What Causes Bumps At The Back Of The Tongue?

Posted on Thu, 15 Jun 2017

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

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 Answered on

Thu, 6 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, about three days ago i noticed a bad bitter taste in my mouth. I didnt think anything of it. Today i was lookinh at my tongue and noticed these bumps on the back of it, as well as one on the side. Ive had human papiloma virus (HPV) for several years, ive also been takinh humira for the last several months. Im 35 year old male, smoker, no other history or symptoms. Also the discoloration is from the coffee i was drinkinh earlier i believe.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Enlarged papillae

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr. kakkar (dermatologist).
I have gone through your query and I have viewed the image.
These are enlarged circumvallate papillae rather than HPV infection.
Common causes of enlarged papillae include vitamin deficiencies, throat infections, oral thrush, cunsumption of hot and spicy food, trauma, smoking etc

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 minutes later)

Will this resolve on its own, or is there anything i can do in the meantime? This is also the cause of the bitter taste?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oral B Complex Vitamin supplement

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I suggest you to take an oral B Complex Vitamin supplement once daily for a month. Also use a mouthwash regularly at least twice or thrice in a day. Drink cleaner water.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj