Large red bumps on your tongue can be painful, and in some cases worrisome. There are many different causes, often accompanied by other symptoms and requiring varying treatments.
Causes
There are several things that can cause you to experience large red bumps on your tongue. One of them is Kawasaki disease, a disease that Medline Plus states can result in inflammation of blood vessels in arteries. The cause is unknown. Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a viral illness common in children, can also cause red bumps on your tongue in the form of painful sores. Cold sores, fluid filled lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, can result in sores inside your mouth and on your tongue, although the sores are typically around the outside of your mouth. Canker sores, which can occur under your tongue, inside your lips or in your cheeks, are painful and red. It is unknown what causes canker sores, but they can be brought on by stress and poor nutrition.
Other Symptoms
If you have symptoms along with large red bumps on your tongue, it may help you and your doctor determine the cause. Kawasaki disease can also cause you to experience bloodshot eyes, fever and swollen lymph nodes. HFMD can involve a rash on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet in addition to painful tongue sores.
Testing
If your doctor suspects that you have Kawasaki disease, he may use several different methods of testing, such as a chest x-ray, blood count test and a urinalysis. HFMD, cold sores and canker sores can be diagnosed after a physical examination from your doctor.
Treatment
Kawasaki disease is treated by an intravenous gamma globulin injection. HFMD runs its course with no treatment, but your doctor may recommend medications for fever and pain relief. Cold sores typically clear up within two weeks and you can use topical treatments to control your symptoms. According to Family Doctor, canker sores go away on their own in seven to 10 days. Call your doctor if you have cold sores or canker sores that will not go away on their own.
Recommendations
If you have large red bumps on your tongue, be sure to talk to your doctor. According to Babycenter, HFMD can lead to viral meningitis in rare cases, and Kawasaki disease only has a good prognosis if it is caught early. If you have cold or canker sores, it may be difficult to eat or drink, so be sure to get as much fluids and nutrients as possible to avoid dehydration.
