Tonsil Stones?

@roberten (3128)
United States
July 25, 2009 7:33am CST
Have you ever heard of tonsil stones? I had not until today. I stumbled upon an article about them this morning and I was shocked! I have suffered with these for years but no doctor could ever tell me what they were. I had one doctor tell me that they were pus caused by trapped food particles in my throat causing infection to set up. Well, that is as close a diagnosis as I've ever gotten so I just lived with what I thought was a common infection that flares up periodically. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that I actually have tonsil stones. See article: http://www.drgreene.com/21_568.html (I have no relationship with this article or anyone associated with it; it has been posted for general information only.) My symptoms have gotten better as I've gotten older but I've noticed that my children suffer from the same condition. Even though the information of what the condition actually is and how to treat it comes late for me, now I will be able to help my child cope in a way I was never privy to. Isn't living in the information age great. Are there any other Mylotters who suffer with this problem?
2 people like this
6 responses
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
28 Jul 09
I have not and my first thought is "what the heck is that?" while my second is "that sounds painful!"
@roberten (3128)
• United States
28 Jul 09
It can be very painful, Canellita, you are lucky not to have this condition. I avoided posting pictures because they look too gros; and they smell even worse.
1 person likes this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
29 Jul 09
OMG, that sounds horrible! Is it something you were born with? Why can't this be treated and eradicated?
@roberten (3128)
• United States
29 Jul 12
I have chronic post-nasal drip plus an unusally small throat where particles of food collect easily. I've been told by a doctor that this encourages the formation of these pesky little chunks. Nothing I can do about them, just my luck of the draw.
@ryanong (9665)
• Vietnam
13 Jul 12
I have a big tonsil in my mouth but it is ok because it is not hurt me this time. I remember it used to swell and made me hurt, could not swallow food...and i had to take medicine for a week. In fact if it swells regularly, we can live with it because it can protect our throat. But if it swells regularly, we have to see doctors and they will remove it for us..
@roberten (3128)
• United States
29 Jul 12
You are correct, adgjmptw01, tonsil stones are different than tonsillitis as described by ryanong. Tonsil stones are annoying but not known to be harmful other than sometimes causing a minor sore throat that goes away once the stone is dislodged.
@ryanong (9665)
• Vietnam
30 Jul 12
Oh, i understand now. Thank you for your useful information.
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
13 Jul 12
This is some interesting information, and really could use some more research I am sure by a lot of the doctors out there. Many times I often wonder if there is something true to this after reading this as I have always suffered easily from a Sore throat and many times told it is nothing. But since I am now diabetic, I wonder if some of the issues could be related to something like this as well?
@roberten (3128)
• United States
29 Jul 12
Maybe so, KrauseHome. All I can tell you for sure is that they sometimes hurt terribly until they are spontaneously dislodged (usually at the most inopportune time). A doctor told me that my extra small throat collects food particles and the muscus from my chronic post-nasal drip encourages them to grow. I try to combat them by chewing my food well and washing it down with water. Since I discovered what they are, I have learned to live with them. I do not have them as often and they seem to be smaller now. I guess I will be bothered by them off and on throughout my life.
• United States
25 Jul 09
I do not have this problem thankfully, but I was sitting in class one day and some people were watching a video on youtube about it. Not for the weak of stomach. I just thought it was interesting because the first I had heard about it was a few weeks agao and now there is a post here about it.
• United States
25 Jul 09
Yes I have this problem and I hate it!! I think I need to get my tonsils taken out because it is so annoying and my breath always smells bad because of them. First time I got one was about a year ago, luckily I was able to pick it out-I thought it was only a one time thing since I don't usually brush my teeth before bed (oops) but they kept on returning and I have to pick them out at least 3-4 a month its sooo annoying and disgusting ugh...I hope it passes I gargle everynight with salt water and listerine but it always comes back!!!
@roshigo58 (4859)
• Pune, India
2 Oct 12
Hi, I haven't heard of tonsil stone. Thank you for sharing information.