Tonsillar detritus is characterized by the appearance of white or yellow patches on the tonsils. This condition can be caused by many things, so the treatment must be adjusted to the underlying cause.
Tonsillar detritus forms when bacteria and other materials, such as dead cells, mucus, saliva, and food debris, get trapped in the crypts (indentations) of the tonsils, which harden over time. This condition is usually triggered by recurrent tonsillitis (tonsillitis) or chronic inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding areas.
The appearance of tonsillar detritus usually also has other symptoms, such as runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, difficulty swallowing, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and bad breath. In some cases, tonsillar detritus can cause swollen tonsils to make it difficult for you to breathe.
Various Conditions That Cause Tonsil Detritus
White or yellow patches on the tonsils are generally caused by a buildup of bacteria and food debris in the grooves of the tonsils. However, several conditions or diseases can cause tonsillar detritus, such as:
1. Inflammation of the tonsils
Tonsil detritus is generally triggered by inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis), which is inflammation of the tonsils (tonsils). This condition is usually caused by bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, however other bacteria and viruses can also cause inflammation in the tonsils.
Symptoms that appear when you have tonsillitis are fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and headache.
2. Sore throat
Sore throat is characterized by the appearance of pain in the throat. This condition is generally caused by a bacterial infection 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, this disease is also characterized by other symptoms, such as swelling in the throat, the appearance of weakness, difficulty swallowing, fever, headaches, and experiencing flu-like symptoms. Anyone can get strep throat, but this condition is more common in young children and teenagers.
3. Oral candidiasis
Candidiasis of the mouth (oral candidiasis) is a fungal infection Candida albicans which develops on the walls of the mouth. This condition triggers the formation of whitish lumps on the inner cheeks, gums, or tonsils. Oral candidiasis is also characterized by other symptoms such as pain around the clot, dry and cracked skin at the corners of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and easy bleeding when the clot is scraped.
Oral candida usually affects infants and people who have weakened immune systems. In addition, long-term use of antibiotics is also possible to trigger the appearance of oral candidiasis.
4. Tonsil stones
Tonsil stones are calcium deposits that form in small cracks in the tonsils. These deposits are formed due to the buildup of food debris, mucus, and bacteria, so that they look like white or yellow spots on the tonsils. Common symptoms caused by tonsil stones are bad breath, sore throat, and ear pain.
5. Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis or glandular fever is an infection caused by a virus Epstein-Barr (EBV). When a person is infected with this disease, white patches around the tonsils will appear.
Other symptoms that are also felt when exposed to mononucleosis are headache, fever, skin rash on the body, swollen lymph nodes, and weakness. The spread of this infection is through saliva.
In addition to the above conditions, 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 also more prone to white patches on the tonsils.
Not only that, being in close proximity to people with tonsillar detritus also increases your risk of contracting throat diseases, such as strep throat or mononucleosis.
How to Overcome Tonsil Detritus
Treatment of tonsillar detritus 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. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids for severe inflammatory conditions.
As for strep throat due to bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. To relieve swelling and pain, your doctor will give you painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If your tonsillitis is caused by candidiasis, your doctor will prescribe antifungal medication. Meanwhile, for tonsil stones, no special treatment is given, unless the tonsil stones have caused discomfort in the throat.
To help relieve the symptoms of tonsillar detritus, there are several things you can do at home, namely:
- The rest
- Gargle with a salt water solution, for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Drink warm drinks that don't contain caffeine, such as chicken stock or herbal teas.
- Avoid places that have high levels of pollution. Wear a mask when traveling to protect yourself from exposure to dust and dirty air.
- Use humidifier to help soothe a dry throat.
If tonsillar detritus persists for several days, accompanied by pain, difficulty swallowing and breathing, you may have an infection or airway obstruction. Immediately consult an ENT doctor if these symptoms occur to get the right examination and treatment.