What causes a lump near the back of the tongue close to the throat, and what should be done?

Generally, lumps near the base of the tongue close to the throat may be caused by factors such as excessive internal heat (commonly known as "fire"), inflammation of the tongue papillae, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles at the base of the tongue. Treatment should be tailored according to the specific cause. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Internal Heat ("Fire")

Excessive internal heat may be related to improper diet, irregular作息, emotional stress, and other factors. Due to excessive internal heat, lumps may appear near the base of the tongue close to the throat, accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth and nosebleeds. Medications such as Coptis Chinensis & Rhubarb Tablets (Huang Lian Shang Qing Pian) or Compound Honeysuckle Granules (Fufang Jinyinhua Keli) may help alleviate the condition under a doctor's supervision.

2. Inflammation of the Tongue Papillae

Inflammation of the tongue papillae typically refers to irritation of the tongue papillae, causing inflammatory reactions such as congestion, redness, swelling, and pain. This may lead to the appearance of a lump near the base of the tongue close to the throat, accompanied by taste disturbances and numbness. It is recommended to use medications such as Dragon-Liver-Dregs Pills (Longdan Xiegan Wan) or Amoxicillin Capsules under medical guidance to improve the condition.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is usually a chronic inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, submucosal tissues, and lymphoid tissues. Inflammatory stimulation may lead to hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles at the base of the tongue, resulting in lumps near the base of the tongue close to the throat, accompanied by symptoms such as sore throat and a foreign body sensation in the throat. It is recommended to use medications such as Compound Borax Solution or Furacilin Solution for gargling under a doctor's guidance.

4. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis may be associated with diet, infections, immune factors, and other causes. Inflammation may develop in the tonsillar area, causing lumps near the base of the tongue close to the throat, accompanied by symptoms such as fever and pain. After consulting a physician, medications such as Clindamycin Hydrochloride Tablets or Roxithromycin Capsules may be used to relieve the inflammation.

5. Hyperplasia of Lymphoid Follicles at the Base of the Tongue

The lymphoid follicles at the base of the tongue are part of the lymphatic system. When stimulated by food or gastrointestinal contents, hyperplasia of these follicles may occur, forming lumps. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as Compound Borax Solution or Furacilin Solution.

In daily life, maintain good oral hygiene and reduce the intake of irritating foods such as chili peppers, onions, and Sichuan peppercorns to avoid interfering with recovery.