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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Taste Bud Inflammation?

Hello, I am a 32 year old male. I had my tonsils removed in my early teen years. Out of nowhere today, I have this scratching feeling at the back (Left Side) of my tongue, where it meets the throat. It feels exactly like a popcorn kernel is stuck back there, but I haven t had popcorn in weeks. I do have heartburn often, and take an OTC medication almost daily to relieve the heartburn. Don t know if it s related or not, but want to give you as much info as possible. It doesn t exactly hurt, but it doesn t feel good and is annoying as all heck. I am a bit of nervous nelly when it comes to health, so the constant thinking about it im sure is not helping. Anyways, I hope you have some sort of answer for me as all the answers I read dont seem to be possible for me. Such as Tonsil Stones and tonsyllth, unless you can still get those when tonsils have been removed. Since I get health anxiety I am fearing the worst..throat cancer...and hoping for the best..inflamed taste bud? Anywho, any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Mon, 29 Jun 2015
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Dentist 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The symptoms you mention in the query are due to acid reflux disease that is GERD (gastrointestinal acid reflux). This condition occur when acidic content of stomach come back into esophagus due to defect in esophageal sphincter. This acid irritate mucosa of throat, cause rashes and sometimes irritation cause by this acidic content make taste buds to inflamed.

I would suggest you to avoid eating spicy and heavy food specially at night , Take meal at least one hour before going to bed, take antacid to neutralize acidic content and do warm saline gargles. Consult gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and to rule out tongue infection. Doctor may order endoscopy, blood test and ambulatory acid test. Doctor may prescribe H2 blocker like ranitidine and proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole to block acid production.

Hope your concern has been resolved. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Causes Taste Bud Inflammation?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The symptoms you mention in the query are due to acid reflux disease that is GERD (gastrointestinal acid reflux). This condition occur when acidic content of stomach come back into esophagus due to defect in esophageal sphincter. This acid irritate mucosa of throat, cause rashes and sometimes irritation cause by this acidic content make taste buds to inflamed. I would suggest you to avoid eating spicy and heavy food specially at night , Take meal at least one hour before going to bed, take antacid to neutralize acidic content and do warm saline gargles. Consult gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and to rule out tongue infection. Doctor may order endoscopy, blood test and ambulatory acid test. Doctor may prescribe H2 blocker like ranitidine and proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole to block acid production. Hope your concern has been resolved. Let me know if I can assist you further. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari