Brief Answer:
Several causes are likely- advises given accordingly

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HealthcareMagic.

I carefully read your question and understand your concern.

Some taste buds in the tongue might be big and more visible but normally they should not be sore or cause you problems to eat.

There are several causes that might cause them to swell and be tender.

The most likely in your case, due to recent infections you have had is that it might be also due to them, if you were having a viral infection that might have started the sinus infection, it might have also affected the layers of the mouth and throat and taste buds also. This generally takes 1-2 weeks and should be better within this time- it is self-limiting and no specific treatment needed but just avoid extreme tastes and temperatures with food. Having some Ibuprofen might help with pain. Mildly cold drinks might be of release also.

If you have acid reflux it might also cause some irritation of the taste buds and they might be tender. In this case taking some Omeprazole at night for some days might help a lot.

Smoking (if at all do) might also irritate the taste buds so avoiding it might help.
Other more rare causes might be considered at a later stage like iron of Vit B deficiency- in this case, a CBC (blood test for anemia) would help to identify these.

So to conclude I would say:
1. take Ibuprofen (Advil) to help with pain
2. avoid very hot and very cold food (taking mildly cold drinks might help a little with the pain)
3. Avoid spicy food and strong taste food (like lemon, etc)
4. avoid smoking if you do (even reducing it might benefit)
5. Take oral Omeprazole 20 mg at night for some days
6. eat frequent small amount of food in case of acid reflux
7. If no improvement in 1-2 weeks or earlier if any worsening, you will need to see your doctor and have some tests done like CBC for anemia to detect iron or Vit B deficiency.

I hope this is helpful and answers your questions but please feel free to reply in case more clarifications are needed on this.

Kind regards,

Antoneta Zotaj, MD

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