Hi, I Have One Single White Patch On My Throat

Posted on Sat, 9 May 2020

Question: Hi, I have one single white patch on my throat above my right tonsil but not on it. I have had this for approximately 3 weeks and also both tonsils are red but don’t appear particularly swollen. The sore throat is intermittent, with some small difficulty in swallowing on occasion. Sometimes a very small amount of food seems to need to come back up too. There also appear to be cream/yellow patches down the sides of my throat at the bottom and a slight grey/white colour covering my tongue. I also need to clear my throat regularly and spit up phlegm too. I experience some hoarseness.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Laryngopharyngeal reflux

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I have examined the image thoroughly and I am of the opinion that it is absolutely a normal oral cavity.

According to the symptoms that you have described, you seem to be suffering from Laryngopharyngeal reflux secondary to Gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

You would require to take some medicines such as proton pump inhibitors and prokinetics, followed by the home remedies.

The home remedies include:
1. Drink frequent sips of warm water.
2. Try to take food at regular intervals without skipping the meals.
3. Avoid spicy food, oily food, chilled food and beverages.
4. Avoid smoking/excess coffee or tea.

Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Thank you very much for this. Regarding medication for this, do I need to get a prescription for these? Is it something that will go away?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you would require a prescription

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back...

Yes, you would require a prescription. However, more than the medications, it is the home remedies that could give you long term relief.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (11 hours later)

Would that account for the white patch on my throat too please?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The white patch on the tonsils could be the food sticking...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

The white patches on the tonsils could be the food sticking in the crypts of the tonsils, while those on the back of the tongue could be the dairy products sticking over the rough surface of the tongue.

Drinking frequent sips of warm water can reduce this issue.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T