Tonsil stones?

[OpheliaSnowbaIIs]

I had a sore throat last weekend and when I looked there was (TMI warning) lots of what looked like lovely pus-y bits on my tonsils. Called 111 (I have other health conditions so need to be careful re infections) who prescribed Pen V immediately over the phone.

By Wednesday the pus was still there and looked exactly the same. I felt fine, apart from a slightly scratchy throat. Went to see GP and she said it did look like 'a bit like' strep throat, but she was surprised that my tonsils weren't inflamed or red at all, which with strep they should be. Basically she didn't seem convinced.

I finish the ABs tomorrow and my throat looks exactly the same still. GP said she would prescribe more if it wasn't clear, but I'm beginning to wonder if it's actually strep throat and not just tonsil stones. I've had tonsillitis before and it was agony, nothing like this (a bit of a sore throat for 24 hours which had practically cleared even before I picked up the prescription).

I've never had tonsil stones as far as I know, but my breath doesn't smell at all and hasn't at any point, so I'm not sure. I don't really want to take any more ABs if I don't really need them. But equally I don't want to be ill over Christmas because I've not taken them.

Does this sound like anyone else's experience of strep throat/tonsillitis, ie very mild indeed? Or could it just be tonsil stones, do you think?

Any rash?

Gargle with hot salty water then poke them with a wet cotton bud.

No, no rash or temperature or any other symptoms. Felt a bit tired and run down on Saturday and Sunday but that could be coincidence, I have a health condition which causes both anyway plus I had half a bottle of wine on Friday night which may have been a factor!

Ooooh, this sounds like it has the potential to be sporntastic fun. Will do later!

Can you take a photo and we can have a look?

I second the wet cotton bud. It’s very satisfying. Push just next to where the white spot is and an enormous stone will come out. Feels like wet chalk.

Tonsil stones look different to strep a. Are there actually crevice type holes with the white bits sat in the holes?

I suppose if the crevices were fully filled it might be difficult to tell the difference?

I prong tonsil stones out with a wooden toothpick. I can feel them, and they have a funny taste, which lets me know they're there.

I really enjoy poking them out. Definitely sporntastic!

Yep, popping tonsil stones out, is massively satisfying

I get them from time to time, I use the end of a hair clip to prise them out! Gross little bastards they are but I do gag lots while I’m doing it 😂

oh you jammy bastards, I haven't had any for soooooo long

I think if it doesn't hurt, then chill

Dd gets tonsil stones badly, I’ve just bought her a waterpik to try and help dislodge them. She’s on blood thinners so I don’t think poking her tonsils with a hair grip is a good idea anymore.

Oh no @CoffeeBoy - probably best put the Kirby grips down for now!
I suspect my ds gets them as every now and then his breath smells the same as mine must do when I notice I have one, but I can never see them in his mouth - is it even worth trying a waterpik for him do you think if I can’t see the problem area?

They look pretty different. Tonsil stones are sat in a hole and they aren’t smooth (also a slightly different colour but I’m an unfortunate expert. More yellow whereas strep is a grey white).
The white from strep is flat and on the surface of the tonsil, in patches, rather than a ‘chunk’ in a tonsil hole.

There's a sub Reddit entirely dedicated to tonsil stones that you might find helpful. https://www.reddit.com/r/tonsilstones