The palatine tonsils are two small masses of soft,
lymphatic tissue that are located on either side of the back of the tongue at
the rear of the throat.
Each of these tonsils is covered by pink mucosa
that is covered by small channels called crypts. The tonsils function as part
of the immune system, defending the mouth, respiratory tract, and
gastrointestinal tract from infectious agents.
Sometimes, however, the tonsils themselves may
become infected and swollen. When this happens, the condition is referred to as
tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis usually occurs as the result of a virus
or a bacterial infection; less frequently, tonsillitis may also be caused by fungal
or parasitic infections as well.
As a result, individuals who develop tonsillitis
generally experience symptoms such as a sore throat, swollen tonsils,
a fever, difficulty swallowing, a headache, and voice loss. This condition is
highly contagious and may be spread easily to others through contact and body
fluids.
In contrast, tonsil stones are small,
whitish blobs that become lodged in the crypts of the tonsils.
Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, occur when accumulated debris,
mucus, and microorganisms hardens into tiny masses. This condition involves
symptoms like bad breath, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, earaches, and
visible white debris at the back of the throat.
Although both tonsillitis and tonsil stones involve tonsils that are swollen, red, and have white patches,
the two conditions are not interchangeable.
The inflammation is similar in both conditions,
which leads to similar effects
like a sore throat, painful swallowing, and white marks at the back of the throat.
However, for people with tonsillitis, the white
marks on the tonsils
are due to pus. For those with tonsil stones, the white marks on the tonsils
are the stones themselves.
Additionally, individuals who experience chronic
tonsillitis have a high risk of developing tonsil stones, as repeated inflammation in the tonsils can facilitate the
accumulation of debris.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms,
you should see your doctor.
He or she can determine the cause
of your problem and can suggest treatments
to reduce your symptoms,
such as gargles, antibiotics, steroids, or even the surgical removal of the affected areas on your tonsils.
This article is based
on the book, “Tonsil Stones Remedy Forever” by Alison White, an ex-sufferer of
tonsilloliths, also known as tonsil stones.
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