What is the recommended treatment for lingual tonsil bumps on the lateral tongue?

The recommended treatment for lingual tonsil bumps on the lateral tongue is to do nothing. Lingual tonsils, located at the base of the tongue, can sometimes develop bumps or enlarged areas due to various causes, including infections or inflammation. In many cases, these bumps do not require any immediate intervention if they are asymptomatic and not causing discomfort to the patient.

The rationale for the "do nothing" approach is that many lingual tonsil bumps can resolve spontaneously without treatment, particularly when they are not associated with any significant pain, difficulty swallowing, or other systemic symptoms. In instances where the bumps are benign, monitoring may be the best course of action, rather than jumping to surgical interventions or antibiotic treatments.

Additionally, both antibiotics and surgical interventions generally come into play when there are signs of infection or significant complications. Salt water rinses can provide some comfort but are more of a supportive measure rather than a definitive treatment. In the absence of infection or other indications, a conservative approach is often preferred.