Do white spots on tonsils always mean strep?

White spots, blotches, or streaks on the tonsils can be a sign of various conditions, including strep throat and oral thrush. Treatment is available for most of these conditions. The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system and located on the back of the throat.

Does white spot on tonsil mean infection?

White spots typically show up on tonsils as the result of a bacterial, viral, or yeast infection. Usually, the best method of treatment is antibiotics to fight the infection. Generally, white spots on tonsils are not dangerous and will go away after you get treated.

Can white spots on throat not be strep?

Strep throat is a common cause of white spots in the throat, but oral thrush, tonsillitis and other infections may also cause this symptom. White spots in the throat are most frequently caused by infections.

Is a sore throat with white spots always strep?

You might see white dots or patches in the back of your throat. Your tonsils — the bumps on either side at the back of your throat — might be red and swollen, too. These could be signs of bacterial infection like strep throat or oral thrush, or a viral infection like oral herpes or mononucleosis.

Can a sore throat cause white spots on tonsils?

Strep Throat When you think about the symptoms of this bacterial infection, a sore throat and trouble swallowing probably come to mind first. But it commonly causes white patches on your tonsils, too.

How can you tell if tonsillitis is bacterial or viral?

If you have tonsillitis that’s caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu, your symptoms may be milder. If your tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, such as a streptococcal infection, your symptoms will usually be more severe and you may also have bad breath.

Are white spots on tonsils bacterial or viral?

Infectious mononucleosis This highly contagious viral infection, also called mono, can cause white spots on your tonsils and in your throat. Additional symptoms of mono include: fever.

How can you tell the difference between strep throat and tonsillitis?

Symptoms

Symptoms of tonsillitis	Symptoms of strep throat
fever	higher fever than in people with tonsillitis
stiff neck	body aches
upset stomach	nausea or vomiting, especially in children
white or yellow discoloration on or around your tonsils	swollen, red tonsils with white streaks of pus

Can white spots on throat be viral?