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What Causes A Lump On The Tonsil?
Question: I have been tested for a bacterial infection, which turned up negative. My headache is going away and my tonsils are not as swollen as before. However, on one of my tonsils is a white lump which I had thought was bacteria and now assume is pus is getting larger. For a cold it's been somewhat mild.
I assume I came in contact with contagen on the 22nd of Sept. (Interviewer was ill and it's the only contact I have had outside the home of late). The white spot appeared on the 26th of Sept.
Any thoughts on if the white spot will go away soon?
I assume I came in contact with contagen on the 22nd of Sept. (Interviewer was ill and it's the only contact I have had outside the home of late). The white spot appeared on the 26th of Sept.
Any thoughts on if the white spot will go away soon?
Brief Answer:
Consideration
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
viral infection involving the throat and tonsils can cause some white patches to form on the tonsils. This can often be a thick type of discharge.
It generally takes up to 10 to 14 days for this to completely resolve overtime. I would continue good hydration and try to get plenty of extra rest over the next few days to help promote continued healing.
if your symptoms do not seem to be getting better or if things seem to be getting worse after seven or eight days then you might want to contact your primary care doctor for additional instructions and follow up exam.
If you have significant pain or discomfort in your throat currently you could try taking some ibuprofen to see if this helps alleviate some of the inflammation.
again I would anticipate the white spot should still be resolved over the next 7 to 10 days maximum.
Thank you again for sending your question.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Consideration
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
viral infection involving the throat and tonsils can cause some white patches to form on the tonsils. This can often be a thick type of discharge.
It generally takes up to 10 to 14 days for this to completely resolve overtime. I would continue good hydration and try to get plenty of extra rest over the next few days to help promote continued healing.
if your symptoms do not seem to be getting better or if things seem to be getting worse after seven or eight days then you might want to contact your primary care doctor for additional instructions and follow up exam.
If you have significant pain or discomfort in your throat currently you could try taking some ibuprofen to see if this helps alleviate some of the inflammation.
again I would anticipate the white spot should still be resolved over the next 7 to 10 days maximum.
Thank you again for sending your question.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Okay, so I will take 7 days as a goal point and try to be patient. As I said most of my symptoms are going away. Though likely today am mildly dehydrated, I have been mostly drinking hot water. I want tea but find caffeine just gives me that bit too much of caffeine.
The person I received the cold from, was really sick, very bad. He should not have gone into work. I have barely had an issue, migraine headaches then tonsil swelling and white patch and mild bleeding on tonsils. I want to baby sit my 10 month old niece, but worry I would still be contagious . I figure somehow I have partial immunity, but cannot tell how bad it would be for my niece. Told my sister'-inlaw to get back to me in about a week or two, Is that enough time not not be contagious, you think?
PS: As an oncologist do you often get flu and cold questions?
The person I received the cold from, was really sick, very bad. He should not have gone into work. I have barely had an issue, migraine headaches then tonsil swelling and white patch and mild bleeding on tonsils. I want to baby sit my 10 month old niece, but worry I would still be contagious . I figure somehow I have partial immunity, but cannot tell how bad it would be for my niece. Told my sister'-inlaw to get back to me in about a week or two, Is that enough time not not be contagious, you think?
PS: As an oncologist do you often get flu and cold questions?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
After a week you should not be contagious - especially if feeling gradually better over time.
As an oncologist I deal with cold and flu symptoms quite frequently in my patients. I have also practiced as a general physician where these issues and symptoms are even more commonly encountered.
Wishing you continued good health.
Dr Galamaga
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
After a week you should not be contagious - especially if feeling gradually better over time.
As an oncologist I deal with cold and flu symptoms quite frequently in my patients. I have also practiced as a general physician where these issues and symptoms are even more commonly encountered.
Wishing you continued good health.
Dr Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Okay cool, I hope you didn't think the question rude about you being an oncologist. I was honestly just curious.
Symptoms have fully cleared since I last wrote to you. I am just mildly surprised that with how the person I caught the cold from, was really sick, sneezing and coughing. I had little effect but headache and sore throat. I guess the not sneezing and coughing prevented me from passing it on to my immunocompromised family members (I live with them so not much I could help, as opposed to my niece) and neither of them showed any symptoms.
Now I can go visit my niece and my grandmother, yey!
Thank you for answering my questions!
Symptoms have fully cleared since I last wrote to you. I am just mildly surprised that with how the person I caught the cold from, was really sick, sneezing and coughing. I had little effect but headache and sore throat. I guess the not sneezing and coughing prevented me from passing it on to my immunocompromised family members (I live with them so not much I could help, as opposed to my niece) and neither of them showed any symptoms.
Now I can go visit my niece and my grandmother, yey!
Thank you for answering my questions!
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You are very welcome!
Wishing you all the best.
Dr Galamaga
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You are very welcome!
Wishing you all the best.
Dr Galamaga
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. Yogesh D
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