Tonsil Stone Symptoms

Jan 18, 2018 by apost team

Tonsil Stone SymptomsEverything You Need to Know About Tonsil StonesSore Throat? You May Have Tonsil StonesWe’re all well aware of kidney stones and gallstones but tonsil stones? For the majority of us, the name is pretty foreign. Tonsil stones are similar in nature to kidney stones and gallstone but they form in the back of one’s throat. Keep reading to discover what tonsil stones are and if you might have them!What are Tonsil Stones?Tonsil stones were once called, tonsilloliths, and are little stone-like lumps of material such as mucus, dead cells, and other crud that gets in one’s throat. Tonsil stones are rather nasty hard globs that form on the tonsils themselves. How Do Tonsil Stones Form?Tonsils are full of little cracks and crevices, making the perfect spot for nasty debris, food, and mucus to get trapped. Once these pieces of crud are trapped in place, bacteria grows on it, ultimately turning the gunk into hard, white stones. Symptoms of Tonsil StonesTonsil stones come with a lot of symptoms. Here are a few of them:#1. Bad Breath. Tonsil stones are made up of gunk and bacteria so, no surprise, they do not smell good. Because tonsil stones really stink bad, they can often cause your entire mouth to smell less than pleasant! If you notice that you have bad breath, it could be due to tonsil stones. #2. Sore Throat. Tonsil stones can aggravate your throat and make it hurt or scratch. In some cases, tonsil stones can even make a person cough. Depending on where the stones are located, you may only have a sore throat on one side or both. #3. Swollen Tonsils. Because tonsil stones are foreign material, your body doesn’t always accept them well. Sometimes tonsil stones can cause infections and inflammations in the throat along with swollen tonsils. #4. Problems Swallowing. The size and placement of tonsil stones varies from case to case. If you have a large stone lodged in your tonsil, it may make it difficult for you to swallow. You may also experience an unpleasant sensation that something is trapped in your throat and, no matter how hard you try to swallow, it won’t go away. #5. Ear Ache. Your tonsils and your ears are on the same nerve pathways. If you have a tonsil stone that is stationed close to the nerve, you may find that your ear aches as a result. While the tonsil stone itself doesn’t actually make the ear ache, its pressure on the nerve does.#6. Visible Stones. While tonsil stones are generally hidden in the recesses and crevices around the tonsils, some are visible to the naked eye. If you think you might have tonsil stones, inspect the back of your throat for whitish-looking lumps of hard material. How to Treat Tonsil StonesAfter looking over the symptoms, do you think you may be suffering from tonsil stones? If so, there are several treatment options. People who have small stones that aren’t causing any problems can simply ignore them and wait for them to go away with time. Those who have some mild pain or discomfort from their tonsil stones can try gargling warm saltwater. In more serious cases, you should see a doctor who can remove the stones, give you antibiotics, or take out your tonsils. Prevention MeasuresSadly, it is not possible to totally prevent tonsil stones unless you’re willing to have your tonsils removed completely. Since debris, food, and mucus make up tonsil stones, they are inevitable for some people with intact tonsils. Some people have chronic tonsillitis where they are constantly experiencing tonsil stones – these patients are good candidates for tonsil removal. While tonsil stones are not life-threatening and generally go away with time, they are not pleasant. Help your friends and family understand tonsil stones by spreading this article and growing awareness for the condition!