white stuff in the back of throat

[newmum35]

My son (age 3) had a fever 2 weeks ago (for about a day or less) and was left with a runny nose (typical cold virus I am guessing) - I got the same thing too and we both still have it and are left with a cough  and lots of mucus after all this time (unusual for us- usually we get over it in a mild few days) -  the fever returned last night but only for about 4 or 5 hours (and he said his stomach hurt at the same time) - today he is acting fine (he's been fine the past few weeks, playing normally etc) and I decided to shine a flashlight into his mouth and can see some white stuff on one side (tonsil I guess) in the back.

Is this reason for concern or a dr visit? They are "antibiotic-happy" there and I'm afraid they will want him on abx unnecessarily.  (had a bad experience a few years ago)

Does this mean a bacterial infection or viral, or could it be either or both?

I have some silver drops, have any of you used (for those who are familiar with) or would you use in this instance?

Will it clear up soon without doing anything? What would you natural minded mamas do?


PS one other thing and I don't know if this is related but at the same time one of his testicles appears more noticeable on one side. Not sure if its bigger than usual or I just happen to notice it for some reason. Could it be related to fighting the infection? Its very small overall (like less than a marble) but just that its noticable visually and I dont remember that before.

[deditus]

It can be a sign of strep. But it can be from a virus. You could go in and get it swabbed to check for strep, just because you get a RX for abx doesn't mean that you need to give it. I actually went to urgent care in February for a throat swap and it was negative for strep and they didn't offer ABX. If you are nervous or they have high fevers or are very uncomfortable I would take them in.

[newmum35]

well, no fever and acting normally except for the occasional cough, and the runny nose (getting better).  checked today and still white although looking a bit different . guessing maybe this could be normal with viral illnesses not just strep. i would never have known if I hadnt decided to check. not complaining about any soreness in mouth or throat.

[Lily's_Mom]

Just thought I'd put it out there that oral thrush is a possibility.  My son had a cold and at one point I noticed white in his throat.  Thinking it could be strep/tonsilitis, I took him to the doc.  And it was yeast!

So, who knows?  Glad to hear that your little one is feeling alright though.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

My brother has the stuff on his tonsils like that. According to the Dr's it is chronic infection but due to his health issues, has a bad heart they refuse to remove them because it is better for him to have the infection there than for it to possibly go to his heart.

[tylerdylan]

Sounds like tonsillitis.  My 3 year old DS had this a few weeks ago.  It doesn't require antibiotics and will clear on its own in a few days to a week.