Hi. I have an infection in my tonsils. It's not a strep infection and my tonsils are not swollen. Rather it's an infection inside of the cripts. I have been treated for stomach ulsers with strong antibiotics, and the infection has disappeared but after about a week of stopping the intake of antibiotics the infection has returned. The infection produces white particles (tonsiloliths) forming in the crypts, I would like to know if tonsilectomy is advised in the case of cryptic infection. If so, I've heard about laser tonsil removal. Could you recomend any clinic in New York area that uses laser to remove tonsils.
Reply: -------------------------------
First of all there is not necessarily a need to treat accumulation of debris in the crypts of tonsils unless symptoms are present - you did not mention the presence of any symptoms such as sore throat or halitosis. Secondly, antibiotics are generally not indicated for crypt debris unless culture documented bacterial infection is present.
Symptomatic chronic tonsillitis with frequent mild sore throats, halitosis, foreign body sensations in the tonsil area, obvious crypt debris etc. is primarily treated with vigorous oral hygiene measures - vigorous daily gargling with antiseptic mouthwash (Cepacol) and saline-soda solutions. More symptomatic individuals might benefit from the use of pulsatile irrigation with a Grossan irrigator attached to a Water-pik device using dilute salt-water and baking soda solutions. Ultimately after many months of religious oral hygiene measures, if bothersome symptoms remain, one might consider tonsillectomy or a newer procedure done with the laser whereby tonsillar crypts are ablated.
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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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