White Patch Near Tonsils: Persistent Sore Throat Concerns
I am a 45-year-old male, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. My health has been complicated by significant gut dysbiosis and a very limited diet. For the past three weeks, I've experienced a persistent sore throat primarily located where the nasal airflow from my left nostril meets my throat at the back. This discomfort feels akin to the initial stages of a cold, characterized by a stinging and itchy sensation. However, it has lingered for an unusually long time. This issue coincides with an incident three weeks ago when professionals from Servpro treated our basement due to a water backup from a broken pipe linked to our septic system. During their cleaning process, I found it impossible to stay in the house, even with the cellar door shut, as the chemicals they deployed induced a similar scratchy sensation in my throat accompanied by uncontrollable sneezing. Additionally, they vented some of their wastewater adjacent to my bedroom window, which I have kept closed since discovering that. Although my sore throat has somewhat improved, it remains a concern. Today, I noticed a white patch in the area positioned in front of my tonsils, in a space just behind the flap that precedes them when viewed from the mouth's front. There is also a smaller round lump that resembles a fluid-filled sac. I’m uncertain about the normalcy of these findings and have scheduled an appointment with my dentist for this Friday. I also intend to reach out to my primary care physician tomorrow, although I may face delays in securing an appointment. One of my primary worries is whether I have sustained chemical burns resulting from an allergic reaction to the cleaning agents used, but I am also aware that other factors could be at play here. I would highly appreciate any insights on this matter. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 9:50:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex situation involving a persistent sore throat, potential exposure to chemicals, and new developments like a white patch near your tonsils. Let’s clarify your concerns and outline some immediate steps to take.
Main Points:
- Your sore throat may be a result of irritation from either chemicals or a viral infection.
- The white patch and lump near your tonsils could indicate a range of things, including an oral infection or irritation.
- It's essential to monitor your symptoms while ensuring you're taking care of your throat.
Explanation: A sore throat that persists for three weeks can indicate various issues, including allergic reactions, irritation from chemicals, infections (like viral or bacterial), or even issues related to your existing gut dysbiosis and limited diet. The white patch near your tonsils may suggest irritation or infection, as this is not usually present in healthy tissues.
Given your history of potential chemical exposure, it's reasonable to consider that your throat irritation could partly stem from this. The chemicals used during cleaning can lead to respiratory and throat discomfort, and allergic reactions are also possible.
Next Steps:
-
Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids, preferably warm (like herbal teas or broths), to soothe your throat and assist with healing.
-
Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of smoke, strong perfumes, or additional chemicals, as these can worsen throat irritation. Ventilate your space as needed but be cautious of air quality.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If your sore throat worsens, if you experience fever, difficulty swallowing, or if the white patch spreads or changes in appearance, this would require prompt medical attention.
-
Gargle: Consider gargling with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to help reduce irritation and inflammation in your throat.
-
Dentist and Doctor Visits: Since you have a dentist appointment scheduled for Friday and you plan to contact your primary care physician, make sure to mention the chemical exposure and the new symptoms in detail. This information will assist both providers in their evaluations.
-
Rest: Ensure you're getting enough rest to allow your body to recover, as fatigue can sometimes exacerbate throat discomfort.
Your health is important, and taking these steps can help you manage your symptoms while ensuring you seek appropriate medical care. Please keep an open line of communication with your healthcare providers regarding any changes or concerns that arise.
Related Questions
Chronic Joint Pain Since Childhood
Since I was eight years old, I’ve endured intense and persistent pain in my joints. Initially, the discomfort was primarily in my knees, characterized by a sharp sensation right beneath the kneecap. As someone on the autism spectrum, I often visualize a strange, soothing thought: the idea of removing my kneecap and using an ice cream scoop to relieve the pressure underneath it. My parents sought help from several medical professionals, all of whom attributed my symptoms to growing pains. I even underwent cancer screenings at the age of nine because doctors felt my level of discomfort was excessive for mere growing pains. At school, I frequently had to wear dual knee braces. When I turned 14, I had a CT scan, but the results were inconclusive; doctors continued to insist it was just growing pains. At 18, I had an X-ray that also revealed nothing abnormal. Now at 20, my joint pain persists and is progressively worsening. My hands now ache in addition to my knees, and on particularly bad days, the pain radiates down to my ankles, making walking and sleeping almost impossible for half the week. The discomfort has entirely hindered my ability to work. My family and I strongly suspect that I may have some form of arthritis, but I struggle to convince the medical community of this due to my young age. My father, who suffers from arthritis himself, often empathizes when I express my pain, telling me, "that sounds familiar." I have broken down in front of numerous doctors, pleading for assistance, yet I consistently leave without answers, only to be scheduled for more scans that come back normal. The medical care I have received thus far has been far from satisfactory; for instance, I was prescribed eye drops that nearly resulted in serious damage to my vision when I consulted an eye specialist. This is just one of many frustrating experiences I’ve faced. I feel completely overwhelmed and in agony, and I have no way to reach out for specialized medical help since my only means of transportation is my father, who is also afflicted by arthritis. I feel lost and in deep pain without a clear path forward.
Seeking Guidance on Persistent Chest Discomfort After Extensive Testing
I'm a 43-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 180 pounds. My journey began around March to April of 2025 when, despite regularly hitting the gym four times a week, I was struck by severe chest pain along with frequent belching and a tight feeling in my diaphragm. At times, the pain became so intense that I feared it might be a heart attack. **Medical History:** In May 2019, I received a diagnosis of **PVS** and have since been under the care of a cardiac electrophysiologist. Upon experiencing these new symptoms, I consulted my EP, who conducted an EKG right then and set me up with a 7-day heart monitor. The results showed no irregularities. Subsequently, I was directed to a cardiologist, who carried out both a **stress test** and an **echocardiogram**, both of which yielded normal findings. Afterward, I returned to my primary care physician, who speculated that my gallbladder might be involved. An **ultrasound** was performed but revealed no issues. I then requested a **chest X-ray**, which also came back normal. My PCP then considered the possibility of a **hiatal hernia** and referred me to a gastroenterologist; unfortunately, that appointment took almost **five months** to materialize. In the meantime, my symptoms persisted, prompting me to cease weightlifting and switch my focus to **cardio and running**. Surprisingly, these activities didn’t exacerbate my symptoms, though the chest pain remained constant. When I finally saw the gastroenterologist, they suggested an **upper endoscopy**, which took another roughly three months to arrange. During this procedure, I was diagnosed with **Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)**, a condition I had not previously experienced. The doctors also placed a pH monitoring device for acid reflux assessment, which indicated **no unusual acid exposure**. Following this, I began a treatment plan that included a swallowed steroid inhaler and an increased dosage of **omeprazole**. Sixty days later, I underwent another endoscopy, which showed that the EOE had largely resolved, with minimal residual symptoms. Unfortunately, my chest discomfort persisted without any improvement. It has now been about **a year** since these issues emerged, and I still have not found substantial relief. A recent chest MRI completed at a dedicated imaging center revealed no abnormalities. I entertained the idea of **costochondritis**, but again, the MRI did not support that hypothesis. The only minor relief I find comes from consciously pulling my shoulders back and expanding my chest. I continue to experience discomfort around my **diaphragm** and tenderness in the area of the **xiphoid process**. My PCP prescribed a steroid pack, which was somewhat beneficial for the pain but failed to alleviate the pressure or constant discomfort. At this juncture, I feel quite lost and uncertain about my next steps. I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from others who have faced similar issues. Additionally, if there are any physicians here willing to offer advice, I am open to traveling to find the answers or relief I'm desperately seeking.
Understanding Mild Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease
I am a 29-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 130 pounds. Recently, a CT scan revealed that I have mild diverticulitis. About a week ago, I experienced significant discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region, along with pain in my right leg and hip, and some mild discomfort on the left side. After undergoing a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of mild diverticular disease, I was surprised that no one from my medical team provided any follow-up or acknowledged the condition. My blood tests returned normal results, and I was discharged without further information. While the pain subsided after about three days, it has unfortunately reappeared four days later. Is this something I should be worried about? What does this mean for me? I had a colonoscopy around 11 months ago, which indicated no issues.
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.