Left Tonsil Enlarged With White Spot. Smoker. Is This Related To Smoking?
I recently just got over a staph infection on my leg from a scratch. I was taking antiboitics and all teh symptoms have gone away. Now I look in my throat and I see that my left tonsil is enlarged and there is one white spot on it. It's not sore nor painful. I have no fever or any symptoms other than it being uncomfortable. I have no idea what this means and I am very worried about. I am a smoker and my teeth are not very good. I'm not sure if this is related to it but any answer you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Mon, 27 May 2013
General & Family Physician, Dr. Nirmala P's Response
Hi. Thanks for asking in Healthcare Magic.
Painless white spot in one of the tonsil may be a tonsillolith. This is formed by a small foreign body like undigested food particle such as fish bone above which calcium is deposited over a period of time. Enlarged tonsils indicate tonsillitis. A hardened tonsillolith itself can get infected and inflamed to produce swelling of tonsils.
Tosillolith are usually seen in tonsillar cleft. Both tonsillolith and smoking can cause bad breath. If it is not associated with pain, it can be left alone. But since it is associated with swelling, although fever is not present it is better that you consult an ENT surgeon.
Physical examination and X-Ray are required for confirmation of diagnosis. Tonsillectomy is the preferable treatment if multiple tonsilloliths are present otherwise anti inflammatory drugs and antibiotics can reduce the swelling of tonsils but will not have an effect on tonsillolith.
I hope this is useful to you.
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Left Tonsil Enlarged With White Spot. Smoker. Is This Related To Smoking?
Hi. Thanks for asking in Healthcare Magic. Painless white spot in one of the tonsil may be a tonsillolith. This is formed by a small foreign body like undigested food particle such as fish bone above which calcium is deposited over a period of time. Enlarged tonsils indicate tonsillitis. A hardened tonsillolith itself can get infected and inflamed to produce swelling of tonsils. Tosillolith are usually seen in tonsillar cleft. Both tonsillolith and smoking can cause bad breath. If it is not associated with pain, it can be left alone. But since it is associated with swelling, although fever is not present it is better that you consult an ENT surgeon. Physical examination and X-Ray are required for confirmation of diagnosis. Tonsillectomy is the preferable treatment if multiple tonsilloliths are present otherwise anti inflammatory drugs and antibiotics can reduce the swelling of tonsils but will not have an effect on tonsillolith. I hope this is useful to you.