Tonsil stone
| Classification according to ICD-10 | |
|---|---|
| J35.8 | Other chronic diseases of the tonsils and pharynx - almond stone |
| ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019) | |
Tonsil ( tonsil stones , Tonsillolithe ) are a few millimeters large structures of the throat from white-yellowish color and chalky-crumbly consistency that a foul, penetrating odor ( halitosis have) when they are crushed. They are formed in the crypts of the tonsils and consist of food debris, rejected cells of the mucous membrane and bacteria. By storing calcium salts, they acquire a firm consistency. If tonsil stones get to the surface of the almond ( tonsil ), they are swallowed or transported outwards by sneezing or coughing.
Almond stones can cause bad breath , but are not harmful.
Occasionally with the Kryptenöffnungen visible almond stones fibrin a tonsillitis ( Stippchen ) confused; however, there are no other signs of inflammation such as reddening and swelling of the tonsils.
Self-treatment
Tonsil stones can be caused by the patient, e.g. B. with a toothbrush handle, but this is not possible for all people due to the gag reflex . Therefore, one should first try to stretch the throat by lifting the head. This tension sometimes causes the tonsil stones to loosen.
Another way to remove tonsil stones is to use a finger, wooden spatula, or cotton swab to press up against the underside of the tonsils. This light pressure often loosens the tonsil stones. Some people are able to do this with their tongue. This is a good practice because the tongue doesn't trigger the gag reflex as much.
While the stones are small enough, a medical pipette , especially one with a curved tip, can be used to suck them out. However, embedded tonsil stones that arise within the tonsils are not so easy to remove. Over time, however, they are released by the tonsils by themselves. It is also sometimes possible to suck out smaller stones yourself by swallowing with your mouth closed.
It is also possible to use an oral irrigator to cleanse the almond pits and prevent further tonsil stones from forming. For this purpose, however, an oral irrigator with adjustable water pressure using a low pressure level must be used in order to largely rule out tissue damage. A salt water solution is recommended here.
Gargling with, for example, tea or an antibacterial mouthwash can also be helpful for loosening and removing the tonsil stones and cleaning the surface of the almonds.
Treating yourself with a thin wire (for example floral wire) shaped into a curette is not recommended because of the not inconsiderable risk of injury; this form of removal should be left to the ENT specialist.
Another method for removing the tonsil stones is suction as part of Roeder treatment .
Surgical treatment
The most radical type of treatment consists either in the surgical removal of the tonsil stones (usually in the case of strong gag reflex and clear discomfort) or even in a complete surgical removal of the tonsils . However, the sole occurrence of tonsil stones is usually not an indication to remove the tonsil.
literature
- MD de Moura, DF Madureira, LC Noman-Ferreira, EN Abdo, EG de Aguiar, AR Freire: Tonsillolith: a report of three clinical cases. In: Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2007 Mar 1; 12 (2), pp. E130-E133. PMID 17322801
