Chlamydia Bumps on the Tongue: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

 Chlamydia Bumps on the Tongue: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Chlamydia is best known as a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Though usually affecting genitals, it can also infect other parts of the body- the throat and mouth- via oral sexual contact with an infected partner.

Chlamydia and Oral Symptoms

It is termed oropharyngeal chlamydia when the bacterium infects the mouth. It can be a sequel, but this is more rare compared to chlamydia in the genital areas. Symptoms are usually overlooked or too mild and thus cannot be observed.

Can Chlamydia Present Bumps on the Tongue?

Chlamydia itself does not normally give any visible bumps on the tongue. However, on the rare occasions, infection in the mouth may cause:

Inflammation or irritation.

Small sores or lesions in the oral mucosa.

General soreness in the area of throat or mouth.

These symptoms may at times be similar to other oral infections, including canker sores or oral thrush. Lesions on the tongue are more likely to be caused by something else, like irritation or a secondary infection, if "bumps" appear on the tongue, rather than the act of chlamydia.

    Oral Chlamydia Symptoms

Most oral chlamydia cases do not have symptoms or only have very mild symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include:

A sore throat-although it may look like strep.

Soreness or pain in the mouth.

Swollen lymph nodes in your neck.

A hoarse voice.

Problems swallowing.

Diagnosis

If you've had oral sex recently, or for another reason suspect you contracted oral chlamydia you should see your healthcare provider. Testing typically involves: 

A throat swab (withdrawal of a sample).

Laboratory tests to confirm the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis

Oral treatment with antibiotics, which can be either

Azithromycin in a one-time dose

Doxycycline for 7 days

It is very essential to take the full dosage of antibiotics so that all pathogens can be eliminated, regardless of the apparent clearing of symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

Get medical attention if you have unusual lumps in your tongue, chlamydia or not. Bumps on the tongue are caused by:

Infection of the mouth bacterial or viral.

Allergies or irritants.

Oral thrush or geographic tongue.

Visit a health care provider who will examine you, diagnose the cause, and offer the correct treatment for you.

Preventing Oral Chlamydia

Practice protection as those with the use of condoms or dental dams with oral sex.

Go for regular STI testing if you are sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners.

Have frank discussions with sexual partners about your status.