The puzzle of tonsil stones: discovery, education and treatment

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A closer look at the almonds A quick examination of your throat could reveal a surprising sight - small, firm lumps that are in your almonds. These structures, known as almond stones, are often observed. But what are you? How do they arise? Let's dive and we understand them better! There is a widespread misconception that the fleshy structure in the back of our throat is the almond. But that is the suppository that prevents food or liquid from getting into the nasal cavity when swallowing. The real heroes are the almonds, these few oval -shaped hills that are on both sides of the ...
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A closer look at the almonds

A quick examination of your throat could reveal a surprising sight - small, firm lumps that are in your almonds. These structures, known as almond stones, are often observed. But what are you? How do they arise? Let's dive and we understand them better!

There is a widespread misconception that the fleshy structure in the back of our throat is the almond. But that is the suppository that prevents food or liquid from getting into the nasal cavity when swallowing.

The real heroes are the almonds, these few oval -shaped hills that are on both sides of the suppository. These complex structures that have gaps and columns called almond crypt are indispensable for our health.

You are the first line of defense in our immune system against penetrating pathogens that can cause respiratory diseases. Although the removal of the almonds is a common solution for recurring neck problems in children, current studies warn of caution because their removal can cause long -term health complications.

The understanding of almond stones

technical terms can be intimidating, but almond stones are essentially referred to in the medical language as tonsilloliths. Usually harmless and pain -free, they are notorious to cause chronic bad breath!

Almond stones resemble small yellow or white pebbles. Their size varies from almost invisible to the size of a pebble particle. In rare cases, you can swell up to the size of a table tennis ball! They are firmly anchored in your almonds and essentially consist of deposits such as food residues, bacteria, mushrooms or minerals such as calcium.

In general, they do not represent any major health risks. However, it is important to note that almond stones, in contrast to tonsillitis, are no indication of an infection. The latter often goes hand in hand with symptoms such as reddened, inflamed almonds, headaches, fever, persistent bad breath and sore throat.

The stinking side of almond stones

often considered the main cause of bad breath, almond stones have an extraordinarily bad smell. Researchers have found a connection between these stones and a variety of anaerobic bacteria that thrive on fleeting sulfur compounds and are responsible for the terrible smell, as was explained in a recently carried out study.

How can you fight almond stones at home?

Don't worry if you discover almond stones in your neck. There are various methods that you can try at home to solve them.

  • cough: powerful cough can often lead to the almond stones freely enough to be spit out.
  • gurgel: intensive gurgling with a solution made of warm salt water can provide similar results.
  • Use of an object: Careful use of a soft object such as a cotton swab can help to solve these stones. However, avoid the use of objects such as toothbrushes, fingers or sharp instruments that can harm the almonds.

In very rare cases, almond stones can become symptomatic and cause pain or recurring infections. In such cases, it may be necessary to consult a specialist. You can obtain advice from medical experts who may recommend interventions such as Coblation Cryptolysis.

Why do almond stones arise?

The creation of almond stones - or tonsilloliths - takes place in the almond crypts. These tiny, furrow -like rooms are perfect breeding grounds for the stones. Over time, deposits such as dead cells, mucus and even tiny food residues can be stuck in these columns. This accumulation, mixed with saliva and bacteria, begins to harden over time and voilà - you have almond stones!

Although everyone can develop almond stones, some people are naturally more susceptible to it. If your almonds are naturally larger or have more columns, you could find that you have to do these little stones more often than others. People with poor dental care or chronic sinus problems can also be exposed to increased risk.

Interestingly, almond stones often remain unnoticed. Smaller stones usually cause no symptoms and can simply go off by themselves. Sometimes, however, larger almond stones can cause visible signs and symptoms. These can range from sore throats, difficulties or pain when swallowing to a persistent cough. Other prominent signs can have a metallic taste in the mouth, earache or the persistent feeling that there is something in the throat.

prevention of almond stones

Preventing

is always better than healing. How can you reduce the formation of almond stones? Here are some tips:

  • daily and thorough oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth and dental floss to remove deposits and bacteria.
  • Regular rinsing of the mouth with a solution made of warm salt water.
  • Removing food residues from the almonds by gentle cockroaches with a tongue scraper or scraper for the back of the toothbrush.

It is important to note that when the almond stones become regular problems or inconvenience, you should contact a health service provider. You could recommend easy treatment in practice to remove it. Or in some severe cases, surgery such as an almond removal (tonsillectomy) or the Coblation Cryptolysis, a non-surgical distance technology, can be considered.

Although almond stones are an annoying problem, make them

for most of us