Yellow lumps in Tonsils

[gweny]

Between the age of 11 & 13, I experienced a series of strep.  Since that time, my tonsils have been enlarged.  Although I have not had a case of strep since that time, I now have yellow lumps in my tonsils that cause a very bad odor to by breath.  I've been told that the only solution is to have my tonsils removed, but I would rather find a way to keep them.  I've also been told that it is due to an infection, however, what kind of infection last 23 years?  Please help!  It's affecting my self-confidence when talking with people.  

Desperate

[National Jewish]

The most common cause of the odor and probably the yellow lumps is an infection.  It may not be there all the time or could be chronic in nature.  This can be cultured and treated with an antibiotic.  It may also come back if the tonsils are so deformed that bacteria collect in them.  A first approach would be a course of antibiotics and see what happens next.

[Ellis7]

Link:
http://www-surgery.ucsd.edu/ent/DAVIDSON/NASHAND/nasal.htm
Handbook of Nasal Disease
Excerpt:
"Acute tonsillitis and recurrent tonsillitis are bacterial infections.  They cause sore throat, fever and the feeling of being sick.  Some individuals have a low-grade, smoldering tonsil infection, often with small white to yellow puss filled nodules.  These are uncomfortable and often cause halitosis.  Tonsillectomy is the conventional treatment.  However, many cases can be managed with topical medication and throat irrigation.  

The Grossan Hydro-pulse Nasal/Sinus Irrigation System listed as item #3 in the Handbook of Nasal Disease is the optimal delivery system.  If the irrigation with warm salt water is not sufficient, you can add a diluted Burrough's solution.  This is an astringent and improves the efficacy of the irrigation system.  Burrough’s solution can be purchased over the counter.  It is typically delivered as a tablet which should be diluted in 2 liters of water.  If you were to irrigate with full strength Burrough’s solution, you would find it extremely bad tasting.  However, if you dilute 1:10 or 1:20, you will find it more tolerable.  The 1:10 dilution is made by adding one cup of the Burrough's solution to nine cups of water.  Use this to gargle or irrigate the tonsils.  This should be performed twice daily.  Improvement should be achieved within one to two weeks of treatment. "
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http://www.pharmacy-solutions.com/throat-instr.htm
Original Throat Irrigator Tip® with Tongue Cleaner  (Attachment for Water Pik devices)
Grossan Original Throat Irrigator
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http://www.bad--breath.net/art_tonsilloliths_tonsil_stones.htm
Tonsil Stones [tonsiloliths]