Q: I have pits in my tonsils that produce tonsil stones (white foul smelling particles). I have had this problem all of my life and have been told to use mouthwash and to use tongue depression sticks to help push the stones out of the pockets. I now have a dark spot surrounded by white tissue on my left tonsil (the one that produces most of the particles). I can't find any information on the Internet concerning my latest symptoms. I have had this dark spot for about 1 or 2 years now and it seems to go away when I am on strong antibiotics (for ear infection). I also have constant sinus drainage.

A:This seems to be a condition called keratosis pharyngus and you need nothing to worry about. Just gargle daily after meals and drink plenty of water. Regarding the black spot, you need not worry and just stop looking at your tonsils in the mirror. Alternatively, if this bothers you a lot and you just can't stop looking at it and feeling that you have a disease, then get the tonsils out.