Last week I had an Upper Respiratory Infection (I’m still recovering from it). My doctor wouldn’t put me on any prescription medications because it was viral. Today I noticed when I was looking at my throat that I had these little bumps on my tongue. I’ve never really paid much attention to my tongue so I’m not sure if this is normal. So is this normal? Is this something I should be concerned about? I also have a sore in my ear. It only hurts when I touch it. I have no way of seeing in my ear so I’m not sure how it looks. What can I do to heal this sore? Is this something I should be concerned about?

Most upper respiratory infections are viral and recovery time can be as long as 2-3 weeks. Signs of bacterial infection would include high fever, exudates in the back of the throat, throat swelling, etc.

Little bumps on the tongue are completely normal. These are known as fungiform papillae which contain taste buds. On the back of the tongue are a row of circumvallate papillae which also contain taste buds. You can do a websearch for pictures of these papillae to put yourself at ease.

It is hard to assess the needs of your ear sore without a proper examination. Signs that you should be concerned include excessive pain, no signs of healing, constantly bleeding or discharge, etc. Either way you should have your ear evaluated by your primary care physician or an Otolaryngologist (ENT).