What do small bumps on the tongue indicate?
Patient: I have noticed a number of growths towards the rear of my tongue, but on the side. They are the same colour as my tongue, but protrude quite a bit. I think they may be foliate papillae, but I am not sure. I have them on both sides. Further to this, I have a swollen right tonsil, but no pain Doctor: Hello,As per your explanation, it looks like you have swollen circumvallate papillae. Circumvallate papillae are present on the back one-third of the tongue and are arranged in a typical "V" shaped pattern.They are large papillae so slightly raised appearance is normal but in case if they are red and inflamed and swollen they are not normal and can occur due to a number of common causes like burning with hot foods and liquids, inflammation caused due to chemical injury like using concentrated solutions of mouthwash, allergic reaction to medicines, acid reflux, oral infections like thrush, throat infection, postnasal drip etcetera.You should consult an oral physician and get evaluated and treatment of the underlying cause can relieve. As of now, you can do warm saline gargles, soda bicarb gargles, suck ice pops and do cold water rinses. You can also avoid hot and spicy food and take a soft diet. Drink plenty of water and maintain good oral hygiene.Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards,Dr. Honey Arora