Swollen taste buds why

Some may also have little fluid-filled blisters that are known as pustules on the tongue. Either someone will treat the underlying condition they have, or the damage to their taste buds heals with time.

However, there are an estimated , Americans who seek treatment each year for disorders related to their sense of taste, according to the National Institutes of Health. If a person notices chronically swollen taste buds or feels their sense of smell is affected, they will usually make an appointment to see an otolaryngologist, who is an ear, nose, and throat ENT specialist.

They will consider the symptoms and do a physical examination. If a doctor suspects a person could have tongue cancer, they may take a biopsy or sample of tissue. A specialist known as a pathologist will then view the cells under a microscope to look for cancerous cells.

A person may be able to reduce their swollen taste buds by treating the underlying cause. This could include taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection or gum problem.

Sometimes a doctor may prescribe alternate medications to reduce the effects of tongue or taste bud swelling. Quitting smoking can also help a person who smokes and has problems with taste. Enlarged taste buds can be pretty uncomfortable. Typically, they are not symbolic of a more severe condition, and the swelling will go away on their own with time. However, some issues can lead to frequent swelling or tongue pain, which should be diagnosed and treated.

There are a few potential causes that can cause damage to your taste buds. While taste buds typically regenerate approximately every weeks, there are times when they can become damaged, burned, or inflamed for different reasons, including the following:. Acid Reflux.

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Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Top Articles. The four types of lingual papillae include: Filiform. The most common type of papillae, filiform papillae , do not contain taste buds. Instead, they act as grips or ripples on your tongue to assist in cleansing the mouth, chewing and speaking. Between and fungiform papillae exist on your tongue, mostly at the tip and edges.

Each contains 3 to 5 taste buds as well as sensory cells for texture and temperature. The very large circumvallate papillae reside at the base of your tongue near your throat and contain hundreds of taste buds. These papillae are so large they are visible to the naked eye. The ridges along the rear edge of your tongue are foliate papillae. These also contain hundreds of taste buds. A swollen taste bud is probably caused by something you ate, but sometimes it's a sign of another condition.

Video of the Day. And, just as you guessed, these taste buds can get swollen. See something? Here's what might be going on — and when to say something to your doc.

What you might be seeing is the look of completely normal taste buds. Your Tongue Is Irritated. In response to irritation, taste buds may swell. Luckily, things should get back to normal shortly, without you having to do anything about it.

You Have Acid Reflux. Heartburn Chest pain Problems with swallowing, or feeling like there's a lump in your throat Retching up food or a sour liquid Chronic coughing Hoarseness or loss of voice. It's Oral Allergy Syndrome.