Hello,
I have a questions to ask you about my tonsils. I have never had any problems in the past with them, and I had strep throat only once when I was 9.
I am now 22 and have noticed on and off since Oct 96' seeing my left tonsil swell slightly, and some white spots I think are called "quincy" (or something like that)on them. My right tonsil stays very small and never does what my left one does. My left side of my throat gets slightly sore, so I look in the mirror and see the white spot(s).(Only on the left one) What I mean by slightly sore is, it only gets sore a bit when I swollow.
Also my left tonsil is a tad larger and has some cavities on it that get the pussy spots in them. My right tonsil does not have these prevalent cavities like the left one has and its more "flatter" in my mouth. Is that normal/ok??
*I am considering seeing a doctor about it. But I'm very worried about surgery. Would this be a qualifer??
* Is there something I could do at home to help this situation. (gargling, etc...) I do use listerene now.
Please e-mail back
Reply: ------------------------------
What you are describing is most likely accumulation of partially digested food debris that fills crevaces in the tonsils which are called tonsillary crypts. Cryptic debris in the tonsils can lead to minor local inflammation which can be manifest as minor sore throat or tonsil swelling. Oral hygiene measures are frequently adequate in controlling symptoms - these measures include vigorous gargling with saline-soda solutions or mild anti-septic mouth solutions. More symptomatic cases may respond better to the use of a water-pik device with a Grossan throat adapter which delivers a pulsatile irrigation to the tonsils. Severe cases, especially when associated with recurrent formation of tonsil concretions known as tonsiliths, may respond better to surgical approaches such as tonsillectomy.
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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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