Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths)

Update as of September 15, 2014! Read the post here!

This is going to be a GROSS post... Just FYI! But you see, I NEED despreately HELP!!!

I don't even know where to begin, really. I guess it'll start way back when, when I was a young child, about 5 I believe when I got my first Strep Throat infection. Ever since this, I kid you not, it's at least a once a year occurance with me. Sometimes, more. Why were my tonsils never taken out?? I dunno. The older I get, and the more I encounter these darn things, the more I really wish they would have been taken out! Back to the story...

I do not recall the date or time or even how old I was when I first got the "feeling as though something was stuck in my throat". I could diagnosis myself with strep throat I'd had it so many times and while it was the same annoying feeling it was different in many ways too. So out I pull my handy dandy flash light to inspect my tonsils. No puss pockets. That's good. Means no strep throat! So I flex my tonsils so get a better look. Oh wait. I see something light colored! What could it be??? After getting a Q-Tip and poke around a bit, it comes free. But wow! What a stench!!!! Instantly, I feel relief! What does any normal person do? I dunno becuase I continued to poke and prod around my tonsils to see if there are anymore.

So, needless to say. These have been plaqueing me for many years. I believe I was driving age when I noticed my first one. I recall my mom saying something about these "tonsil stones" as well but that's about it. So today, as I sit with a hurting throat (right side to be exact) and my right ear hurting (which after further investigation is connected with these horrid tonsil stones as well!) I came across several websites full of info and stories but really no cure other than to have your tonsils removed...

What I did find though is that your chances of getting these buggers increases drastically if you are a frequent succomber to strep throat OR if you are allergic to Wheat OR Gluten... It was amazing how much coorelation these three had with one another! Perhaps I should research and be tested for a Wheat or Gluten allergy...

So, anyone out in blogger world with a diagnosed Wheat or Gluten Allergy that once suffered from this "stink balls" now free of them due to a proper allergy free diet???? I'm DESPERATE!!!!

So, for now. Here are some websites (and one with a photo if you are curious!) for your liking... You can always google for more info and photos too!!!

http://www.tonsilstones.com/
http://www.tonsilstones.net/pictures-of-tonsil-stones-a2.html
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tonsil-stones-tonsilloliths-treatment-and-prevention
http://www.drgreene.com/21_568.html
http://tonsilstones.org/

If you made it all the way thru, I hope I didn't gross you out too bad... :-)

Comments

squirrelgirl said…
Been there, done that...and had my tonsils out when I was 25. Not only were my tonsils crypted, they were also "kissing" - they actually touched each other, they were so big. Getting them out was the best thing I ever did - no more sore throats, no more bad breath and no more snoring. I can totally relate to poking at the back of your throat to get those globs out. Ick. Good luck with finding a good treatment that doesn't involve surgery.
spewdfree said…
Hello,
I don't know much about tonsils (sorry!), but I do know about infertility and food allergies (separately). My husband and I adopted our son, Little J, in 2007 after trying for two years to get pregnant. Little J is allergic to soy, peanuts, eggs, wheat and dairy. I started a website www.spewdfree.com to help others who suffer from food allergies. I hope this helps.
Heather
Anonymous said…
you were actually more like 3 when you got your first Strep Throat! WE were still in Columbia, SC
OMG - I totally relate to this post, too! LOL I had the same thing happening to me when I was 21/22 but I had never really had strep throat all that much when I was younger. Turned out I really (REALLY!) needed my tonsils out and since then, no problems! The surgery wasn't all that bad & I hardly ever (if ever) have a sore throat now. Good luck!

Counting it all joy,
Angela
http://angelasheartwork.blogspot.com
http://angelasheartwork.etsy.com
HostBurglar said…
Hey if you would be so kind, I have a site dedicated to tonsil stones if you could add it to your list!

The site is http://www.tonsil-help.com

Thanks for your consideration =]

Take Care - Josh
Josh Katherman said…
Oh hey and, i forgot to say, just for informational purposes (since I can't find a contact form on your site!) www.tonsilstones.com is directly affiliated with www.therabreath.com so all their "solutions" go directly to their site =[

Our site has reviews of popular remedies for tonsil stones so I think it would really benefit people. (http://www.tonsil-help.com I think I'm signed in under a differet name than last time)

PS: I'm havin a little girl in 2 months!!! =] =] =]

Seeya - Josh
Anonymous said…
Hi, I can relate. Recently, I cut out wheat and dairy. I also make sure that my home is dust free (allergens) that can cause a runny nose/post nasal drip. Since I've changed my diet I do not get them weekly like I did before. One thing to mention is that some people are actually intolerant to soy as well and may not know it. I limit my soy intake as well. I follow the "Eat Right 4 Your (blood) Type" diet which suggests to limit these items.
Bad Wolf said…
Tonsils are one of the body's defense systems. They take on and focus invasions that would attack the body elsewhere. So they aren't a good thing to remove. Not to mention removing them is just treating the symptoms rather than solving the issues causing the problems.

I used to get these too (only I had no idea why or that there were others getting them too) but mine stopped when I improved my diet. First I went organic which had a dramatic effect, and then I went vegan and haven't had one since.

Seriously, take a look at the amounts of pesticides, hormones, and other chemicals that are involved in the production of modern, corporate food and it's amazing that tonsil stones are such a small symptom of the contamination.

And if people think changing the diet is drastic, why don't they think cutting away body parts isn't drastic?
Anonymous said…
The best thing I ever did was have my tonsils out at 22 - I suffered from throat infections, very enlarged tonsils and tonsil stones for most of my life from 12 years onward.

The recovery from the surgery took about 6 weeks and at worst felt like the worst sore throat you've ever had (multiplied by 100). It is well worth it and I would highly recommend it if your ENT physician is on the same page. It seemed as though I would pick up every germ out there and get sick every other month! Now I am healthy, happy and rarely get sick.
Anonymous said…
Found your blog via NY Times. Back in college I had this problem, and it bothered me enough to see a doctor to get checked out. After diagnosing it as tonsil stones (can't remember what he called them), I ended up getting a tonsillectomy. The week or so of recovery after the operation was some of the worst pain I've ever been through, but I have to say it was worth it! No more poking at my throat with qtips!
Anonymous said…
I had tonsil stones (now I finally know what they are called!) for about six years, and they really bothered me - doctors just told me that food was building up in pockets in my tonsils. So I finally had my tonsils out when I was 19, and seven years later I haven't had a single problem. The tonsil surgery was not fun (think three straight days of being on pain meds afterwards) but I think it was really worth it. I no longer have to deal with sore throats, poking at my tonsils until I retched, etc. Have the surgery, if at all possible! You'll definitely feel better.
Martin said…
Wow, Meghan, I'm so glad you wrote about this issue. I remember well when I was a kid I used to get tonsil stones all the time -- so frequently that they'd pop out on their own every couple of days. But some would get stuck, and about once a month my dad would take a tongue depressor and push around my tonsils until the tonsilloliths popped out. It was a ritual from about age 8 to 15 and I gagged a lot.

Nowadays I get them somewhat less, and can usually dislodge them with my tongue (a talent I must have perfected as a youngster). Yeah, they can be annoying, and yeah, they have a very distinctive odor, especially when smushed. But unless they're really calcified and scratchy they're a minor nuisance.

Like you, I only learned as an adult that others have them too. But since I almost never get sore throats, I'll skip the tonsillectomy.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for posting this! I have been so frustrated with my "tonsil stones" lately, they have been occurring on a weekly basis! I've had them since about 16, around the same time that I have either Strep or Mono... When I complained to my mother about my tonsils she said I probably just had to "empty" them by pushing on them. huh? Well, yeah...
I asked my pediatrician about it when I was 17 or so and she wasn't familiar with the problem of having to empty them out and told me not to poke at them, saying that glands are reactive and would swell after such things. There went the search for medical help...
But yay! now I know that there is a real name and explanation for this thing and a solution! YAY!!!
Anonymous said…
I found you name from the New York Times also. I have been to every doctor and no one had an answer as to what they were. Now I have a name, thank you. I had no idea anyone else had this. I have been thinking of having surgery for my sleep apnea that would help the tonsil stones too. Now I just have to get money and bravado. My daughter was around 18 when she had hers out so I know how painful it is. Thanks again
Anonymous said…
Yes, I have noticed that my tonsilloliths have disappeared after starting a gluten-free diet. By the way, I have been advised that getting your tonsils removed because of tonsil stones is not a good idea and doesn't necessarily do anything against halitosis, for example.
Unknown said…
I really appreciate the things shared here regarding what are tonsil stones, it really help me define and know tonsil stones. This is such a informative blog in terms of health.

Unknown said…
I had no idea what I had until I went to the doctor for what I thought was strep throat. What an embarrassing condition! I am interested to see if switching to gluten-free will ease my symptoms. Thanks for sharing your story. It makes me feel better that I'm not the only one.
Anonymous said…
I feel I get these stones a few days after I eat nuts (walnuts, cashews, almonds, etc). Do you eat a lot of nuts?
Anonymous said…
The best thing I've found to dislodge mine is a water syringe made for gum pockets. Put it in the crevices and out pop the nasty smelling tonsil stones. I'm thinking about getting my tonsil out because the stones definitely cause bad breath and a nasty taste and I can't imagine having to clean my throat out like this when I'm old.
Alex Shea said…
Thank you for the very helpful and timely article.

I had tonsil stones for 20 years and my life was a wreck, so I can definitely sympathize with those who are still suffering.

The good news is that you don't have to let tonsil stones control your life, there ARE things you can do.

I tried different treatments and remedies, but nothing helped me like this did:

http://www.journalofnaturalhealth.com/tonsil_stones

Now the pain and embarrassment have disappeared and I can be close to people without feeling conscious of my bad breath. My stress is radically reduced and I can now lead a normal life.

Life seems so exciting and full of potential now!