Tonsil stones refer to the small and hard lumps that can form in the tonsils. Although tonsil stones are very much common in teenagers, adults also experience this in some rare cases. It hardly requires urgent medical intervention as it can fade away on its own. But there are also some surgical solutions available if necessary. However, this blog, drafted by a renowned ENT specialist in Kolkata reveals everything that you need to know about tonsil stones.
How Tonsil Stones Can Be Formed?
Our tonsil glands have folds that are popularly known as tonsillar crypts. If these tonsillar crypts become enlarged, some minerals like calcium can easily get trapped in them and calcify into small stones. This is how tonsil stones form.
What Are The Major Symptoms Of Tonsil Stones?
Fundamentally, tonsil stones are not that much harmful as it seems to be. Still, every reputable Consultant ENT Surgeon in Kolkata recommends observing the symptoms of tonsil stones so that one can apply some easy home remedies for them!
The most usual symptoms of tonsil stones include -
- Earache
- Bad breath
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Unusual taste in the mouth
- Difficult swallowing
- Throat infections
How To Prevent Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones do not bring other serious health risks as they go away naturally in a few days. But in some cases, tonsil stones can be too much annoying. In such cases, you can follow certain tips to prevent tonsil stones easily -
- Maintaining a good oral hygiene
- Gargling with saltwater
- Managing allergies (if there are any)
- Coughing to slacken the stones
However, trying to dislodge the tonsil stones with your fingers can be too much risky. This may lead to throat infections, bleeding, or choking. So, restrain yourself from doing this and seek professional help from an ENT specialist in Kolkata.
When To See An ENT Specialist In Kolkata?
As we have mentioned earlier, tonsil stones are usually harmless until they get worse. Consider visiting an ENT specialist in Kolkata if you have -
- Chronic sore throat that lasts more than two weeks
- Breathing issues mainly while sleeping
- Trouble swallowing foods and beverages
- Persistent throat infections that do not fade away
However, in the rarest cases, an ENT specialist in Kolkata may feel it is necessary to remove the tonsil stones surgically. But surgery only takes place if the tonsil balls turn out to be too large to treat via medication.
