Suggest Treatment For Swollen Papillae At The Back Of Tongue

Posted on Sat, 25 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 25 Oct 2014 Answered on

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I have a papilla at the back of my tongue immensly swollen. I have just been diagnosed with LPR last week after a very bad episode of soar throat. I know this can cause swollen papillae, but just one and really big? Is that also related?
Moreover, I am wondering whether this very bad reflux attack could not be caused by antibiotics that I was taking about a month agonand/or by iron pills which I am taking now (prescribed by my GP).
Many thanks in advance for your answer

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Try taking Omeprazole...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I have gone through the history and examined the image thoroughly. There is a solitary hypertrophied lymphoid follicle over the left side of the base of the tongue. The causes of the enlargement are many, to name a few:
1. Acid reflux disease
2. Recurrent pharyngitis
3. Recurrent sinusitis
4. Allergy
5. Following consumption of hot liquids, etc.

Do not worry! It's a harmless swelling, with appropriate medicines, the inflammation can be relieved. Iron pills can aggravate acidity.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water
2. Avoid chilled food/beverages/coffee/spicy food/fizzy drinks
3. Try taking Omeprazole with a prokinetic

Hope with the above measures you will feel better. Revert back to me if you have any further queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (16 minutes later)

Dr XXXXXXX

Many thanks for your clear and reassuring reply.

I would like to ask one more question: since you write iron pills make acidity worse, would you recommend I stop taking them until the soarness of my throat calms down at least? Or should I go on taking them (together with Selenium ACE+D as my GP has described?)

Best regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please continue with iron supplements...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

You can definitely continue taking iron supplements. Also, start with proton pump inhibitors, you will definitely feel better.

Hope this clears your doubts. I wish you good luck and good health.

Regards

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju