Caption: A tonsil stone may become dislodged from a tonsillar crypt, while bacterial activity around trapped debris can contribute to unpleasant odor and throat irritation.
Tonsil Stones vs. Tonsillitis
It is important not to confuse tonsil stones with tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed, often because of a viral or bacterial infection.
A person with tonsillitis may experience:
- Significant sore throat
- Fever
- Swollen or red tonsils
- Painful swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fatigue
- White patches or pus on the tonsils
Tonsil stones, on the other hand, may exist without fever or significant illness.
A small stone can cause irritation and bad breath without making the person feel sick overall.
However, the two conditions can sometimes overlap.
A person who has recurrent tonsillitis may also be more susceptible to tonsil stones because inflammation can affect the structure of the tonsillar crypts.
This is why persistent throat symptoms should not automatically be attributed to a tonsil stone.
If pain, fever, swelling, or other symptoms develop, a healthcare professional can determine whether an infection or another condition is involved.