Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Electra, TX

Does anyone have any tonsil issues? For several years now, I have had painless, yet unhealthy looking tonsils, with several little holes. They have tonsil stones and drain pus occasionally. Dr never concerned.

August 26, 2018
 · 
Reactions
A MyLupusTeam Member

@holisticfern do you mind letting us know how your ENT appointment with, how you are doing and any treatments you've tried since your last post?

November 29, 2018
A MyLupusTeam Member

How are you? Have your tonsil issues improved? I’ve been having issues with my tonsils too, diagnosed with lupus February 2018 then started developing tonsil issues in August, they swell and I get tonsil stones all the time, it makes my voice hoarse, hurts to swallow. My rheumatologist says it probably isn’t related to lupus and has been pushing for me to see an ENT doctor. I finally agreed and will be seen in November.

October 24, 2018
A MyLupusTeam Member

It's a bit harder to have tonsils out as an adult than when you are a child. The worse thing was earache for the first few days, but it was definitely worth it as my health did improve. I would ask about having them removed, it will help your general health.

August 26, 2018
MyLupusTeam

Here is some information about tonsil issues related to lupus from the knowledge base:

Tonsil Stones and Lupus
- Tonsil Stones: These are small, calcified deposits that form in the folds or crypts of the tonsils. They can be caused by food, bacteria, or other debris getting stuck and hardening over time
- Symptoms of Show Full Answer

Here is some information about tonsil issues related to lupus from the knowledge base:

Tonsil Stones and Lupus
- Tonsil Stones: These are small, calcified deposits that form in the folds or crypts of the tonsils. They can be caused by food, bacteria, or other debris getting stuck and hardening over time.
- Symptoms of Tonsil Stones:
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Sore throat and trouble swallowing
- Earache
- Coughing due to a sensation of something stuck in the throat
- White patches on the tonsils
- Frequent throat infections that don’t improve with antibiotics

Management and Treatment
- Home Remedies:
- Use a clean cotton swab to remove visible tonsil stones.
- Gargle with salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) to dislodge stones and soothe a sore throat.
- Gargle with salt water after meals to prevent food particles from getting stuck.
- Medical Treatment:
- Surgery (tonsillectomy) may be recommended if tonsil stones are large, cause chronic pain, or lead to frequent tonsillitis. This procedure is usually done in an outpatient clinic and takes 20-30 minutes. Recovery can take at least 10 days to a few weeks.

Connection Between Tonsil Stones and Lupus
- Lupus: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues, affecting various parts of the body including joints, kidneys, skin, and the digestive system.
- Tonsil Stones and Lupus: Many people with lupus report having tonsil stones, but more specific research is needed to understand the connection fully.

Tonsil Function
- Role of Tonsils: Tonsils are part of the immune system, specifically lymph nodes, which house white blood cells to help fight infections. They filter out bacteria and viruses entering through the mouth or nose.

Additional Considerations
- Tonsillectomy: This procedure can be helpful for those with chronic tonsillitis and an autoimmune disease. It involves removing both tonsils and is done in an outpatient setting.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the articles from MyLupusTeam:
- [Lupus and Tonsil Stones: Does Lupus Cause Tonsil Stones?](https://www.mylupusteam.com/resources/lupus-and...)
- [Lupus and Sore Throat: Causes and 4 Tips for Management](https://www.mylupusteam.com/resources/lupus-and...)

July 25, 2024
A MyLupusTeam Member

You’re welcome! I am thankful for your post. I hope I get some answers when I see ENT. I’ll let you know what they tell me

October 25, 2018

Related Questions

View All
A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Los Angeles, CA

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Decatur, GA