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Definition
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. (See also sore throat.)
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The tonsils are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They normally help to filter out bacteria and other microorganisms to prevent infection in the body.
They may become so overwhelmed by bacterial or viral infection that they swell and become inflamed, causing tonsillitis. The infection may also be present in the throat and surrounding areas, causing pharyngitis.
Tonsillitis is extremely common, particularly in children.
Symptoms
* Sore throat
o Persisting longer than 48 hours
o Possibly severe
* Difficulty swallowing
* Headache
* Fever, chills
* Tenderness of the jaw and throat
* Voice changes, loss of voice
Signs and tests
The health care provider will look in the mouth and throat for enlarged, visible tonsils. They are usually reddened and may have white spots on them. The lymph nodes of the jaw and neck may be enlarged and tender to the touch.
A culture of the tonsils may show bacterial infection. A culture for the streptococcus bacteria (strep) may be taken because it is the most common and most dangerous form of tonsillitis. A rapid strep test may also be performed by your physician by taking a throat swab for a quick diagnosis.
Treatment
If the cause of the tonsillitis is bacteria such as strep, antibiotics are given to cure the infection. The antibiotics may be given as a one-time injection, or by a 10-day course of antibiotic pills.
If antibiotic pills are used, they must be taken for the full course. They must not be stopped just because the discomfort stops, or the infection will NOT be cured. Some health care providers will treat all tonsillitis with antibiotics to prevent the chance of strep-related complications. Others treat only known bacterial and strep infections to minimize the chance of reaction to the antibiotic.
Rest to allow the body to heal. Fluids, especially warm (not hot), bland fluids or very cold fluids may soothe the throat. Gargle with warm salt water or suck on lozenges (containing benzocaine or similar ingredients) to reduce pain.
Over-the-counter medications may be used to reduce pain and fever. Do NOT use aspirin in children if the infection could be viral, because this may be associated with Reye's syndrome.
Surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be necessary for some people.
Expectations (prognosis)
Tonsillitis symptoms usually lessen in 2 or 3 days after treatment starts. The infection usually is cured by then, but may require more than one course of antibiotics. Complications of untreated strep tonsillitis may be severe. A tonsillectomy may be recommended if tonsillitis is severe, comes back, or does not respond to antibiotics.
Complications
* Pharyngitis - bacterial
* Pharyngitis - viral
* Dehydration from difficulty swallowing fluids
* Blocked airway from enlarged tonsils
* Peritonsillar abscess or abscess in other parts of the throat
* Rheumatic fever and subsequent cardiovascular disorders
* Kidney failure
* Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
Hope this helps, F.E
What else can I help you with?
What are the white chunks I cough up?
The little white particles that you are coughing up are called tonsilloliths and except for their bad smell are not a condition to be worried about. Tonsilloliths form when mucus, bacteria, and debris condense into small particles on the surface of the tonsils. These odorous balls of material are sometimes coughed up. Having tonsilloliths does not automatically mean that your breath is offensive as tonsilloliths contribute very little to bad breath. Additional information - I get these 2-3 times a year now for 22 years. My "chunks" are slightly larger than a pea and seem to come from deep in the chest after an extensive coughing spell (with awful breath and a low grade fever). One I coughed up was an off white color and unusually large so I chose to section it on a piece of glass. I found a core in the middle of a soft white folded coating. The odor was absolutely unbearable cutting into the chunk. My thought was perhaps I was inhaling small pieces of nuts into my lungs where the body formed the mass to get them out by coughing so I quit eating nuts but they persisted. You can definitely tell from the awful smell that one is "growing" and that smell goes away after it has been expelled, often at high velocity Years ago, I asked my MD about them and she gets them too but had no idea what they were. Its nice to know I'm not the only one with this and it has a name.
What are the smelly solids formed in the throat called?
These smelly solids formed in the throat are called tonsilloliths, more commonly known as tonsil stones. They are typically small, whitish or yellowish calcified formations that can cause bad breath and discomfort.
What are the little things that drop out of your sinuses into your mouth that look like week old cottage cheese and smell worse?
This commonly called "tonsilloliths" or "tonsil stones" check out google or wikipedia for more information. LIKE CRAPPPPP HEHE i like cheese rember tony the tiger (its great!!!!!!!!!!!)
What does toncil stones mean?
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small, hard, white or yellowish deposits that form on the tonsils. They are caused by a buildup of food particles, bacteria, and mucus that calcify over time. Tonsil stones can lead to bad breath, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.
What is the white stuff that comes out of the back of the throat?
The white stuff that comes out of the back of the throat is often referred to as tonsil stones or tonsilloliths. These are formed from a buildup of food particles, dead cells, and bacteria that get trapped in the crevices of the tonsils. They can sometimes cause bad breath and discomfort but are generally harmless. If they become problematic, they can be removed or treated by a healthcare professional.
How do tonsil stones start?
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are formed when bacteria, mucus, dead cells, and food particles become trapped and calcify in the crevices of the tonsils. Over time, they can harden and develop into small, white or yellowish stones that can cause discomfort or bad breath. Regular oral hygiene practices can help prevent their formation.
What is that stuff that accumulates in your throat that smells?
The stuff that accumulates in your throat and has an unpleasant odor is often referred to as tonsil stones or tonsilloliths. These small, calcified deposits form in the crevices of the tonsils from a buildup of bacteria, food particles, and dead cells. They can produce a foul smell due to the anaerobic bacteria that thrive in these conditions. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce their formation.
What are tonsil zits?
Tonsil zits, also known as tonsil stones or tonsilloliths, are small, hardened deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. They are composed of bacteria, food particles, dead cells, and mucus, which can become trapped and calcify. While often asymptomatic, they can cause discomfort, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing in some cases. Regular oral hygiene and hydration can help prevent their formation.
What are those little white balls that comes out the back of your thoat?
The little white balls that can come out from the back of your throat are known as tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths. They are formed when debris, such as food particles, dead cells, and bacteria, accumulate in the crevices of the tonsils and harden. While they can be harmless, they may cause bad breath or discomfort for some individuals. Regular oral hygiene and hydration can help prevent their formation.
What is the name of the stinky white things you cough up sometimes from your throat)?
The stinky white things you sometimes cough up from your throat are called tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths. They form in the crevices of the tonsils when debris, bacteria, and dead cells accumulate and harden. Tonsil stones can cause bad breath and discomfort, but they are generally harmless. Regular oral hygiene and staying hydrated can help prevent their formation.
How long does it take tonsil stones to fall out?
Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, can vary in size and may fall out on their own within a few days to several weeks. Factors such as their size, location, and individual oral hygiene can influence this timeline. Some people may find that they can dislodge them through coughing, gargling, or using a cotton swab. If tonsil stones persist or cause discomfort, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
What is the name of the stinky white things you cough up sometimes from your throat?
A tonsillolith (also called tonsil stone or calculus of the tonsil) is a piece (or more commonly, a cluster) of calcareous matter which forms in the rear of the mouth, in the crevasses (called crypts) of the palatine tonsils (which are what most people commonly refer to as simply tonsils). Tonsil stones, it is theorized, are the result of a combination of any of the following[1]: * food particles * dead white blood cells (a.k.a. leukocytes) * oral bacteria, possibly from mouth breathing * overactive salivary glands They are described as having a pungent odor[2]: halitosis concentrated into a small solid object. Visually, they may resemble sesame seeds or cottage cheese in color and texture. Protruding tonsilloliths have the feel of a foreign object, lodged between the outside of wisdom teeth and the temporomandibular joint region of the fleshed jaw. They may be an especially uncomfortable nuisance, but are not often harmful.
