Everything you need to know about tonsil stones- symptoms & treatment

Tonsils are gland- like structures in the back of the throat, one on each side. They are made of tissues with lymphocytes. Tonsilloliths or tonsil stones, are hard painful bits of bacteria and debris, stuck in nooks on the tonsils. In other words, tonsil stones are small clusters of calcifications or stones that form in the craters or crypts of the tonsils.  

Causes of tonsil stones

The tonsils are made of crevices, tunnels and pits called tonsil crypts. Various factors contribute to formation of tonsil stones. Some of the incidents or activities leading to tonsil stones are:

·         Substances like food, dead cells, mucus and bacteria get stuck in the nooks and crannies of the tonsil

·         Small calcifications are left behind by white blood cells when they are sent by body’s immune system to fight infection.

·         The small tonsil stones are usually swallowed but at times get stuck in the tonsillar crypts and continue to grow.

People with the following conditions are at risk of developing tonsil stones:

·         Chronic or recurring tonsillitis

·         Large tonsils

·         Chronis sinus problems

·         Poor dental hygiene

·         Specific medications that let the mouth dry.

Symptoms of tonsil stones

Small tonsil stones may be difficult to see but can cause noticeable symptoms. Few signs include

Bad breath- Severe bad breath or halitosis comes along with tonsil infection. Almost 75% people had high amounts of the volatile sulphur compounds were checked with a long term tonsillitis.

Sore throat - The tonsil stone itself will give rise to pain or discomfort.

Cough- A stone might irritate your throat and leading to cough.

White debris-  A tonsil stone will be seen in the back of the throat in the form of lump of solid white material.

Trouble swallowing- The location and size of the tonsil stone, will make it hard or painful to swallow food or liquids.

Ear pain- Due to shared nerve pathways, one might feel pain in the ear, even though the stone itself isn’t touching the ear.

Tonsil swelling- As the debris hardens and a tonsil stone forms, inflammation, infection, and the tonsil stone itself may make the tonsil swell.

Specialists to visit for tonsil stones

Consult an otolaryngologist or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist when symptoms of tonsil stones turn severe.

Diagnosis of tonsil stones

With a physical examination, doctor can diagnose tonsil stones. Various methods like imaging tests such as CT or MRI, to spot the tonsils hidden in the folds.

Treatment for tonsil stones

Special treatment is not required in case of no symptoms observed. Some of the treatment include:

Antibiotics- Certain medications can help, that can be bought through 3MEDS, the best medical shop online India. Antihistamines drug can reduce mucus from sinus problems or allergies.

Surgery- In case, tonsil stones are large, doctors might suggest to remove them.

Tonsillectomy- When tonsil stones prevail as long- term problem, then they are taken out. It is one of the way to completely eliminate tonsil stones and prevent further formation of new ones.

Cryptolysis- A radiofrequency wand or a laser is used to scar the tonsil stones.

Home remedy for tonsil stones

This method is implemented in case of smaller tonsil stones:

Removal at- home: Tonsil stones can be removed by scraping gently with water picks or swabs.

Saltwater gargles: Pain of tonsillitis can be eased and help remove stones by gargling with warm, salty water.

Prevention of tonsil stones

Tonsil stones can be prevented with good dental habits like brushing and flossing of teeth regularly. This can remove bacteria and keep things from getting stuck in the tonsils. Gargle after every time you eat will prevent food build up. Drink plenty of water and cease the consumption of carbonated beverages like sodas. Quit smoking and avoid excess of alcohol. Try to limit dairy products.

Take medications regularly without fail, when diagnosed with tonsil stones, especially long- term tonsillitis. One can avail the medicines from 3MEDS, the home delivery medicine shop India.

Ending note

Good lifestyle and healthy practises can prevent the occurrence of tonsil stones. But, in case you ignore the symptoms without change in lifestyle, it may lead the problem to last for many years.