Differential Diagnosis for White Patches in Sore Throat
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Streptococcal pharyngitis: This condition is often associated with a sore throat and can present with white patches due to the accumulation of pus and bacteria. The presence of these patches, along with other symptoms like fever and swollen lymph nodes, makes streptococcal pharyngitis a leading consideration.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils can lead to the formation of white patches, which are typically collections of debris, bacteria, and cellular material. Tonsillitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections.
- Oral thrush (candidiasis): This fungal infection can cause white patches on the throat and other parts of the mouth. It's more common in individuals with weakened immune systems, those who wear dentures, or after a course of antibiotics.
- Mononucleosis (infectious mononucleosis): Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, this condition can lead to a sore throat with white patches on the tonsils, along with fever, fatigue, and lymphadenopathy.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Diphtheria: Although rare in areas with high vaccination coverage, diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can cause a sore throat with a greyish-white membrane. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis due to its potential severity and the importance of prompt treatment.
- Lemierre's syndrome: This is a rare but serious condition that starts with a sore throat and can progress to include symptoms like fever, neck pain, and swelling, due to a bacterial infection that spreads to the jugular vein.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can cause a sore throat and might present with white patches in rare cases, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Syphilitic pharyngitis: A manifestation of secondary syphilis, which can include a sore throat and potentially white patches, though this is less common.
- Leukoplakia: While more commonly associated with the oral mucosa, leukoplakia can rarely present in the throat and might appear as white patches. It's often related to chronic irritation and has a potential for malignant transformation.