What Causes Painful Tongue While Having Throat Infection?

Posted on Tue, 18 Oct 2016

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

Tue, 18 Oct 2016 Answered on

Tue, 8 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have occasional problems with extremely painful tongue. It is excruciating painfull to talk, swallow and just move my tongue. Several years ago I went to an ENT and was told that I had a rare bacterial infection that affects glands at the back of the throat. (I have no tonsils). I was prescribed an antibiotic and they helped I have since had a recurrence and have lost touch with that Dr and can't remember what type of antibiotic was prescribed. Can you elaborate on this at all. I do not seem to have any other symptoms when this occurs and how would I prevent this type of infection in the future? Thank you

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Culture of the throat swab

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You seem to have a serious recurrent throat infection including the tongue called pharyngitis and glossitis. You do not have remember the nature of infection. The technology and facilities have improved now.
You can get an laryngoscopy done along with culture of a throat swab to reveal the nature of infection and the causing organism within 3 days. This test will also say which antibiotic can perfectly target the said bacteria causing this infection. Till then your ENT specialist can give you broad spectrum antibiotics covering all the bacteria that infect the area.

Please see a different ENT specialist who is accessible and near to the area you live.

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar