Tonsillolith

Tonsilloliths ( tonsil stones, Tonsillolithe ) are a few millimeters in size structure of the pharynx of white- yellowish color and chalky crumbly consistency that have a foul, pungent odor when crushed. They are formed in the crypts of the tonsils and consist of food particles, sloughed mucosal cells and bacteria. By incorporation of calcium salts they gain a firm consistency. Get tonsil stones to the surface of the almond, they are swallowed or transported by sneezing or coughing to the outside.

Tonsil stones are common, they can be the cause of bad breath, but are not harmful.

At the Kryptenöffnungen visible tonsil stones are sometimes confused with the stippchenförmigen fibrin of tonsillitis, but there are no other signs of inflammation such as redness and swelling of the tonsil.

Self-treatment

An effective method for the removal of tonsil stones is said to be the Roeder treatment ( for the method, there is no scientific proof of efficacy ). You can also by the patient, are eg with a toothbrush handle removed, but this is difficult because of the gag reflex. Therefore, one should first try to stretch the throat by lifting the head. This tension sometimes leads that solve the tonsil stones.

Another way to remove tonsil stones, is a finger, cotton swab or wooden spatula to press against the underside of the tonsils upward. This slight pressure triggers the tonsil stones out often. Some people are able to do this with her tongue. This is a good method because the tongue does not trigger a gag reflex.

As long as the stones are small enough, a medical pipette, especially one with a curved tip can be used to suck it. Stored tonsil that arise within the tonsils are, however, not so easy to remove. Over time, however, they are released from themselves by the palatine tonsils.

It is also possible to use an oral irrigator, to clean the Mandelgrüfte and to prevent the further development of tonsil. However, this requires oral irrigator with adjustable water pressure is to be used using a low pressure stage so as to minimize tissue injury. Here's to recommend a salt water solution.

From a self-treatment with a thin wire (such as floral wire ), formed into a curette, is not recommended because of a significant risk of injury, this form of removal should be left to the otolaryngologist.

Surgical treatment

The most radical type of treatment consists either in the surgical removal of the tonsil (usually in strong gag reflex and significant complaints ) or even in a complete surgical removal of the tonsils. However, the sole occurrence of tonsil stones is usually not an indication for removal of the tonsils.