowing and breathing, chances are you have an infection or even blocked airways. Immediately consult an ENT doctor if these symptoms occur to get an examination and proper treatment of tonsillar detritus.

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