Tonsil stone or tonsillitis pus

[Greycloudspinkclouds]

I can't tell the difference!

Currently I have a cold which includes a wore throat. On one tonsil I have two whitish patches. I don't know if it is pus and the beginning of tonsillitis, or if it is a tonsil stone.

I am freaking out as my last batch of tonsillitis turned into a quinsy....

Any thoughts or reassuring words? I don't want to prod and poke and cause possibly more infections.

I would do a thorough salt water gargle rinse and then see if the white matter has changed at all, if it goes then most likely pus if it remains then stones.
I would imagine if it is an infection your glands on the side of your neck/jaw would be up and you should feel them, they may be a bit sore to touch.
Either way, you still need to see someone tomorrow to make sure.

You may end up with tonsil stones. But it doesn't make much difference at this point. Just gargle with salt water, and if it keeps getting worse get ABs from the GP.

I managed to fish out a tonsil stone this morning. Was very relieved as it had been irritating me for a few days!

Thank you both! I'm doing lots of salt water gargles and no change or movement. Gland are okay at the moment so that's a good sign. I'm just very worried if it is pus and will soon be full in tonsillitis, the quinsy was very traumatic! If it's any worse tomorrow will see the doctor. I guess just have to wait and see....

@picklemewalnuts how did you fish out the tonsil stone?

Well, it had been threatening for a few days... it finally poked up above the surface and I swiped it off with a cotton bud. I knew for sure e what it was though, long experience. I wouldn't poke if you already have a sore throat.

I use a blackhead remover tool on mine, (it’s a metal rod with a hoop on the end). I have holes in my tonsils where they collect so need to clear them regularly.

Hmmm I just don't know! Have never been aware of a tonsil stone before but I do have pretty scarred and lots of crevices on tonsils...

It kind of feels a bit bruised on that side, does that sounds tonsil stone -esque do you reckon?

It helps me to remove them when my throat is sore but I can tell if it’s tonsillitis from experience

Tonsilstones feel quite scratchy to me. Lumpy rather than sore.

I tend to get them if I've been overtired and run down.

Tonsil stones are usually hard and will pop out, sometimes you can press gently next to it or if it’s in a hole I scoop it out with the tool. You can also get water sprays for them but I haven’t tried it personally.

Gargle with salt water

If you’ve had quinsy in the past please see your doctor. That’s so painful not to mention serious

Dc popped out with cotton bud

@bellylaughsalldaylong it's definitely not a quinsy, I was in no doubt when I had one that it was a and e I needed! My worry is that it's the start of tonsillitis and then quinsy...

So I'm gargling with lots of salt water and no change. Going to try and poke near it with a damp cotton bud tomorrow. Am away from home and don't have any with me at moment

Hmmm just read some stuff that said if it is tonsillitis then poking the white patch will just spread the bacteria around. So won't risk the poking! Will just keep going with the salt water gargling and see what happens....

Give the side a poke with a cotton bud, it it's a stone it'll pop out.

No, don't poke. If it's a stone, you don't need to do anything. It will resolve itself eventually. It may get irritating and you may decide to poke, but not til you know you aren't ill.

If it's viral it will clear on its own.

Just the whole, if it's getting worse thing that needs the GP.

If I wasn't away from home I think I'd make a GP appointment if it doesn't worsen or resolve, just to be sure. But as I'm away the only option is a walk in clinic. Only time will tell....

Great advice @picklemewalnuts , thank you. Will follow it!