Are My Tonsils Enlarged?
I am a 21-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing between 176 and 180 pounds. I don't consume alcohol or smoke. Recently, I’ve been experiencing mild throat discomfort accompanied by small spots or lumps in my mouth, particularly around my throat and wisdom teeth areas. I'm concerned this may be related to HSV-1. I visited a clinic today, and the diagnosis was viral cold sores. However, prior to my appointment, I looked up images that resemble what I have, and they appeared similar to fordyce granules. It's difficult to capture a clear photo of the spots, as they tend to blend in with the surrounding tissue in my mouth, but I will provide some reference images for context.
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 11:01:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing throat discomfort and noticing bumps in your mouth, which can be quite concerning. Based on your description and the clinic's diagnosis of viral cold sores, it’s likely that these symptoms are related to the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) causing cold sores, which are common and usually resolve on their own.
Understanding Your Symptoms
- Mild Throat Discomfort: This can occur with infections, including viral ones like HSV-1.
- Spots or Lumps: The lumps you see around your throat and wisdom teeth areas could be cold sores or even normal anatomical variations like fordyce granules, which are harmless and often go unnoticed.
Next Steps to Consider
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Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on the spots for any changes, such as increased size, pain, or discomfort. If you notice worsening symptoms or new signs, take note of these changes.
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Self-Care for Cold Sores:
- Use over-the-counter treatments like numbing creams (e.g., lidocaine) to alleviate discomfort.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a soft diet if swallowing is painful.
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Practice Good Oral Hygiene:
- Gently brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help soothe irritation in the throat and clean the area.
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Avoid Irritants:
- Steer clear of spicy, acidic, or abrasive foods that may irritate your throat or mouth further.
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Rest and Take Care of Yourself:
- Ensure you are getting adequate rest, as this supports your immune system.
If your symptoms persist beyond a few days or if you develop severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or swallowing, you may want to seek further evaluation to rule out other conditions. Feel free to share any changes or concerns as they arise.
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