Tonsils are two small glands located on either side of your throat. They help your body fight infection by producing antibodies, which are special proteins that help neutralize bacteria and viruses. Tonsils have little pockets called crypts that help trap bacteria and germs so they can’t get out and spread to other parts of your body. When you have a bacterial or viral infection in your throat or mouth, the walls of your tonsils become swollen and red. A small hole will appear in each tonsil as the virus or bacteria continues to replicate and attack the infected area. Are those holes normal? Let’s explore more about why my tonsils have holes.

Why Do My Tonsils Have Holes? 

1. Dehydration

This is a simple reason why your tonsils have holes. When you don’t drink enough water, your mouth gets dry, your throat gets dry, and your tonsils get dry. When your tonsils are dry, they become inflamed and swollen. When they are swollen, they get stuck in the back of your throat. When they are stuck in the back of your throat, they cannot help you fight off infections. Many people make the mistake of thinking that if they have a sore throat, they should drink more fluids. While you should drink plenty of fluids any time of the year because it keeps your organs healthy, it will only make your infection worse when you have a swollen tonsil. When your tonsils are swollen, you should drink fewer fluids because your body cannot get rid of them correctly when it is overwhelmed by the infection.

2. Autoimmune Disease

There are many different Autoimmune Diseases that can cause your tonsils to have holes. One of the most common ones is AIHA or PVID Syndrome. People with this disease do not produce enough antibodies to fight off infections. This is why they get infections so frequently and have trouble fighting them off. What happens when someone with AIHA has a tonsil infection is that their tonsils do not heal properly, and they develop small ulcers that look like holes in the tonsil tissue. This is why your tonsils have holes.

3. AIHA (Autoimmune Tonsillectomy)

Another reason why your tonsils have holes is that they were removed because of an Autoimmune Disease like AIHA or PVID Syndrome. If you have an Autoimmune Disease, you have outsourced your immune system to work against your body instead of for it. This means that your body does not have the antibodies needed to fight infections, so you get sick all the time and have a hard time getting rid of infections. One of the ways to treat an Autoimmune Disease is to surgically remove the tonsils. If a doctor has recommended to you that you get your tonsils surgically removed because of an Autoimmune Disease, they are probably suggesting you do a tonsillectomy. When they surgically remove the tonsils, they make two holes in the tonsils so that they can remove all of the tissue.

4. Allergies

Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. When someone has allergies, their immune system overreacts when they are exposed to certain allergens. This reaction causes more inflammation in the body, including in the throat and tonsils. This is why your tonsils have holes. Although you may not notice any sores in your tonsils, they will be slightly swollen or larger than usual in people who have allergies. The swelling is because the immune system is overreacting and causing excessive inflammation. Allergies are one of the most common reasons for tonsil swelling and are also one of the most common reasons for tonsil infections.

5. Strep Throat

Another reason why your tonsils have holes is that you had a chronic case of strep throat. Chronic tonsil infections are caused by bacteria that cannot be cleared from your tonsils. Bacteria like to live in the crevices of your tonsils and feed off of the dead cells that are constantly being shed. Bacteria like to live in these crevices to protect themselves from the white blood cells that are trying to kill them. When white blood cells are trying to kill bacteria in your tonsils, they secrete acids to dissolve the bacteria. When they dissolve the bacteria, they actually dissolve the tonsils as well, which is how bacteria get in the tonsils in the first place. Bacteria eat the tonsils because they are made of proteins, and the proteins are a source of food. Bacteria eat tonsils because they are made of proteins, and proteins are a source of food.

What Do The Holes In Your Tonsils Look Like?

• The holes in your tonsils will appear as small red or white pockets in the swollen tissue. The size and number of these pockets will vary between people and can range from a few small spots to a large number of pockets that almost completely cover the tonsils.
•  If you have a bacterial infection in your tonsils, you will likely also have a fever, throat pain when you swallow, and trouble sleeping. 
• Your tonsils may also have a bad smell. If you have a viral infection, you may have a sore throat, mouth sores, and a less intense smell coming from your tonsils. 
• If you have a tonsil infection, you will likely have all of these signs, but the smell may be more intense.

When Should You See A Doctor About Your Tonsils?

1. If you have a sore throat accompanied by a high fever or your tonsils are so swollen that you cannot swallow, visit your doctor immediately. 
2. Your doctor can diagnose you with a throat culture and provide you with the proper treatment.
3.  If you have other symptoms like pain or difficulty swallowing, make an appointment with your doctor.
4. If you don’t have any other symptoms, visit your doctor when the infection has cleared up so you can talk about removing your tonsils or adenoids (located near the tonsils and also help fight infection).

Tips To Help You Manage Holes In Your Tonsils

• Eat a healthy diet – One way to reduce your risk of infection is to eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and veggies and whole grains. 
•  Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth moist and reduce your risk of infection. 
•  Stay at a healthy weight – Being overweight or obese puts you at a higher risk of tonsil infections. 
• Get enough sleep – Your immune system is at its strongest when you sleep and can help you fight off infections.
•  Practice good oral hygiene – Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day can help reduce your risk of infection.
•  Take vitamins – Getting enough vitamins in your diet can help prevent infections.  
•  If you are prone to allergies and get tonsil infections as a result, your doctor may be able to help you manage your allergies.
•  See a doctor if you have frequent or severe tonsil infections 
•  If you notice your tonsils are frequently inflamed, seek treatment from a doctor to learn how to reduce your risk of infection.

How Do You Know If Your Tonsils Have Holes?

1. One of the most common symptoms of having tonsillectomy is throat soreness. However, there are other signs that your tonsils have holes. One of the signs is a bad taste in your mouth. The next sign would be that you have a sore throat, which might lead to hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing, and difficulty in breathing.
2. If you notice that you have a bad taste in your mouth or a sore throat, it is important to see your doctor immediately so that appropriate treatment can be started before the infection spreads to other parts of the body.
3. Adult tonsils can range in size from 2.5 to 3.5 inches. The tonsils are visible at the back of the throat, on both sides of the neck. Their color is pinkish or whitish and their texture is soft. The main reason why my tonsils have holes? is that they are no longer needed as an adult. When the tonsils become infected, they swell up. They also lose their usual smooth texture and become lumpy, like a round and hardball. The main reason why my tonsils have holes? is that they are no longer necessary.

Conclusion

Holes in your tonsils are a sign that your body is fighting an infection. The holes usually appear as the infection worsens and the tonsils become more swollen. Although the holes don’t cause any long-term problems, frequent infections can lead to surgery to remove the tonsils. Avoiding infections by eating a healthy diet, managing allergies, and practicing good oral hygiene can help reduce your risk.