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What Causes Small Pieces Of Hard Things Coming Up Out From Throat?

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Posted on Thu, 21 Apr 2016
Question: My daughter says pieces of hard things come up from her throat sometimes. She said its kinda like plaque like when u squeeze it it will crumble. What could this be, is it serious?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may be tonsil stones, can be seen by ENT for assessment

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is possible that they are tonsil stones. These are small deposits of calcium that may be found in the throat.

They would have a plaque like appearance, usually white-yellow and could crumble as described.

They are formed when debris/bacteria/mucus become trapped in the different areas of the throat.
Most commonly in persons with a history of repeated infections or inflammation of the throat from post nasal drip/reflux

In most cases, no particular treatment is needed because they are not serious.

Gargling can sometimes help.
If there is an infection present, then antibiotics would be needed.
If they are disturbing or large then they can be surgically removed.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Small Pieces Of Hard Things Coming Up Out From Throat?

Brief Answer: may be tonsil stones, can be seen by ENT for assessment Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is possible that they are tonsil stones. These are small deposits of calcium that may be found in the throat. They would have a plaque like appearance, usually white-yellow and could crumble as described. They are formed when debris/bacteria/mucus become trapped in the different areas of the throat. Most commonly in persons with a history of repeated infections or inflammation of the throat from post nasal drip/reflux In most cases, no particular treatment is needed because they are not serious. Gargling can sometimes help. If there is an infection present, then antibiotics would be needed. If they are disturbing or large then they can be surgically removed. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions