Everyone knows that when you have a cold, you should avoid drinking anything that has ice cubes. That’s because ice makes your cold symptoms worse by causing blood vessels to constrict, which causes your body to retain more carbon dioxide (exercise-induced lactic acid buildup) and causes your nasal septum to harden. Reducing the amount of CO2 in your system will also slow the production of shivering and chills, which can make an already miserable time feel even more like winter. However, it turns out that drinking lots of clear fluids can actually help ease the symptoms of a runny nose and watery eyes by Reducing the amount of mucus produced Easing production of histamines, a natural protein produced in high concentrations during sneezing or coughing. Whether you’re experiencing runny or swollen nostrils, tonsil stones can sometimes cause them to swell to dangerous levels. In fact, over 80% of those with enlarged tonsils do so from secondary infection from other conditions including: – Bacterial infections such as strep throat or viral infections like the flu.
Can Tonsil Stones Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Absolutely! Tonsil stones are made up of a combination of bacteria, dead cells, and mucus which can cause an infection. If left untreated, this infection can spread to the lymph nodes and cause them to become swollen. Swollen lymph nodes aren’t usually painful but they can be tender.
What Causes Tonsil Stones?
1. Poor Oral Hygiene:
Not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can cause bacteria, food particles, and mucous to accumulate in the back of the throat. This buildup can lead to tonsil stones forming.
2. Post-Nasal Drip:
When excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat due to allergies, colds, and other nasal problems, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Eventually, this bacteria can form into tonsil stones.
3. Enlarged Tonsils:
Having enlarged tonsils makes it easier for food particles and bacteria to get trapped in the crevices and become calcified over time.
4. Dry Mouth:
Having a dry mouth can lead to bacteria and food particles accumulating in the back of the throat, which can eventually form tonsil stones.
5. Smoking:
Smoking can irritate the throat and cause residual material from cigarettes to accumulate in the crevices of your tonsils. This can lead to tonsil stones forming.
6. Eating Unhealthy Foods:
Eating unhealthy or sugary foods can lead to high levels of bacteria buildup in the throat, which can cause tonsil stones.
7. Chronic Sinusitis:
People with chronic sinusitis often have excess mucus draining down their throat, which can eventually form into tonsil stones.
8. Acid Reflux:
When acid from the stomach comes up into the throat, it can cause inflammation and lead to tonsil stones forming.
9. Allergies:
People with allergies often have post-nasal drip, which can contribute to tonsil stone formation.
10. Genetics:
Having a family history of tonsil stones can increase the risk of developing them.
Regardless of the cause, it is important to visit your doctor if you suspect that you have tonsil stones. Treatment options vary depending on the severity, but they can range from natural remedies to surgical removal. A doctor will be able to determine the best course of action
How To Tell If Your Tonsil Has Stones
1. Check for White Spots:
One of the most common signs of tonsil stones is white spots or dots on the surface of your tonsils. These spots can vary in size and number, but they typically indicate that something is lodged inside your tonsils. If you notice these spots, it’s important to have a doctor take a look as soon as possible.
2. Bad Breath:
If you have tonsil stones, you may also experience a foul smell coming from your mouth that doesn’t go away with brushing or mouthwash. This odor can be caused by the bacteria and debris trapped inside your tonsils.
3. Difficulty Swallowing:
Because of the size and location of tonsil stones, they can cause difficulty or pain when swallowing. You may also feel like something is stuck in your throat or experience a “scratchy” feeling. If you’re having any of these issues, it’s time to get checked out.
4. Sore Throat:
Tonsil stones can irritate the throat and cause pain and discomfort. Other symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, coughing, and earaches may also be present.
5. Visible Stones:
If your tonsils are large enough, you may actually be able to see the stones sitting on their surface. If you have this symptom, it’s important to visit your doctor for treatment options.
6. Runny Nose and Post Nasal Drip:
Tonsil stones can cause a runny nose and post nasal drip as the debris trapped in your tonsils leads to irritation. This symptom may also be accompanied by coughing or sneezing.
7. Taste Changes:
Tonsil stones can cause changes in your sense of taste. This symptom is caused by the bacteria and debris trapped in your tonsils, which can alter how you perceive different flavors.
8. Earache:
An earache is another possible symptom of tonsil stones. This pain may feel like it’s coming from the back of your throat, but it could also be radiating from your ear.
9. Coughing:
It’s not uncommon for people with tonsil stones to experience a persistent cough. This symptom is caused by the irritation of your throat and can feel like something is stuck in it.
10. Swollen Lymph Nodes:
Swollen or tender lymph nodes are another very common symptom of tonsil stones. These may be located in your neck, armpits, and groin. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your doctor for treatment options.
What Are The Different Types Of Tonsil Stone?
1. Calcified Tonsil Stones:
These are the most common type of tonsil stones. They are made up of calcium deposits and other minerals, and usually appear as small, white lumps on the surface of the tonsils.
2. Mucous Tonsil Stones:
These are usually yellow or green in color and are made up of mucus and bacteria. They can be foul-smelling and can cause irritation when swallowed.
3. Soft Tonsil Stones:
These are typically made up of bacteria, food particles, and other debris that get trapped in the crevices of the tonsils. They can be difficult to remove without medical intervention.
4. Osteoid Tonsil Stones:
These occur when tissue from the tonsils hardens into a stone-like formation due to calcium deposits. They tend to be larger than other types of tonsil stones and can cause difficulty swallowing or breathing if they become lodged in the throat or airway.
5. Cystic Tonsil Stones:
These are large and can be filled with fluid. They can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and may require medical treatment to remove.
6. Pharyngeal Tonsil Stones:
These are rare but can occur when debris and bacteria become trapped in the pharynx. They can cause coughing, difficulty swallowing, and a sore throat.
7. Cryptic Tonsil Stones:
These are the most difficult to detect and diagnose, as they are hidden deep in the crypts of the tonsils. They can cause a bad taste in the mouth and bad breath.
The Bottom Line
While tonsil stones are most common in children, they can occur at any age. Every year, an estimated 1 in 10 people have a tonsil stone. With proper care, most of them can be effectively removed. If you’re experiencing runny or swollen nostrils, tonsil stones can sometimes cause them to swell to dangerous levels.
