Did you ever want to know why humans have tonsils? If you have ever asked a doctor about this, they are sure to have told you that the fleshy tissue at the opening of the throat captures bacteria along with other microbial invaders to prevent them from getting into the intestinal tract and other vital organs.
Unfortunately, human tonsils do not always perform their intended physiological duties, or at least not adequately. Although they are capable of trapping bacteria and even some viruses, the tonsils can also become swollen and infected. In addition, they can also form what are called tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths.
Tonsil stones are hard and calcified formations that are usually anchored in one or more folds or crevices in the throat region. On their own, these formations are usually not that harmful to people. Medical science actually tells us that we all have to some degree, small formations in our tonsils (unless you have had yours surgically removed already), but only a small percentage of the population actually develops large calcified tonsil stones.
Signs and Symptoms of Tonsil Stones
If you suspect you might have one or more tonsil stones, it's always wise to check with your doctor because proper treatment of tonsil stones is important. Several symptoms are associated with tonsilloliths. They include difficulty swallowing, feeling pain while swallowing, and bad breath (halitosis). If swallowing is painful, it's probably because the tonsil tissues are inflamed. This is a common occurrence whenever a large object adheres to the walls of the tonsils.
Tonsil stones that are extremely large weigh in at around 40 grams or larger, and are typically surgically removed. This is considered minor surgery, so there is little reason to be concerned. Once this type of treatment of tonsil stones is complete, patients are generally up and going on with their life immediately after undergoing the procedure. It is even possible for people to remove their own tonsil stones with long cotton swabs or small picks. Before trying this, you should have a consultation with your doctor first. This treatment of tonsil stones will not harm you, but if you have a good gag reflex it may be more difficult for you to accomplish.
If you don't want any of these inconveniences, have a doctor remove it for you, because your doctor has access to a variety of injectable numbing agents that will help suppress the gag reflex during the surgical removal of the tonsil stones.
Small tonsil stones where swallowing is not difficult can sometimes be removed with a warm salt water gargle. Besides, salt water can relieve the discomfort and soothe the throat. It can also help to reduce swelling.
Along with reducing discomfort and swelling, since salt water has natural antibiotic elements, it also reduces the numbers and activity of bacteria. Even doctors recommend salt water gargle to their patients who need to reduce the discomfort of throat pain.
Unfortunately, human tonsils do not always perform their intended physiological duties, or at least not adequately. Although they are capable of trapping bacteria and even some viruses, the tonsils can also become swollen and infected. In addition, they can also form what are called tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths.
Tonsil stones are hard and calcified formations that are usually anchored in one or more folds or crevices in the throat region. On their own, these formations are usually not that harmful to people. Medical science actually tells us that we all have to some degree, small formations in our tonsils (unless you have had yours surgically removed already), but only a small percentage of the population actually develops large calcified tonsil stones.
Signs and Symptoms of Tonsil Stones
If you suspect you might have one or more tonsil stones, it's always wise to check with your doctor because proper treatment of tonsil stones is important. Several symptoms are associated with tonsilloliths. They include difficulty swallowing, feeling pain while swallowing, and bad breath (halitosis). If swallowing is painful, it's probably because the tonsil tissues are inflamed. This is a common occurrence whenever a large object adheres to the walls of the tonsils.
Tonsil stones that are extremely large weigh in at around 40 grams or larger, and are typically surgically removed. This is considered minor surgery, so there is little reason to be concerned. Once this type of treatment of tonsil stones is complete, patients are generally up and going on with their life immediately after undergoing the procedure. It is even possible for people to remove their own tonsil stones with long cotton swabs or small picks. Before trying this, you should have a consultation with your doctor first. This treatment of tonsil stones will not harm you, but if you have a good gag reflex it may be more difficult for you to accomplish.
If you don't want any of these inconveniences, have a doctor remove it for you, because your doctor has access to a variety of injectable numbing agents that will help suppress the gag reflex during the surgical removal of the tonsil stones.
Small tonsil stones where swallowing is not difficult can sometimes be removed with a warm salt water gargle. Besides, salt water can relieve the discomfort and soothe the throat. It can also help to reduce swelling.
Along with reducing discomfort and swelling, since salt water has natural antibiotic elements, it also reduces the numbers and activity of bacteria. Even doctors recommend salt water gargle to their patients who need to reduce the discomfort of throat pain.
About the Author:
Looking to find the best information on the treatment of tonsil stones? Then visit Michael's new site where you can learn about removing tonsil stones.
