Understanding My Tongue Symptoms
Age: 35, Male, Height: 6ft, Location: UK. I’ve noticed some tiny white bumps at the rear of my tongue. Although the tests ruled out oral thrush, my doctor still suspects it could be the issue. After nearly a week on medication, I haven't seen significant improvement; the sensation remains unchanged. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 8:30:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing persistent symptoms on your tongue, which can be concerning, especially since the initial treatment for oral thrush hasn’t brought significant relief. Here are some key points to consider:
Main Points
- The tiny white bumps on your tongue may not necessarily indicate a serious underlying condition, especially since thrush has been ruled out.
- Other conditions, such as geographic tongue, leukoplakia, or irritation from various sources, could be contributing to your symptoms.
- Monitoring your symptoms and managing any possible triggers will be essential.
Explanation
Those white bumps at the back of the tongue can arise from various causes. Oral thrush is one possibility, but since it's been ruled out with tests and medication, other factors may be at play. Geographic tongue, which appears as smooth patches with red borders, or irritation from spicy foods, tobacco, or acidic foods could be reasons.
It may also be worth considering that stress and certain health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, might contribute to changes in your oral environment.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of any changes, including the appearance of the bumps, any discomfort, and factors that seem to worsen or improve your symptoms. This will help identify patterns.
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Avoid Irritants: Refrain from spicy, acidic, or irritating foods for now, and avoid tobacco if you use it. Opt for bland, soft foods to see if your symptoms improve.
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Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your tongue gently as part of your routine. Consider using a mild, alcohol-free mouthwash to minimize irritation.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and support overall health.
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Follow-up Testing: If symptoms persist or worsen after another week, consider discussing further evaluation with your doctor. They might explore other conditions based on your records and symptoms.
If you have specific triggers or if any new symptoms arise (like pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing), make sure to document those as well. This information can be beneficial for healthcare providers in understanding your condition better.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.