What causes white sores at the back of my throat at 19?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 19 years old. I have white sores at the back of my throat. I am worried if it is herpes. However, when I read about them online, it suggests tonsillitis. I do not have any other health problems.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The condition is follicular tonsillitis. The white part is pus that has developed due to a severe infection of the tonsils. I suggest you get a few basic investigations to help in proper treatment planning.

They are:

1. Culture and sensitivity of throat (for identification of the infective organism and planning the most effective antibiotic)

2. Gram stain of the throat.

3. CBC (complete blood count), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), blood sugar (fasting and post-prandial).

I also suggest the following treatment plan:

1. Tablet Paracetamol 500 mg twice a day.

2. Tablet Amoxycillin 500 mg thrice a day. This antibiotic may be changed later, as per the culture and sensitivity report.

3. Warm saline gargling.

4. Cough syrup having mucolytic and antihistamine.

5. Intake of adequate oral fluids.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.