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:
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Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids, preferably warm (like herbal teas or broths), to soothe your throat and assist with healing.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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