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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on May 29, 2007, at 11:03:57
I am 60 and still have my tonsils and lots of times these white to yellow ugly smelly balls come out of them if you suck on them. I know it's gross anyone know what they are? And I have had no taste for three years. Cancer? Love Phillipa
Posted by zenhussy on May 29, 2007, at 13:54:35
In reply to Tonsils white smelly balls come out what are they?, posted by Phillipa on May 29, 2007, at 11:03:57
from Treating Tonsil Stones at drgreene.org
http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?id=21&action=detail&ref=568
>>>...As you suspect, however, there is more to these hard lumps than just food. The tonsils also trap other mouth debris such as bacteria and old cells from the surface of the mouth's lining. Some of these cells contain small amounts of keratin, the same substance found in fingernails and rhinoceros horns. Whatever the nature of the debris, it is then attacked by white blood cells. The aftermath of this battle leaves the crevices of the tonsil strewn with hardened remains.
Most people swallow this material without ever noticing it, while it is still tiny. In those whose tonsils are large, however, the particles can lodge in the deep crypts, where they continue to grow. The enlarging lumps are called calculi of the tonsil, or tonsilloliths (tonsil stones). These stones are most common during adolescence.
Microscopic studies of these tonsilloliths have shown them to contain a combination of food particles, bacteria, oral debris, and white blood cells in a concentrically laminated pattern -- rather like a pearl. Usually they are small gritty particles found in the center of soft, cheesy flecks. Sometimes, however, they become quite large, appearing as rough, yellow or gray, round stones. At times they reach an extraordinary size. Affected people usually have a history of repeated attacks of tonsillitis in earlier years.<<<
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
who is Dr. Greene?Dr. Greene is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of California at San Francisco. Upon completion of his pediatric residency program at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Northern California he served as Chief Resident. He entered primary care pediatrics in January 1993. In 1995, he launched DrGreene.com, cited by the AMA as the first physician Web site on the Internet. His award-winning site receives over 50 million hits a month from parents, concerned family members, students, and healthcare professionals. In addition to being the founder of DrGreene.com, he is the Chief Medical Officer of A.D.A.M., a leading publisher of interactive health information. He also teaches medical students and pediatric residents at the Stanford University School of Medicine, and is an Attending Physician at Stanford's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. He is the President of Hi-Ethics (Health Internet Ethics) and helped URAC develop its standards for eHealth accreditation. He serves on the board of directors of The Organic Center.
Dr. Greene is the Pediatric Expert for Yahoo!, Rob Reiner’s ParentsAction.org, and NPR’s The People’s Pharmacy. He is the author of From First Kicks to First Steps (McGraw-Hill, 2004), The Parent's Complete Guide to Ear Infections (People's Medical Society, 1997), and a co-author of The A.D.A.M. Illustrated Family Health Guide (A.D.A.M., Inc., 2004). He is the medical expert for three additional books, The Parent's Soup A-to-Z Guide to Your New Baby, (Contemporary Books, 1998) The Parent's Soup A-to-Z Guide to Your Toddler, (Contemporary Books, 1999), The Mother of All Baby Books, (Hungry Minds, Inc., 2002).
Dr. Greene is a frequent keynote speaker at important events such as the first Green Power Baby Shower, held in Hollywood, the first European Internet health conference, held in Maastricht, and the first International eHealth Association Conference, held in Jeddah. Dr. Greene also appears frequently on TV, radio, websites, and in newspapers and magazines around the world, including such publications as the Wall Street Journal, Parenting, Parent, Child, Baby Talk, Working Mother, Better Home's & Gardens, and Reader's Digest.
Posted by Phillipa on May 29, 2007, at 20:40:48
In reply to tonsilloliths also called tonsil stones » Phillipa, posted by zenhussy on May 29, 2007, at 13:54:35
So it helps to keep me from getting sick so don't worry about them. Geez at 60 you would think I wouldn't have a kids problem. Never get sore throats. Got strep a lot as a kid. I have autoimmune disorder overactive could that contribute to it or cause loss of taste or smell? Thanks so much for the info. I've wondered for years what they were. I just spit them out. Love Phillipa
Posted by sunnydays on May 30, 2007, at 20:44:04
In reply to Tonsils white smelly balls come out what are they?, posted by Phillipa on May 29, 2007, at 11:03:57
You could always ask your general practitioner at your next physical. They're there to answer your questions, after all!
sunnydays
Posted by Phillipa on June 2, 2007, at 14:09:49
In reply to Re: tonsilloliths also called tonsil stones » zenhussy, posted by Phillipa on May 29, 2007, at 20:40:48
Got more this morning when I woke up are they really harmless? I suck them out and then flush them down the toilet. Please answer is this okay as my anxiety disorder I freak about everything. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by scratchpad on June 2, 2007, at 18:37:51
In reply to Re: tonsilloliths also called tonsil stones, posted by Phillipa on June 2, 2007, at 14:09:49
> Got more this morning when I woke up are they really harmless? I suck them out and then flush them down the toilet. Please answer is this okay as my anxiety disorder I freak about everything. Thanks Phillipa
Phillipa why wouldn't you ask your doctor about them? My brother had them when he was a teenager, and he's always been a mouth breather rather than a nose breather.
But really, your doctor could settle your worries for you - or treat your tonsil stones!
take care
sp
Posted by Phillipa on June 2, 2007, at 21:45:38
In reply to Re: tonsilloliths also called tonsil stones » Phillipa, posted by scratchpad on June 2, 2007, at 18:37:51
Seriously? Everytime I go to a medical doctor they find something wrong so don't get older. I've had them for years just more lately and never questioned them. And the only doc is the one so far away when I've seen the GP here he makes me feel really stupid says why are you here then refers me to someone else. And I tried another group same thing. I don't want to go near a doc haven't had a OB-GYn now in three years and not finding another at my age. Love Phillipa
Posted by scratchpad on June 3, 2007, at 13:11:24
In reply to Re: tonsilloliths also called tonsil stones » scratchpad, posted by Phillipa on June 2, 2007, at 21:45:38
> Seriously? Everytime I go to a medical doctor they find something wrong so don't get older. I've had them for years just more lately and never questioned them. And the only doc is the one so far away when I've seen the GP here he makes me feel really stupid says why are you here then refers me to someone else. And I tried another group same thing. I don't want to go near a doc haven't had a OB-GYn now in three years and not finding another at my age. Love Phillipa
Well, if that's the case then I'd be plenty worried about my health!
My in-laws (in their 80's) do remark when then there is nothing to report about their health - it is something to celebrate. And they are relatively spry and healthy people! My father in law still works part time at 81 years of age.take care and try a salt water gargle (can't hurt)
sp
Posted by Phillipa on June 3, 2007, at 13:27:10
In reply to Re: tonsilloliths also called tonsil stones » Phillipa, posted by scratchpad on June 3, 2007, at 13:11:24
Thanks every since my thyroid went it's been that way and the lymes and autoimmune diseases what a bummer. Love Phillipa
Posted by scratchpad on June 3, 2007, at 17:54:06
In reply to Re: tonsilloliths also called tonsil stones » scratchpad, posted by Phillipa on June 3, 2007, at 13:27:10
> Thanks every since my thyroid went it's been that way and the lymes and autoimmune diseases what a bummer. Love Phillipa
Maybe a regime that is geared towards taking care of your autoimmune system, vitamin-wise, would be good? Sometimes chiropractors do that sort of health care in their practice.
I hope you are able to find some peace of mind.
sp
Posted by Phillipa on June 3, 2007, at 20:07:57
In reply to Re: tonsilloliths also called tonsil stones » Phillipa, posted by scratchpad on June 3, 2007, at 17:54:06
SP months ago put my name on a list of a wholistic medical doctor here. Apparantly people come from different states to see him. He will only take a new patient if one leaves. Still on the waiting list. I was in the Vitaminshoppe the other day and zinc was recommended for loss of taste and smell had for three years they wouldn't sell it to me said it would not be good. I'm looking for Lar he's gone again. Two e-mails later. Our vitamin expert. Think I'll start another thread here and see if someone else can help Thanks agains sp. Love Phillipa
Posted by Lonely on June 5, 2007, at 23:00:27
In reply to tonsilloliths also called tonsil stones » Phillipa, posted by zenhussy on May 29, 2007, at 13:54:35
Oh, so THAT'S what it is!!!! I've had that since I was at least 8 years old and always assumed it had to do with my severe allergies. I've noticed that they seem to "hang around" for several weeks before I develop flu/upper respiratory infection. I've tried digging them out with tweezers but that seems to hasten the infection. It also seems like my throat (especially in that area) itches a lot.
Doctors have seen them and called them by different names - can't remember now - but never this term. Doctors seem to be disinterested. The "white stuff" seems to start out very attached to or "growing" on tonsils or throat before they loosen up enough to come out.
Goodness, and I thought I was the only one who ever had this!
Thank you for bringing it up!!!!! (no pun intended)
> from Treating Tonsil Stones at drgreene.org
>
> http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?id=21&action=detail&ref=568
>
> >>>...As you suspect, however, there is more to these hard lumps than just food. The tonsils also trap other mouth debris such as bacteria and old cells from the surface of the mouth's lining. Some of these cells contain small amounts of keratin, the same substance found in fingernails and rhinoceros horns. Whatever the nature of the debris, it is then attacked by white blood cells. The aftermath of this battle leaves the crevices of the tonsil strewn with hardened remains.
>
> Most people swallow this material without ever noticing it, while it is still tiny. In those whose tonsils are large, however, the particles can lodge in the deep crypts, where they continue to grow. The enlarging lumps are called calculi of the tonsil, or tonsilloliths (tonsil stones). These stones are most common during adolescence.
>
> Microscopic studies of these tonsilloliths have shown them to contain a combination of food particles, bacteria, oral debris, and white blood cells in a concentrically laminated pattern -- rather like a pearl. Usually they are small gritty particles found in the center of soft, cheesy flecks. Sometimes, however, they become quite large, appearing as rough, yellow or gray, round stones. At times they reach an extraordinary size. Affected people usually have a history of repeated attacks of tonsillitis in earlier years.<<<
>
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> who is Dr. Greene?
>
> Dr. Greene is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of California at San Francisco. Upon completion of his pediatric residency program at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Northern California he served as Chief Resident. He entered primary care pediatrics in January 1993. In 1995, he launched DrGreene.com, cited by the AMA as the first physician Web site on the Internet. His award-winning site receives over 50 million hits a month from parents, concerned family members, students, and healthcare professionals. In addition to being the founder of DrGreene.com, he is the Chief Medical Officer of A.D.A.M., a leading publisher of interactive health information. He also teaches medical students and pediatric residents at the Stanford University School of Medicine, and is an Attending Physician at Stanford's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. He is the President of Hi-Ethics (Health Internet Ethics) and helped URAC develop its standards for eHealth accreditation. He serves on the board of directors of The Organic Center.
>
> Dr. Greene is the Pediatric Expert for Yahoo!, Rob Reiner’s ParentsAction.org, and NPR’s The People’s Pharmacy. He is the author of From First Kicks to First Steps (McGraw-Hill, 2004), The Parent's Complete Guide to Ear Infections (People's Medical Society, 1997), and a co-author of The A.D.A.M. Illustrated Family Health Guide (A.D.A.M., Inc., 2004). He is the medical expert for three additional books, The Parent's Soup A-to-Z Guide to Your New Baby, (Contemporary Books, 1998) The Parent's Soup A-to-Z Guide to Your Toddler, (Contemporary Books, 1999), The Mother of All Baby Books, (Hungry Minds, Inc., 2002).
>
> Dr. Greene is a frequent keynote speaker at important events such as the first Green Power Baby Shower, held in Hollywood, the first European Internet health conference, held in Maastricht, and the first International eHealth Association Conference, held in Jeddah. Dr. Greene also appears frequently on TV, radio, websites, and in newspapers and magazines around the world, including such publications as the Wall Street Journal, Parenting, Parent, Child, Baby Talk, Working Mother, Better Home's & Gardens, and Reader's Digest.
>
Posted by Tabitha on June 6, 2007, at 22:55:19
In reply to tonsilloliths also called tonsil stones » Phillipa, posted by zenhussy on May 29, 2007, at 13:54:35
In case anyone needs to see a picture and learn even more about "tonsilloliths"
Posted by Lonely on June 6, 2007, at 23:06:52
In reply to Re: tonsilloliths picture, posted by Tabitha on June 6, 2007, at 22:55:19
Thanks. It looks very similar although (and I apologize if this seems gross to anyone) the "stones" that I have are firm but can sometimes crumble rather easily somewhat like a chunk of goat cheese. The odor and so forth is there just like they describe in the article.
> In case anyone needs to see a picture and learn even more about "tonsilloliths"
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsilloliths
Posted by Worry Girl on June 20, 2007, at 14:58:11
In reply to Tonsils white smelly balls come out what are they?, posted by Phillipa on May 29, 2007, at 11:03:57
I had these when I was about 12. It is interesting that my sister had them at the same time, and she is 4 1/2 years younger. We called them "white things". We would hock them up constantly.
It is interesting that the only time we had them was when we lived in a suburb of Boston. This particular town it turned out had a major problem with their water supply. When we moved elsewhere the white things disappeared. Maybe it was coincidence. During the time of living in this town I completely lost my appetite and a lot of weight. It was not true anorexia because I did not think I was overweight - I could see how skinny I was and it disturbed me that I felt so sick to my stomach all the time. I have always loved to eat, yet I lost my appetite (and got these nasty white things in my throat). My appetite came back when we moved, too. (What a pity that I developed bulimia about three years later).
Another thing, I wonder if there is a connection between them and an overgrowth of yeast in the body. I got one of those things a few months ago. My resistance was down, and it turned out that I had a yeast infection at the same time. Again a coincidence? Who knows.
It sounds like they are harmless. From looking at the photo I know these are exactly what my sister and I had.
Posted by cloudydaze on August 16, 2007, at 20:20:26
In reply to Re: Tonsils white smelly balls come out what are they?, posted by Worry Girl on June 20, 2007, at 14:58:11
Wow.
I have this as well - always wondered what it was.
Sometimes the stones get rather large and make me gag.
Usually i get them out by using a q-tip or pressing with my finger.
It's pretty gross, but I'm glad it's not serious.
It says they can be caused by mouth breathing, and I tend to sleep with my mouth open (I have apnea).
This is the end of the thread.
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