What Causes Redness On Tongue Following Viral Infection?

Posted on Fri, 28 Aug 2015

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

Fri, 28 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : viral infection in the throat and now i have noticed that i have red veiny line in back of my throat and the side of my tongue have like red scapes with white . Should i go to the hospital im scared !!!

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is a sign of viral infection along with secondary bacterial infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. Your problem can be due to viral infection along with secondary bacterial infection. Examination by an ENT specialist will be helpful to rule out the condition.

Saline gargle or gargling with chlorhexidine will be helpful. You can also take chewable vitamin c. Taking warm chicken soup and tea with lemon is good also. If there is no improvement then antibiotic therapy will be needed. I usually advise antibiotics like Co-amoxiclav in such case.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (11 hours later)

So it's normal to have like cuts like as if tongue is rubbing against teeth and a white mark on sides of tongue as well ? At the back .

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, in viral and bacterial infections such findings are present usually.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for your follow up query.

In case of viral or bacterial infections such findings are normally present. So nothing to worry . It will disappear shortly after infection subsides.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (4 hours later)

Normal to get a sore on top palette near front of teeth as well ? Should i go to the hospital or ?

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
In aphthous ulcers these are present.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.

Thank you for your follow up query.

In aphthous ulcers these will be present. Better to have an examination with an ENT specialist to rule out the condition. This can occur due to nutrional deficiencies like vitamin B complex or vitamin c also. So taking supplements of those will be helpful.

Applying gels containing choline salicylate will be helpful. This is available as over the counter in brands like zytee RB gel.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

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