Kissimmee, FL
A 22-year-old female asked:
are split tonsils normal ? almost looking like mini rib cages...
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bernstein Joel answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 60 years experience
Could be: The appearance of the tonsil is not as important as symptoms such as pain, obstruction, and bad odor. However, it the irregularity is only on one side, it would be a good idea to see an ENT doctor for a diagnosis.
4121 views
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Similar questions
A 39-year-old member asked:
Why do I feel such a frequent urge to spit?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Carolyn Thompson answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 28 years experience
Increased saliva: Some women have increased saliva production during pregnancy, especially women who are having nausea and vomiting.
6668 views
A 33-year-old member asked:
Would removing my tonsils be effective at turning RA around?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Russell Faust answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 29 years experience
Need larger studies: Assuming "ra" = rheumatoid arthritis. Ra is considered to be an immune over-activity, or auto-immunity, although the precise cause remains unknown. Tonsillitis, on the other hand, is caused by viral or bacterial infection. There are "anecdotal" reports of RA flare-ups following tonsillitis, + benefits of tonsillectomy (http://bit.Ly/sroj2e), but there have been no definitive clinical studies.
6150 views
GA
A 23-year-old member asked:
Is strep the only thing that causes the tonsils to be red?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mike Moore answered
Family Medicine 8 years experience
No: Anything that causes irritation or inflammation of the tonsils can cause them them to be red. Viruses (such as typical cold viruses) are actually a more common cause of "red" tonsils than strep bacteria. Allergies, with mucus dripping down the back of the throat, also causes redness of the throat and tonsils.
6258 views
FL
A 32-year-old member asked:
Whats the white stuff that I sometimes get in my tonsils?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anifat Balogun answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 29 years experience
Tonsil stones: The white material that sometimes gets into tonsil pockets are called tonsil stones or tonsilloliths. They result from trapped, hardened deposits of food debris, dead cells, mucus and bacteria.
Apart from being able to see the deposits, tonsil stones can lead to bad breath, sore throat, tonsil swelling and difficulty swallowing. Peroxide and salt water gargles as well as tonsillectomy are options.
6102 views
A 31-year-old member asked:
What are the white things in my tonsils ?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Farhad Sigari answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 20 years experience
Food and stuff: The tonsils have crypts (caves) in them. When you swallow, food is pushed back and then to the sides of your throat. This causes food to be pushed into those crypts where it is trapped, mixes with bacteria and can cause bad breath.There is no way to prevent this other than removal of your tonsils.One can use a water pick or other safe manner to remove them.Other times it is from pus from infection.
6092 views
Dr. Farhad Sigari commented
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 20 years experience
Provided original answer
You are welcome :)
Jan 18, 2012
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Last updated Jun 10, 2014
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