What does it mean if the tonsils are completely white with pus?
Nov 13, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
This disease is a ulcerative membranous inflammation caused by infection with anaerobic bacteria such as Fusobacterium and Treponema vincentii. The bacteria proliferate on the tonsillar and pharyngeal mucosa and produce toxins, leading to the formation of a gray-white or yellow-green pseudomembrane and resulting in halitosis. Medications such as ribavirin tablets, acyclovir tablets, and valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets may be used as prescribed by a physician for antiviral treatment.
Under normal circumstances, the tonsils turning completely white due to pus formation may be caused by residual food debris or secretions, excessive voice use or throat irritation, acute suppurative tonsillitis, pharyngeal diphtheria, or Vincent's angina. The appropriate solution depends on the specific cause to achieve effective treatment. Prompt medical consultation and treatment following medical advice are recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Residual food debris or secretions: When food debris or secretions remain in the tonsillar crypts, they may accumulate over time and form white substances, making the tonsils appear pus-filled and white. This is usually a physiological phenomenon rather than a true infection. No special treatment is necessary; regular observation and improved oral hygiene can help remove the debris.
2. Excessive voice use or throat irritation: Prolonged loud talking, singing, or throat irritation caused by smoke, spicy foods, or other irritants may lead to tonsillar congestion and edema, resulting in an appearance resembling pus formation and whitening. It is important to rest the voice, avoid excessive voice strain, maintain humid indoor air, and avoid irritants such as spicy foods and smoke.
3. Acute suppurative tonsillitis: This condition is primarily caused by pathogenic bacteria such as group B hemolytic streptococcus invading the tonsils. These pathogens produce large amounts of toxins and exotoxins that irritate the tonsillar mucosa, causing congestion, edema, and exudate, which lead to pus formation and whitening of the tonsils, accompanied by difficulty swallowing. Antibiotic treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefixime capsules, or azithromycin tablets.
4. Pharyngeal diphtheria: This condition is caused by infection with Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacteria multiply in the throat and produce toxins that cause gray-white patchy or spotted pseudomembranes on the tonsils and pharyngeal mucosa, resulting in sore throat. Anti-infective treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as roxithromycin capsules, cefixime capsules, or phenoxymethylpenicillin tablets.
5. Vincent's angina: This ulcerative membranous inflammation is caused by infection with anaerobic bacteria such as Fusobacterium and Borrelia vincentii. The bacteria multiply on the mucous membranes of the tonsils and throat and produce toxins that lead to the formation of gray-white or yellow-green pseudomembranes, accompanied by halitosis. Antiviral medications such as ribavirin tablets, acyclovir tablets, or valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets may be used under medical supervision.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding irritants such as spicy foods and smoke can help prevent tonsillar suppuration.
