Q:
Yesterday morning I woke up with raised white bumps on both lateral sides of my tongue. The bumps are like the swollen taste buds I get if I burn my tongue, but I didn't, and the location of them is strange. They are still there today, but it hasn't gotten any worse (or better). My husband thought that is might be thrush, but it doesn't look quite like the pictures I've seen online. I do have a tendency to get yeast infections, but nothing like that before.
Is there anything I can try at home to fix it? Is there anything you guys at the health center might be able to do?
It's just kinda gross and uncomfortable....
A:
It could be a viral infection causing the uncomfortable swelling of the papilla of your tongue, or it could be a reaction to a food or beverage or medication you are taking. Thrush tends to be more likely on the inner cheeks and back of the throat, not just on the sides of the tongue. There is also a condition called "geographic tongue" that can cause raised white areas, most often on the top of the tongue, that can last several days to weeks.
Warm salt water swishes can ease it, and some people try benedryl liquid (over the counter at the store) as a swish and spit.
We would be happy to take a look if you are concerned, but there may be limited remedies other than time.
~The Doc
