Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The small white spots and redness on the posterior pharyngeal wall is known as granular pharyngitis. There is also congestion in the throat and around the tonsils. This is a sore throat. You also have a coated tongue.

2. Get a throat swab taken from the precise area under vision to rule out a local bacterial or fungal infection. Check if it bleeds or appears traumatized after the swab. Man sore throats are viral or allergic in origin. Diagnosis depends upon accompanying symptoms such as fever, pain, cough and so on.

3. A differential will include mostly benign conditions such as an area of lymphoid hypertrophy, accessory lymphoid tissue, inflamed minor salivary gland tissue, papillomas, an allergic reaction, local fungal infection and so on. Have you had any recent dental work? Have you noticed any decreased salivation or halitosis (bad breath)?

4. A Post Nasal Drip and Acid reflux cause such symptoms.

5. Besides the culture, Sinus X-rays or CT, routine blood tests may be advised by your physician.

6. The simplest course of action will be a course of antibiotics, anti-allergics, anti-inflammatory agents and medicated gargles and anti-reflux medication. If there is no improvement or the area of the patch increases a short course of steroid, if not contraindicated, will help.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

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Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The common causes of a coated tongue include fungal and yeast infections, overuse of mouthwashes or antibiotics, smoking or acid reflux, dehydration, constipation, poor oral hygiene and so on. Milk products and digestion problems cause white or yellow coatings on the tongue. Coffee stains teeth, but tongue discoloration is temporary, usually a stain on this coating. Vitamin deficiencies (geographic tongue due to loss of papillae), liver problems , temporary burns or scalds with hot liquids are also responsible for change in color.

2. Use a diluted Betadine gargle and Candid mouth paint for a week. Start taking a probiotic capsule such as Vibact. Cut down on milk and milk products. Clean your tongue regularly. Rule out any dental and sinus disease.

3. A 'within normal limits' description for the throat, mouth and tongue encompasses a wide variety appearances. Congestion (redness) does not mean mucus. This image does not look bad. I must emphasize that this a very common appearance and not a cause for worry.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

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