HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Do White Patches On The Tongue Indicate?

default
Posted on Fri, 24 Nov 2017
Question: Hi, I have two questions I am looking for another opinion on.

The first is I have had white circles/squiggly lines on my tounge for years. Most of the time its on the sides and the tip, occasionally I get one on the surface but its very faint. The circles start small and then grow out getting larger and eventually disappear. Sometimes inside the circles and lines it is red and if I touch it, it kind of hurts. The ones on the tip will itch and sometimes sting and occasionally I get one underneath my tounge. After they have gone they leave behind red and sometimes white patches and then those disappear and after a few days it starts again. I am sensitive to salt. I have seen two oral surgeons, a dermatologist and consulted a dentist on line and everyone of them has a different answer. They range from its just your tounge, changes in the papillae, allergies and irritation, Geographic tounge.

Second issue. On the back of my throat where my blood vessels are behind my uvula, I have 5-6 red/flesh colored bumps. I do not know how long I have had these. I had my physical and dental exam on August 28 and neither made mention of this. I have no pain and no difficulty swallowing. I have noticed for the past week or so in the morning my throat is kind of scratchy and I have to clear my throat a few times. I will attach two pictures of my throat and paste a link of a picture for my tounge since I do not have that one on file.

Link for picture of my tounge. The two pictures of my throat are attached.

Thank you

http://imgur.com/njxP6hj
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Posterior pharyngeal wall congestion

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for putting up the query
I have read the complaints and seen the attached pictures.
The bumps at the back of throat are due to posterior pharyngeal wall congestion and hypertrophy of mucosa caused by a post nasal drip. It will disappear once the cause for post nasal drip is treated. For this you should get a xray paranasal sinuses done and send me the picture.

The tongue complaints are probably due to oral candidiasis. Please send me the picture of the tongue as it is not clearly visible in the attached pictures. also tell me do you have any history of smoking or tobacco use?

Follow up with the required information so that I can suggest you better.
Take care
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (22 minutes later)
I uses smokless tobacco for 16 years but I quit four years ago. I will try and get a better picture

https://i.imgur.com/njxP6hjh.jpg

Here is a link for the pic should be able to enlarge it
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Posterior pharyngeal wall congestion

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the information.
I have trying many a times but can't download the picture. Please upload it in the reports section.
I am sorry for the inconvenience.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (3 hours later)
That's odd. I don't have saved as a file only linked to that website. Anyway I have had the circles and lines for about 15 years now. Would they be anything serious if I have had them for that long and they have not caused me any issues?

I went to an ent today and saw a ent pa. She said I had narrow nasal passages and the condition of my throat was due to post nasal drip along with me being a mouth breather when I sleep. She said there was nothing concerning. She said for me to use flonase and zyrtec. Does this sound right to you? She also said my tounge was geographic tounge and she has it as well. What else would you recommend for my throat that is not a prescription?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (17 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Posterior pharyngeal wall congestion

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the information.
As you have said that the lesion is for long it is likely to be a benign lesion.
The diagnosis of a deviated nasal septum with narrowed nasal passages is absolutely correct. It is causing the posterior wall congestion due to post nasal drip. You should get a xray paranasal sinuses done to confirm the diagnosis.
Alongwith the prescribed medicines take tablet levocetrizine plus montelukst once daily and tablet vitamin c once daily. Apply candid mouth paint on the tongue 3 to 4 times a day.
All the medicines i prescribed you will be available only on prescription.
I hope my advise proves helpful to you.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (9 hours later)
Is this also referred to as cobblestoning and or chronic pharyngitis?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Posterior pharyngeal wall congestion

Detailed Answer:
Hi
You are right..The posterior pharyngeal wall congestion can be referred to as cobblestone appearance and is a sign of chronic pharyngitis.
You are always welcome with any questions in future too.
Take care
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (13 minutes later)
Thank you. Your opinion and advice was really helpful. I have health anxiety, but you put my mind at ease and prompted me to see someone yesterday. Again thank you for helping me and putting my worries to rest.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Posterior pharyngeal wall congestion

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am glad my advice proves helpful to you.
You are always welcome with any questions in future too.
Take care
Thanks and regards
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. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1389 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Do White Patches On The Tongue Indicate?

Brief Answer: Posterior pharyngeal wall congestion Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for putting up the query I have read the complaints and seen the attached pictures. The bumps at the back of throat are due to posterior pharyngeal wall congestion and hypertrophy of mucosa caused by a post nasal drip. It will disappear once the cause for post nasal drip is treated. For this you should get a xray paranasal sinuses done and send me the picture. The tongue complaints are probably due to oral candidiasis. Please send me the picture of the tongue as it is not clearly visible in the attached pictures. also tell me do you have any history of smoking or tobacco use? Follow up with the required information so that I can suggest you better. Take care Thanks and regards