Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Forum - a Question About Something I Coughed Up

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Q: a Question About Something I Coughed Up

asked by: Jared_Wastern on November 11th, 2003

New User

I usually cough something like this up every month or two and it's usually when i'm sick, although sometimes when i'm not. Sometimes i'll cough and a big white chunk of something will come flying out of the back of my throat. It has like the consistency of something like the cross between a pea and a nut (it feels a little hard but you can squish it with you fingernails), and smells like vomit, it's slightly smaller than a pea. Anybody have any idea what I coughed up and why I coughed it up? I don't smoke, i'm not on any medication, and last doctor's appointment said I was fairly healthy and I know I don't get sick a lot (except last winter, but I think that was temporary allergies).

Anybody know what's up? I'm curious but don't feel like spending 10 bucks and a trip to the health center on it.

Replies(14)

nikki_caro

replied on November 12th, 2003

Extremely eHealthy

Ok im gonna give a shot on this one. Its when your cauging? Well it could be a buidup in the back of your mouth. Ive had something like that when caughing too. What you should do is wash your mouth more often with mouthwash and tilt your head back and gargle. It washes it out so it doesnt just fly out when you cough. I know how you feel about the 10 bucks and the trip. I hate it too. But try that. It might be something a dentist would like at. Maybe. If it still happens and its not working with the mouthwash and stuff, then go to a doc if your really concerned. But I think its just a buildup back there.

junebuggy

replied on November 12th, 2003

New User

Throat

Jared, all

thank you for emailing back a reply. I have tried the mouthwash etc... I am glad to hear that other people have this problem. By any means jared do you still have your tonsils? Because I do... Embarassed

i guess I am going to have to call a doctor... Or go see one...Thanks

Jared_Wastern

replied on November 13th, 2003

New User

Tonsils

I still have my tonsils, but I don't really have the free time or energy to get them removed. Full time student with a part time job. I'm not exactly up to my knees in surgery time. Maybe in the summer if a dentist says anything.

I just wanted to make sure it wasn't dangerous and that I didn't have any kind of yucky worrisome germs back there (well, more than anybody else)

thanks for replying and saving me some money.

Absinthe

replied on November 13th, 2003

New User

Sounds Like a Tonsilith

Tonsils are frequently covered with small openings called crypts. A combination of food particles, bacteria, and body secretions form small hard nuggets called tonsiliths, or tonsil stones. If you take a look back there you can sometimes see them as little cream colored dots on your tonsils. They are very common.

They will work themselves out eventually and you will either cough them up or swallow them. They have a nasty taste/odor.

You can also remove them yourself with a qtip. I have also heard of people using a waterpick to clean their tonsils, but the thought of that just makes me gag. Shocked

phil dennison

replied on November 18th, 2003

Experienced User

Snot

It is snot. Embarassed

because of allergies.

GEMGRL200

replied on October 4th, 2004

New User

These are called tonsil stones or "tonsilioth (sp) they are very common, its basically a nasty buildup in the crevices of your tonsils.Many people are able to see them and remove them with their fingers, others just expel them when they cough or sneeze. They will go away on their own.

2littlegirlz

replied on October 4th, 2004

Experienced User

I used to get those. Man, I learn something new every day Laughing

BeachGirl61

replied on October 6th, 2007

New User

May I Join the Club...

I have had a persistent cough for about 6 months...since spring and have periodically coughed these things up when I cough hard. I've wondered what they were. Can they be eliminated by having your tonsils removed? Drastic, but I am tired of coughing. Thanks for listening and posting. You've been helpful.

TMJWorld

replied on October 8th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

i get those all the time --let me guess--white and sometimes a little yellowish---tonsil cheese, stones etc. you can get your tonsils removed and you wont have them any more but they (tonsils) are part of your lymphatic system and they help you fight illness. just because tonsil stones are annoying is not a really good reason to get them removed.

Fairy Godmother

replied on October 8th, 2007

Supporter

Gargle with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water...I use a capful from the bottle to an 8 oz of h2o. This will kill the bacteria, which has caused the "tonsil stones". Then afterward, gargle with a mouthwash to get the taste out of your mouth!

TMJWorld

replied on October 8th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

yeah they dont taste too good lol--i hate it when you can feel one forming and you go to bed and its not there in the morning lol

msbionca

replied on December 9th, 2007

New User

Tonsilith

Rather than use a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water, I suggest Peroxyl (sp), which is a cleansing mouthwash made by clorox. It is made with hydrogen peroxide but it tastes great. My ENT specialist told me to try it for a few months and if it fixes the tonsolith problem then I do not need to get my tonsils removed. If it does not then obviously it is indicated to have the tonsils removed, and the earlier the better. The older you are when your tonsils are removed, the more difficult the recovery.

mominashoe

replied on December 9th, 2007

Moderator

Oh wow, as disgusting as it is, I admit, I have it too and I always wondered what that was.....and sometimes it's worse than at others, and I will could up loads of them in one day, but I'm not really sick either.

Thanks for the info.

And Dyan, you're gross!! lol Wink

TMJWorld

replied on December 16th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

heehee---you know me--I cant help it. Razz

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