Hello doctors -
I am a 31 yr old male. I have noticed for about 2 years now these hard bits
in my mouth when I awake. After checking the internet, I now believe they
are crypts. They never appear on a regular basis. (I actually thought they
were partially chewed peanuts -- because they were the same color, and
roughly the same consistency. But, they would apear even when I did not eat
any nuts at all. Plus I am not a big nut eater, anyway.)
I still have my tonsils. I do NOT have inflammed tonsils, redness, asymetrical tonsils, tender glands, halitosis or neck inflamation. So, generally I am in good health - ENT-wise.
I just discovered, yesterday, that I can manipulate my right tonsil with my finger and a crpytic piece of gunk will magically appear. Gross! I found this out after spotting -- for the first time -- a crypt ON MY TONSIL.
What course of action shall I pursue? They are not a major problem, more of an inconvenience or annoyance. My wife has not said anything about bad breath, as I am sure she would!
Should I have them looked at? Removed? Laser Serial Surgery? I guess some
medical person should see them before I jump to conclusions.
Any advice?
Thank you.
Reply: -------------------------
First of all, they require treatment only if there are symptoms present such as sore throat, throat irritation, halitosis, etc. If symptoms are present and related to accumulation of debris in tonsil crypts, then the first measure to try would be vigorous gargling with dilute salt water/baking soda solutions on a daily basis. If that is ineffective, then the use of a Water-pik to mechanically irrigate the tonsils with the same solutions would be advisable. If these measures fail to control symptoms after several months then surgery might be considered.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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