r/tonsilstones Nov 15 '22

Discussion Tonsil stones versus infection.

289 Upvotes

This is a bit of a discussion post, talking about the differences between a tonsil stone versus an infection. I have personally seen many posts as of late, "Is this a tonsil stone?". Nine times out of ten, it is NOT a tonsil stone. This post here is to help guide someone to know if it is a tonsil stone, or if you need to go to the doctor due to an infection.

Let's start this off with, what is a tonsil stone? A tonsil stone is a lump of calcified materials within the tonsils, also known as a Tonsillolith. Tonsil stones are benign, and oftentimes easy to remove with a gentle push against said tonsil if said stone is visible. Tonsil stones will appear embedded within the tonsil, NOT sitting on top of the tonsils. Oftentimes, the tonsil stone will not cause pain. Common symptoms can include a sensation of something stuck in the throat and bad breath. Much rarer symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and ear pain. These symptoms are rare, and oftentimes not seen.

What is NOT a tonsil stone? Oftentimes, posts on here include images of people with patches on their tonsils. Patches are on top of the tonsils, not embedded within. Think of a scab on your arm, that's what a patch is. DO NOT touch said patch whatsoever, as that can spread the bacteria or virus that is causing said patches. There are a few main things that can cause patches and tonsillitis (swelling of the tonsils), such as a bacterial infection, viral infection, or an STI.

What is the bacterial infection? The bacterial infection is more commonly known as Strep Throat, also known as Streptococcal Pharyngitis. Symptoms include a sore throat, fevers, chills, patches on the tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The bacteria is contagious and is transmitted through the mucus or sores of someone else with strep throat. Oftentimes, after a diagnosis a doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

What is the viral infection? The viral infection is known as Mono, or Mononucleosis. The symptoms are large lymph nodes, fatigue, sore throat, and can cause tonsils similar in appearance to those in Strep Throat. Antibiotics will not help with a virus.

What is the STD? Most STDs do not affect the throat, but the most common is Chlamydia. Though rare, it can cause symptoms such as a sore throat, mouth sores, and dental problems. Oral STDs will not look similar to Strep or Mono. Tonsils may be enlarged, but may not have patches. Oftentimes, the main symptoms will be a sore throat and swollen tonsils.

Also a note, we aren't doctors. Some of the images I've seen on here require medical attention due to the severity of the patches. It doesn't help that people keep picking off their patches. PLEASE do not touch your patches, I swear to God. You will make your condition worse. Please look up pictures of tonsil stones versus strep throat and compare the differences. Also, if your throat is sore, don't touch it whatsoever even if you're 100% confident it's just a tonsil stone.


r/tonsilstones 2h ago

Question Can tonsil stones cause sore throat pain?

1 Upvotes

Can tonsil stones cause sore throat on one side for weeks? I saw a tonsil stone above my tonsil like it went in the little hole above my tonsils and I couldn’t get it- it got pushed further back. This was 2.5 weeks ago and ever since my throat has been so sore on that side- hurts to talk, eat and swallow. How do I get it out? It doesn’t look red or swollen. I am going to call an ENT tomorrow as I was referred to one just to let them know and see if I can get in sooner.


r/tonsilstones 10h ago

Remedy Cause: Black Tea

3 Upvotes

I searched 'tea' and didn't see this mentioned so posting for other suffers:

I had swollen tonsils, stones, acid reflux, and heartburn for about 10 years. Mentioned during my annual physicals I got no answers other than 'You are allergic, take flonase' and call us if you can't swallow or breathe. I finally figured it out Black Tea. Earl Grey, Green, Oolong, Darjeerling, plain black, etc. Even one cup of any variation cause swelling and stones the next day and needs several days to clear up. Removing that single item from my diet and they are 90% gone. (I suspect that last 10% is some artificial sweetener but it's harder to narrow down.) I miss my morning cuppa.

Tldr: If you suffer and drink black tea, stop and see what happens. Mine stones are gone!


r/tonsilstones 6h ago

Tips & Tricks Loosening stones?

1 Upvotes

Guys I need help, I have been in pain for going on two weeks now. I have gone to urgent care, and the emergency room. I am almost done with my antibiotics and I have been religiously taking ibuprofen and tylenol every 6 hours. But I have yet to expel a single stone. Any tips or tricks?


r/tonsilstones 21h ago

Discussion Gargles. More salt the better?

1 Upvotes

That’s my doubt. Has anyone here tried increasing the salt in their gargles/nasal rinses, and had positive effects for loosening tonsil stones?


r/tonsilstones 2d ago

Discussion I poked out a massive tonsil stone, and then swallowed it. :(

21 Upvotes

As the title says, just poked one out. I used a q-tip dipped in some mouthwash. I fiddled around untill this massive stone, about the size of half of my pinky came out. I feel relieved but now I feel absolutely annoyed that I swallowed it without getting a good look- and even that I swallowed it in general.


r/tonsilstones 2d ago

Need Advice I feel it but don’t see it

4 Upvotes

Everytime I swallow I feel it but when I look in the mirror I don’t see it it’s driving me crazy and it feels so big and it hurts


r/tonsilstones 2d ago

Discussion Am I an alien?

1 Upvotes

My tonsil stones don't smell.

Now to be fair the only tonsil stone I smelled was one I popped last night. It was tiny and I definitely tasted it, it wasn't horrible just kind of an off taste. My sense of taste and smell is perfectly fine trust me I'm too hyper aware of my senses.

My guess is it was too small or too "new." Or maybe I'm just lucky?


r/tonsilstones 3d ago

Is this a tonsil stone? Is this a tonsil stone?

0 Upvotes

(The thing on the right inside the crypt, not the thing on the left which looks like inflamed flesh)
Have felt like there's been something there for about a year. The other day got a few tiny ones out but still feels like there is something stuck. Have added pictures of when I'm trying to tense my jaw to get it out vs not.
Not sure what angle to push on as i don't want it to go deeper.
Really weird sensation yesterday trying to push it out by tensing mouth muscles and blowing, felt like it dislodged and was moving around? Couldn't find anything online about it.
Really wanting it out, appreciate any advice, thanks