Hello,
I am seeking information on the infection of the crypts of the tonsils. My sister has been recently diagnosed as suffering from this for several years, and has been frequently ill over the past year with several throat and lung related illnesses for which she has taken several courses of various antibiotics. While she has not taken any medication for the specific purpose of clearing up the infection in her crypts, this infection has not responded to the antibotic treatments she has taken. (I believe the antibiotics she has taken include amoxicilin, penicilin, and zithromax.) I have been told that the usual treatment for this infection is removal of the tonsils. Please tell me what causes this infection, and what is the recommended treatment. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Reply ----------------------
Tonsillar crypts are deep recesses found on the surface of the tonsils. Chronic tonsillitis often results from the accumulation of partially digested food debris in the depths of these crypts. When the crypts are particularly deep, the debris may actually form concretions known as tonsilloliths. Chronic tonsil inflammation associated with such debris in the crypts in most cases can be successfully managed by relatively simple oral hygiene measures designed to mechanically cleanse or irrigate the tonsils. Scheduled and regular gargling with antiseptic rinses such as Cepacol or saline-soda solutions (1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp baking soda in 6-8 oz water) are helpful in many. For more difficult cases, the use of a Water-Pik device with pulsating jets of solution directed at the tonsil crypts is advised. Antibiotics may be occasionally recommended for acute exacerbations associated with bacterial colonization of the crypts, however, antibiotics are often not particularly helpful. Ultimately, if these measures fail, and if the individual is sufficiently syptomatic, tonsil removal may be recommended.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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