What should I do if my throat is pus-filled with white spots?

Generally, the presence of white spots and pus in the throat may be caused by poor lifestyle habits, acute epiglottitis, purulent tonsillitis, acute laryngitis, herpangina, and other conditions. Patients should avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, undergo local nebulization therapy, and follow medical advice regarding medication. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment as directed by a healthcare professional. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Poor lifestyle habits: Long-term smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and staying up late may weaken the immune system and increase the risk of throat infections. Patients should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as these habits can worsen pharyngeal inflammation and hinder recovery.

2. Acute epiglottitis: Acute epiglottitis is usually caused by bacterial or viral infection. This infection leads to swelling of the epiglottis and the formation of yellowish-white pus spots locally, manifesting as white spots and pus in the throat. Patients may take anti-inflammatory medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefixime capsules, and prednisone acetate tablets under a doctor's guidance.

3. Purulent tonsillitis: Purulent tonsillitis is mainly triggered by bacterial or viral infections, with common pathogens including hemolytic streptococcus. This condition causes throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and pus formation on the tonsils, resulting in abscesses and white spots. Patients may use analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications such as celecoxib capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, and acetaminophen tablets under medical supervision.

4. Acute laryngitis: Acute laryngitis is usually caused by secondary bacterial infection following viral invasion, potentially leading to acute inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, submucosal tissue, and lymphatic tissue. In addition to symptoms such as throat pain and hoarseness, acute laryngitis can also cause abscesses and white spots in the throat. Patients may use medications under a doctor's guidance, such as Jinhua Qinggan Granules, Isatis Root Granules, and ganciclovir dispersible tablets, which have effects of clearing heat and detoxifying. Local oral and pharyngeal nebulization therapy may also be beneficial.

5. Herpangina: Herpangina is primarily caused by viral infections such as group A coxsackievirus. During an outbreak, this condition may cause abscesses and white spots in the throat, typically appearing in areas such as the nasopharynx, tonsils, and soft palate, presenting as several scattered gray-white small vesicles. Patients may use medications as directed by a physician, such as Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid (herbal medicine), acyclovir tablets, and Tui Re Qingyan Granules, which can clear heat and toxins, inhibit the virus, and relieve sore throat and swelling.

Patients should maintain healthy lifestyle and dietary habits to prevent worsening of the condition.