Swollen Tongue – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

A swollen tongue is a symptom of a variety of diseases, disorders and conditions. Some causes of a swollen tongue are serious, even life threatening, such as an anaphylactic reaction. Other causes may be relatively mild, such as a small cut when you have bitten your tongue.

Bacterial, yeast and viral infections can lead to glossitis, which is a condition characterized by your tongue swelling and changing color. Other causes of a swollen tongue include a variety of irritants and exposure to very hot foods or beverages, spicy foods, tobacco, and alcohol. A swollen tongue can also be a side effect of having no teeth (edentulism) and certain medications.

Infections that cause a swollen tongue

Potential infectious causes of a swollen tongue include:

• Herpes simplex virus infection

• Strep infection (bacterial infection)

• Syphilis

• Yeast infection

Allergic causes of a swollen tongue

A swollen tongue can be due to mild and serious allergies and allergic reactions including:

• Insect bite allergy, such as from a bee sting

• Drug allergy (penicillin or codeine)

• Food allergy

• Anaphylactic allergic reaction

Irritants and trauma can cause a swollen tongue

A swollen tongue can arise from irritants and trauma including:

• Biting the tongue

• Burning the tongue, such as with hot liquids, hot food, or spicy food

• Dental appliances

• Tobacco

Other causes of a swollen tongue

A swollen tongue can be due to a variety of other diseases, disorders and conditions including:

• Acromegaly (hormonal disorder)

• Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome (congenital disorder)

• Down syndrome

• Hereditary angioedema (serious genetic disorder that causes periodic swelling of the throat and other areas)

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

• Lymphangioma (birth defect)

• Oral neurofibroma (benign tumor possibly due to an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type 1)

• Pellagra (skin lesions and other problems caused by deficiency in vitamin B3, which is also known as niacin)

• Pernicious anemia (decrease in red blood cells due to poor vitamin B12 absorption)

• Pituitary gland disorder

• Sarcoma (soft tissue cancerous tumor)

• Tongue cancer

Questions for diagnosing the cause of a swollen tongue

To help diagnose the underlying cause of a swollen tongue, your licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your symptoms. Questions asked during your examination generally include:

• Is the whole tongue swollen or just a portion of the tongue?

• When did the tongue swelling start?

• How long has the tongue swelling lasted? Does it come and go?

• Did you eat any foods or have contact with any unusual substances before the swelling started (for example, seafood, shellfish, latex, or an insect bite)?

• Have you had any recent infections or injuries to the mouth?

• Do you have any pain or other symptoms?

What are the potential complications of a swollen tongue?

Complications associated with a swollen tongue can be progressive and vary depending on the underlying cause. Because a swollen tongue can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in complications and permanent damage. It is important to contact your health care provider when you experience any kind of persistent swelling or other unusual symptoms. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important to follow the treatment plan you and your health care practitioner design specifically for you to lower your risk of potential complications including:

• Difficulty swallowing

• Difficulty breathing (blocking the airway)

• Discomfort

• Surgery to remove the tongue due to a serious infection or malignant condition

• Respiratory arrest from anaphylactic shock

Causes, Symptoms, and Typical Remedies

A swollen tongue is a type of angioedema, a buildup of fluid in the lower layer of the skin or mucous membranes in various parts of the body. In medical terms, tongue swelling is known as glossitis and usually is accompanied by redness and other symptoms depending on the cause.

Allergies, infections, underlying medical conditions, or even certain medications can trigger tongue swelling. While the condition usually isn’t an emergency, the sudden onset of swelling extreme enough to obstruct breathing is likely a sign anaphylaxis, which is considered a medical emergency

If you or someone you’re with experiences tongue swelling of this degree, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Verywell / Jessica Olah

Swollen Tongue Symptoms

Depending on the cause of the swelling, one or both sides of your tongue may become enlarged. In minor cases, swelling can interfere with eating or talking, or if your taste buds are affected, cause an unusual taste in your mouth.

Continued swelling can block your airway, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you ever feel that your tongue is fatter or larger than usual. If your doctor notices swollen tissue under your tongue or around the floor of the mouth, you may need a breathing tube immediately.

Rapid, severe swelling can be a sign of anaphylaxis, which may be accompanied by swelling of your face or lips, hives, difficulty breathing, bluish coloration of the lips (cyanosis), nausea, and vomiting.

You should call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if your swollen tongue is accompanied by difficulty breathing, drooling, or swallowing difficulties.

Causes

There are common reasons as well as some rare conditions that may cause your tongue to swell.

Allergic Reactions

The leading causes of a swollen tongue are food or chemical allergies. You might only have a mild reaction. However, if the swelling is a result of anaphylactic shock, it can be fatal.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually start within minutes or hours of coming into contact with an allergen, such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, sesame seeds, fish, and shellfish.

Increasingly, dentists are seeing patients have reactions to flavorings, dyes, and chemical additives in toothpaste, mouthwash, denture cleansers, and other oral care products.

Medication

Next to food allergies, reactions to medications are the most common cause of angioedema of the face, lips, or tongue seen in emergency rooms. Such cases aren’t always due to allergies.

The reaction can be a result of the body releasing too many bradykinins, which are immune-system chemicals normally needed to open blood vessels. They cause swelling if they are overproduced. A variety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause this type of non-allergic tongue swelling.

A swollen tongue is an uncommon drug side effect, but it is a risk with certain medications. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, frequently prescribed to lower blood pressure, are the most likely to cause angioedema of the tongue.

In fact, 20% to 40% of emergency room visits related to drug-related angioedema are a result of reactions to ACE inhibitors.

In rare instances, other drugs can cause tongue swelling, including depression medication, pain relievers such as NSAID, or drugs that treat high cholesterol.

Skin Conditions

Diseases that affect the skin can cause tongue irritation as well, which may cause slight swelling. For instance, mouth lesions and oral erosion occur with these disorders, causing the tissue around the tongue to puff up:

• Pemphigus: A group of potentially fatal autoimmune diseases that cause mouth sores and skin blisters
• Oral lichen planus: A little-understood disease that causes rashes on the skin or in the mouth
• Oral psoriasis: Leads to geographic tongue and fissured tongue, creating a feeling of swelling or discomfort

Trauma

Consuming hot foods or drinks, biting down on the tongue, or piercing the tongue may cause at least temporary swelling, which should disappear within about five days. If it doesn’t, see your doctor.

Serious injuries, and, in some cases, oral piercings result in a bacterial infection known as Ludwig’s angina in which the area under the tongue swells. With this condition, your airway may be completely blocked if you don’t receive treatment.

Infection

The mouth is also susceptible to a host of infections, including sexually transmitted infections that can be passed on to a partner during oral sex. Sores, warts, and swelling in the mouth can develop from syphilis, gonorrhea, and the human papillomavirus (HPV), resulting in some swelling or inflammation of the tongue and nearby tissue. 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause chronic irritation at the back of the throat. In some cases, this leads to an enlargement of the tongue at its base.

Sjogren’s Syndrome

An autoimmune disease associated with dryness of the eyes and mouth, Sjogren’s syndrome can cause a host of oral problems including enlargement of salivary glands and parotid glands (large saliva-producing glands that sit on each side of the cheeks).  In the midst of these symptoms, the tongue may swell or at least feel like it’s swollen.

Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome

Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that primarily affects the facial muscles. Edema, including tongue swelling, may occur, although facial paralysis is a more common symptom. 

Diagnosis

To determine the cause of tongue swelling, your doctor will examine your tongue and the tissue around it, checking immediately to make sure your airway is clear. They will also consider the following:

• Do you have an underlying condition such as an autoimmune disease?
• Do you have other symptoms such as hives?
• Is there an immediate risk to breathing?
• What is your medical history, current medications, diet, and lifestyle?

If your doctor suspects an allergy, drug reaction, or underlying medical problem, additional testing may be necessary.

Treatment

If your tongue is only slightly swollen, you can see your regular doctor for treatment. If the swelling is accompanied by signs of anaphylaxis, you should go right to the emergency room. Treatment will initially focus on reducing the swelling to ease breathing problems or discomfort, but your doctor should also work with you to prevent future incidents.

Medications

In up to 15% of patients, angioedema quickly leads to airway blockage. This usually is a sign of anaphylaxis and requires a life-saving injection of epinephrine. In less severe allergic reactions, an oral antihistamine may be given instead.

When tongue swelling is not related to an allergy, your doctor may use one of the following treatments:

• For a reaction associated with too much bradykinin, you may be given a drug that stops its production, which may be administered orally or via injection.
• For oral sores and inflammation, you may be given topical corticosteroids or retinoic acid to relieve lesions.

For a swollen tongue related to an infection or pre-existing disease, your doctor will also proceed with treatments that are appropriate for managing the overall condition.   

At-Home Remedies

For a mildly swollen tongue that isn’t getting worse, you may try some simple things at home to reduce swelling:

• Eat and drink something cool or suck on ice chips to soothe your mouth and possibly reduce swelling. 
• Practice good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing, but avoid irritating mouthwashes (typically those containing alcohol).
• Rinse with a warm saltwater solution.
• Avoid very acidic or extremely salty foods.

If dry mouth is causing tongue discomfort, chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy. Drink plenty of fluids.

A variety of products have also recently come on the market to help relieve dry mouth. You can ask your doctor about oral drugs available by prescription that increase saliva production. There are also over-the-counter rinses and sprays that act as artificial saliva to add moisture to your mouth.

A Word From Verywell

Your tongue plays a major role in eating, speaking, and breathing, so any swelling can have a significant impact on your immediate health and quality of life. Even if it seems minor, it could be a sign of an infection or health condition that might cause long-term problems.

If you or someone you’re with suddenly feels their tongue is puffing up, get medical help right away. Even if swelling is slight or gradual, talk to your doctor to find out if you’re having a minor allergic reaction or you have another medical problem.

Swollen Tongue – Asthma & Allergies Center

Your tongue can swell for a number of reasons, most commonly due to medications, allergies, and underlying medical problems. The swelling may be referred to as angioedema, which means the swelling occurs in the deeper layers of the skin.

Sometimes, it is not only the visible part of the tongue that swells, but also the back of the tongue, the mouth, the gums, and occasionally the larynx or voice box, says Lorraine Smith, MD, of the Osborne Head and Neck Institute in Los Angeles.

The tongue is primarily a muscular structure covered by layers of cells called epithelium. Its surface is lined with taste buds, which allows us to differentiate tastes like bitter, sweet, and salty. Like the tongue, the taste buds on your tongue can swell.

Because a swollen tongue can interfere with your airways and cause serious problems with your breathing, it is usually a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

What Causes a Swollen Tongue?

Swelling is an important defense mechanism in our bodies. Swelling fights off harmful bacteria and parasites, and helps with injury and healing. However, inappropriate swelling or swelling that persists can be harmful.

There are multiple chemical pathways that turn swelling on and off, which are complicated and only partially understood, says Anna Feldweg, MD, a clinical instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and attending physician in allergy and immunology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. A swollen tongue can happen when something — a medication, allergen (something that causes an allergic reaction), or medical problem — interferes with these pathways. Here’s a look at some common causes.

• Medications. Many cases of a swollen tongue are the result of a reaction to a medication such as an ACE inhibitor, used to treat high blood pressure, or an NSAID, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin, ibuprofen [Advil, Motrin], or naproxen [Aleve, Naprosyn]. A swollen tongue due to a reaction to ACE inhibitors usually occurs during the first year of taking the medication, but can also happen after years of taking it, says Dr. Feldweg.
• Allergens. In addition to allergic reactions to medications, allergic reactions to other substances — such as foods or bee stings — can cause swelling. In food allergies and bee sting allergies, the tongue can swell, but it is less common to have a swollen tongue than it is to have a swollen throat or lips.
• Infection. Another possible cause of a swollen tongue is an infection deep inside the tongue or in the floor of the mouth. This usually develops over a day or two — more slowly than the allergic type of swelling.

Some people develop fungal infections in the mouth known as thrush. Fungal infections are caused by the fungus Candida and usually occur after a course of antibiotics. It’s the same fungus that can cause vaginal yeast infections. People with compromised immune systems, like those with HIV, also are susceptible to this yeast, also called simply candida thrush, that can cause the tongue to swell. Candida thrush can be treated with thrush medications that you swish and swallow, or swish and spit, Dr. Smith says. An oral medication often used to treat recurring thrush is fluconazole (Diflucan).

Herpes viruses also can cause infections that result in swelling of the tongue. “While there is no treatment for viral infections, recovery can sometimes be enhanced with the medicine acyclovir (Zovirax),” Smith says. Other similar drugs may also help. Herpes tongue lesions or ulcers are often extremely painful. They present as a red sore with a white overlying layer that can be wiped off with a cotton swab.

• Medical illness. Very slow swelling of the tongue over weeks or months can occur in a condition called amyloid, a disease in which harmful amyloid proteins are deposited into tissues and organs. “With [amyloid], the tongue gets bigger and bigger over time,” says Feldweg.
• Irritants and trauma. You may find that your tongue swells if you accidentally bite it or burn your tongue with hot liquids or hot foods. Dental appliances also can irritate your tongue and cause it to swell. Tobacco is yet another irritant that can cause tongue pain and swelling.
• Tongue cancer. Tongue cancer is a common cancer of the head and neck — more than 10,000 new cases are diagnosed in men and women in the United States each year. Highly curable if caught early, tongue cancer usually starts as a lump, ulcer, or white spot or patch on the outer layer of the tongue or a surrounding area.

“Cancer of the tongue is often painful,” Smith says. An infection tends to be self-limiting and will go away, whereas tongue lesions associated with cancer often persist and increase in size with time. Suspicious lesions need to be biopsied and treated appropriately if found to be cancerous, Smith says. “Some tongue cancers may not involve pain but any mass that persists for more than two weeks needs to be biopsied.”

Other tongue cancer symptoms include pain when chewing or swallowing, ear pain, numbness in the mouth, bleeding in the mouth, and a persistent sore throat.

A red patch on the tongue is often painless, but has a higher chance of being associated with cancer than a white patch on the tongue. But both patches need to be biopsied to get a definite diagnosis, Smith says, and to be able to apply the appropriate treatment.

Both tongue disorders and cancers of the tongue may present with swollen lymph nodes — under the chin and in the mandible region. If you have an infection, the swollen lymph nodes or swollen taste buds near the tongue will eventually go away after the infection clears. But another tongue cancer sign is if the swelling continues to progress and doesn’t go away, Smith says.

Related Conditions

In addition, a swollen tongue can be caused by:

Treating a Swollen Tongue

Because a swollen tongue can lead to breathing problems, it should be looked at as an emergency situation. Medical personnel usually treat a dangerously swollen tongue with an injection of epinephrine, which may or may not work, depending on the cause. Once the person arrives at the hospital, “we usually give people steroids and antibiotics in the emergency room,” says Feldweg, adding that treatment for a swollen tongue ultimately depends on the cause.

If the swollen tongue is caused by a drug reaction, the person must stop taking the medication. In food allergies, foods that trigger the swelling must be avoided. Anyone who has a history of a swollen tongue due to an allergic reaction will probably be advised to carry an injectable dose of epinephrine with them, which may help control the swelling if the tongue begins to swell again. If the cause is infection or amyloid, those will be treated accordingly.

There are many different causes of a swollen tongue. Most are straightforward to treat and the swelling goes away. If your tongue swells and interferes with your breathing, you need to go to the ER for treatment. If it’s a persistent problem, see your doctor so he can determine the cause of your tongue swelling and find the most appropriate treatment.

Swollen Tongue Treatment – Allergy Center

My daughter was just taken to the ER with a swollen tongue. It was so bad that she could not talk. How serious is this, and how do we treat it?

— Victoria, Virginia

Swelling or angioedema of the tongue must always be taken seriously because if the swelling spreads back in the throat, it can interfere with or even entirely obstruct the airway. Also, some swelling progresses very rapidly (sometimes within minutes), although that is not always the case.

There are different things that can trigger swelling of the tongue. In children, a food allergy, medication allergy (including over-the-counter medications for fever and headache like aspirin or ibuprofen), or an inherited condition called hereditary angioedema should be considered. In adults, the same list applies; additional causes include medications (especially ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure) and other swelling problems, such as acquired angioedema and idiopathic angioedema, or a newly described condition known as hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (more about testing for these below). The hereditary conditions run in families, so asking relatives on both sides if they ever had problems with sudden swelling would be useful. Unusual causes for swelling of the tongue include infection, trauma, or an insect sting, although these are usually relatively obvious.

When tongue swelling is caused by a food allergy (which is not that common), there are usually other symptoms that accompany it, such as itching, hives, facial swelling, wheezing, vomiting, and others.

Tongue swelling should be treated with an injection of epinephrine (the treatment for a severe allergic reaction) if the tongue is constricting the airway. Epinephrine will not work if the cause is not allergic, however. If the swelling is less severe, it is usually treated with antihistamines and corticosteroids. These medications are typically continued for a few days, until the episode resolves.

Anyone with tongue swelling (especially before the cause has been determined) should be given a prescription for an epinephrine self-injector pen (the two available brands are Epipen and Twinject) and taught how to use it. Make sure that you and your daughter understand how to use the self-injector pen and use a practice pen several times, so that if you ever need the real thing, you will not fumble around or use it incorrectly.

The next step is trying to figure out the cause of the tongue swelling, because that is the best way to prevent it from happening again. Foods, drinks, candies, and medications taken in the few hours before the onset of swelling should be reviewed. Any trauma to the mouth or dental work can trigger attacks of hereditary angioedema, so events just before the onset of swelling should also be reviewed.

Allergies to medicines are simply treated by stopping the medication and labeling your daughter’s medical record sufficiently to make sure she never receives the culprit drug again. If the cause is unclear, however, then an allergist should evaluate your daughter, as this is one of the conditions that allergists specialize in.

It would be very helpful if the doctors in the emergency department had tested your daughter’s complement 4 (or C4) level at the time she had symptoms. This test screens for problems caused by abnormalities in blood proteins, called complement proteins, which control inflammation in our bodies. If C4 was not checked at that time, then please ask your primary care clinician to check a C4 level, a C1 inhibitor antigenic level, and a C1q level, even before you see the allergist. A low value in any of these tests suggests a disorder of the complement proteins, and this is helpful to know when performing further tests to determine the precise problem.

10 Swollen Tongue Causes – What Does a Swollen Tongue Mean?

Your tongue is a pretty important accessory—it helps you taste and swallow your food, talk non-stop to anyone who will listen, and is fun to stick out when someone annoys you. But you probably (and understandably) don’t think much about its significance until something happens to it, like when it swells up out of nowhere.

It doesn’t take long to notice when your tongue is suddenly too large for your mouth. Your first instinct might be to freak out, but fear not: “Swelling of the tongue can be caused by a variety of different problems, most of which are self-limiting and not serious,” says Clare Morrison, MD, general practitioner and medical advisor at MedExpress.

However, if the swelling happens quickly, or is severe and accompanied by throat-tightness, difficulty breathing, and dizziness or feeling faint, then you should seek medical attention right away, as it may indicate a life-threatening situation.

Likewise if the swelling persists (say, 10 days or longer), gets worse, or you’re experiencing other concerning symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, or fever, then definitely check in with your doc for a consult.

As for what might be causing your tongue to puff up? Below, experts share 10 possible culprits.

1. Your tongue is recovering from an injury.

Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash

“The tongue is vulnerable to trauma from the teeth, due to accidental or compulsive biting, sharp edges of broken teeth, and from dental work such as braces, false teeth, and rough fillings,” says Dr. Morrison. Hot or sharp pieces of food can cause tongue irritation and swelling too, especially if those eats are acidic (like hard sour candies) or hot and spicy (chilies and curries).

The obvious solution is to nix the causative factor of your puffy tongue (in some cases, you may need an assist from your dentist, says Dr. Morrison), while soothing the injury by sucking on an ice cube, popping ibuprofen, and using a gentle mouthwash to prevent infections.

2. Your mouthwash may be causing problems.

Certain toothpaste and mouthwash ingredients can cause tongue swelling that won’t resolve until the inciting ingredient is discontinued, says Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD. The most common culprits to cause oral contact dermatitis? Hydrogen peroxide (teeth-whitening), alcohol (mouthwashes), baking soda (toothpaste), and cinnamates (chewing gum).

If you’re not sure which ingredient is giving you ‘tude, your dermatologist can perform an allergy patch test to suss it out, adds Dr. Shainhouse.

3. It’s a sign of an allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions are caused by the immune system over-reacting to something it’s exposed to. Think: fruit, nuts, shellfish, milk, or even an insect bite. The allergic response involves the release of histamine, narrowing of small blood vessels, and the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, says Dr. Morrison. When an allergy causes swelling of the tongue, lips, and face, it’s known as angioedema.

Allergic reactions can be treated with antihistamines or oral steroids. Serious reactions can ultimately restrict breathing, which is why people who know they can react to specific foods or bites must carry an EpiPen and administer it immediately.

⚠️ If you or someone near you experiences signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction, including tongue swelling, do not hesitate to call for help. “This is an absolute emergency and 911 must be called ASAP,” says Dr. Morrison.

4. …or a side effect of certain medications.

The medications best known for causing allergic reactions—and associated tongue swelling—are blood pressure medications known as ACE-I inhibitors. “They can cause potentially life-threatening tongue swelling that can occur at any time during therapy,” says Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, otolaryngologist (ENT) and laryngologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “It doesn’t necessarily occur when first taken.”

Anti-inflammatories (like aspirin and ibuprofen) and antibiotics (penicillin, antivirals), can also trigger an allergic reaction. “If affected, it’s important to stop the offending medication,” says Dr. Morrison. Treatment must be sought right away, and depending on severity, can include antihistamines, steroids, and intramuscular adrenaline.

5. A vitamin deficiency could be to blame.

Lack of vitamin B12 and folate can cause a swollen, red, beefy-looking tongue. “You may also get tingling in the hands and feet, fatigue, and weakness,” says Dr. Morrison. Meanwhile, an iron deficiency can cause the tongue to become sore, smooth, and pale, and is likely to be accompanied by fatigue, shortness of breath, and super-pale skin.

Increasing your intake of these vitamins by eating foods like meat, fish, eggs, leafy greens, beans, and lentils, can relieve symptoms, but major vitamin and mineral deficiencies should ultimately be investigated by your doctor, says Dr. Morrison. They’ll want to look into how the deficiency arose, and replace the missing nutrients through specific supplements and dietary changes.

6. Acid reflux is irritating your tongue.

Stomach acid that travels to the throat (laryngopharyngeal reflux, or LPR), may irritate the tongue and cause swelling. “You may notice an acidic or bitter taste in your mouth, throat burning, or the sensation of a lump in your throat,” says Dr. Mehdizadeh. Steering clear of acidic or spicy foods and drinks can be help with keeping LPR in check—so can popping antacids, eating smaller, more frequent meals, and wearing looser-fitting clothes.

7. Your tongue is infected.

Bacterial infections can arise from a cut—say, from teeth biting or rubbing on the tongue—that bacteria then use as an entry point. Your tongue might feel red and sore, says Dr. Morrison, and if the infection is deep, it can cause an abscess that results in painful swelling.

Occasionally, STDs, like syphilis and gonorrhea, can affect the tongue. Bacterial infections will require a round of antibiotics from your doctor—and in the case of a large abscess, hospital admission and surgical drainage.

Viral infections of the tongue include herpes (the cold sore virus). “The first infection is the worst, and may be associated with multiple painful blisters inside the mouth, including the surface of the tongue, as well as fever and malaise,” says Dr. Morrison.

HPV (human papillomavirus) and canker sores can also mess with your tongue. These usually clear up without treatment, but medical guidance should always be sought if you’re feeling particularly awful.

8. An underactive thyroid could be stirring up symptoms.

When circulating levels of thyroid hormone are low (which is common in women, and often autoimmune-related, says Dr. Shainhouse), there are specific signs to watch out for, including fatigue, unexplained weight gain, constipation, cold-intolerance, hair thinning, and (surprise!) tongue swelling.

Fortunately, hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with a blood test. “If confirmed, it’s treated by taking prescription medication to replace the thyroid hormone,” says Dr. Morrison. From there, regular blood tests will be required to check the dose, which will be adjusted on an as-needed basis.

9. Your pituitary gland is acting up.

The pituitary gland is an itty bitty organ that’s located at the base of the brain. It makes and ships a variety of different hormones to the rest of the body, and tells other glands when to do the same. “If the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, there will be gradual swelling of several parts of the body, including the tongue, hands, feet, and face,” says Dr. Morrison.

Docs call this disorder acromegaly. Usually caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, other symptoms can include headaches, deepening of the voice, irregular periods, skin tags, and enlarged facial features.

Because acromegaly develops slowly, you might not notice the changes to your appearance at first—but the second you suspect it to be a problem, it’s important to check in with your doctor for a blood test to confirm and subsequent treatment, as life-threatening complications can strike if left untreated, says Dr. Morrison.

10. It could be a sign of tongue cancer.

Tongue cancer starts off superficially, typically with a white or red patch, or a small lump or ulcer on the tongue. “It usually arises at the site of a previous infection with HPV, which may have occurred many years earlier,” says Dr. Morrison, and is more common in people who smoke or drink alcohol.

“If removed at this stage, it’s completely curable,” says Dr. Morrison. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention if you have persistent tongue soreness or a lump that won’t quit—a biopsy can determine if it’s cancerous so you can be treated right away.

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Allergic hemiglossitis as a unique case of food allergy: a case report

J Med Case Reports. 2008; 2: 71.

¹ and ¹

Omar Aziz

¹Accident and Emergency Department, Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 4AT, UK

Csaba Dioszeghy

¹Accident and Emergency Department, Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 4AT, UK

¹Accident and Emergency Department, Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 4AT, UK

Corresponding author.

Received 2007 Sep 23; Accepted 2008 Mar 6.

Copyright © 2008 Aziz and Dioszeghy; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Introduction

A unique case of topical food allergy is presented with unilateral swelling of the tongue with ulceration. Only one similar case has been reported in 1972.

Case presentation

76 years old female patient presented at the Emergency Department with a unilateral painful swelling and ulcerations of the tongue after eating mint chocolate. However the swelling did not compromised the airways the presentation was rather frightening for the patient. The allergic reaction responded to the parenteral steroid and oral chlorphenamine treatment and the three month follow up only revealed minimal scar formations.

Conclusion

Unilateral hemiglossitis is a rare form of allergic reactions which is usually self-limiting with full recovery of which takes an unusually long time.

Introduction

Allergic reactions often cause swelling in the tongue, which is usually more frightening than dangerous. Hypersensitivity to specific food or medications is believed to be the most common cause [1-3]. However, the airway might become compromised and life-threatening manifestations have also been reported [4]; therefore, these patients are relatively aggressively treated and observed for as long as necessary. These allergic reactions are usually more diffuse, often with swelling of the glottis and are presented along with other systemic symptoms.

Localised swelling of only one side of the tongue was described by Chavanne as allergic hemiglossitis in 1972, and was related to alimental allergic reaction [5]. He also noted that the swelling was accompanied by the development of ulcers and the recovery took several months.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old otherwise fit and healthy female presented at the Accident and Emergency Department at 2:15 am with the complaint of a mildly painful and remarkably swollen tongue that developed after eating mint chocolate. Although the patient had tenderness and the frightening swelling in the mouth causing discomfort and moderate difficulty in swallowing, she had no shortness of breath or any other complaint. She gave a medical history of rheumatic polimyalgia in the past requiring no medical treatment at present. She remembered a previous allergic reaction to mint.

On examination it was noted that a remarkable swelling was localised only on the lefthand side of the tongue (please see Figure ). The tongue seemed to be suffused and a superficial non-tender ulceration was seen at the anterior quarter of the surface. There was a mild tenderness and a loss of taste on this side. The right-hand side of the tongue was completely normal. Tongue movement was normal apart from mild restriction caused by the swelling. No other pathology on the oral mucosa or in the throat was observed.

Localised swelling on the left-hand side of the tongue.

There was no skin rash or any other systemic reaction, and the vital parameters were stable. Blood results showed a mild elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP = 17) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR = 33).

As the symptoms were considered as a local allergic reaction, the patient was given 4 mg chlorphenamine orally and 100 mg hydrocortisone injection intramuscularly. The swelling responded to the medication quickly and the patient was discharged after a period of observation.

We made a follow up after one and three months. However, although the swelling had almost completely gone by the next morning and the tongue had become pain free, the follow up revealed that the healing process was indeed longer. Even after three months a scar was seen on the top of the left-hand side of the tongue (please see Figure ). No other disability was reported and the sense of taste had also returned to normal.

A scar is still visible three months later.

Discussion

The presented case is a rare, usually benign, but quite frightening manifestation of a food allergy which is typically a Type I allergic reaction developing within seconds or minutes after contact with the allergen. Our patient had a similar initial presentation to the only other known case reported in [5] and had a similarly slow resolution.

However, allergic glossitis is described as a self-limiting condition with a full recovery; the hemiglossitis form we have presented proved to be slower healing with some scarring still visible after three months. Nevertheless, this caused no complaint for the patient. Clinicians should be aware of this in order to give reassuring information to their patients.

Conclusion

Allergic hemiglossitis is a unique form of localised allergic reaction most likely caused by food. The swelling responds promptly to anti-allergic medication but the ulceration takes longer to heal. Recovery may take up to three months.

Competing interests

The author(s) declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

OA examined the patient, provided accurate management and arranged the initial case presentation report. CD provided the references and amended the presentation.

Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.

References

• Martínez AlonsoJC, Melgosa CallejoA, Fuentes GonzaloMJ, Martín GarcíaC. Fixed drug eruption on the tongue due to clarithromycin. sl: Contact Derm. 2005;53:121–2. doi: 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2005.0650h.x. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
• Kamata Y, Iwamoto M, Kamimura T, Kanashiki E, Yoshio T, Okazaki H, Morita T, Minota S. Repeated massive tongue swelling due to the combined use of estramustine phosphate and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. sl: J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16:388–90. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
• Flaitz CM, Chavarria C. Painful tongue lesions associated with a food allergy. sl: Pediatr Dent. 2001;23:506–7. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
• Hussein Gadban, Peter Gilbey, Yoav Talmon, Alvin Samet. Acute edema of the tongue: a life-threatening condition. sl: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2003;112:651–3. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
• Chavanne L. (Case of allergic hemiglossitis) sl: JFORL J Fr Otorhinolaryngol Audiophonol Chir Maxillofac. 1972;21:71. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Angioedema – NHS

Angioedema is swelling underneath the skin. It’s usually a reaction to a trigger, such as a medicine or something you’re allergic to.

It is not normally serious, but it can be a recurring problem for some people and can very occasionally be life-threatening if it affects breathing.

Treatment can usually help keep the swelling under control.

Symptoms of angioedema

The swelling most often affects the:

• hands
• feet
• area around the eyes
• lips and tongue
• genitals

Many people also have a raised, itchy rash called urticaria (hives).

In more serious cases, angioedema can also cause breathing difficulties, tummy (abdominal) pain and dizziness.

Read more about the symptoms of angioedema.

When to get medical advice

See your GP if you have episodes of swelling that affect your skin or lips and you’re not certain of the cause.

You may need to have some tests to determine the cause. Read more about tests for angioedema.

Dial 999 for an ambulance if you, or someone with you, has swelling and:

• sudden or worsening breathing problems 
• feels faint or dizzy
• passes out or collapses 

These are signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If you, or the person who’s ill, have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector for this, use it while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

Causes of angioedema

There are several different types of angioedema, each of which has a different cause.

It can be caused by:

• an allergic reaction, such as a food allergy – this is known as allergic angioedema
• a medicine, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for high blood pressure – this is known as drug-induced angioedema
• a genetic fault that you inherit from your parents – this is a rare, lifelong condition that usually starts in childhood called hereditary angioedema

But in many cases, it’s not clear what causes angioedema. This is known as idiopathic angioedema.

Read more about the causes of angioedema.

Treatments for angioedema

The swelling will usually get better by itself in a few days, but there are treatments that can help it settle faster and reduce the risk of it happening again.

The treatments recommended depend on the type of angioedema you have. For example:

• allergic and idiopathic angioedema are usually treated with antihistamines or, occasionally, steroid medicine to reduce the swelling
• drug-induced angioedema will usually resolve if you change to a different medicine – your doctor will advise you about this
• hereditary angioedema cannot be cured, but medicines can help prevent swelling and quickly treat swelling when it occurs

Angioedema can usually be treated at home, although treatment in hospital may be necessary in serious cases.

Read more about how angioedema is treated.

Page last reviewed: 28 August 2019
Next review due: 28 August 2022

90,000 Treatment of tongue edema – emergency care for swelling due to allergies, trauma, infection.

Does your tongue swell? Are you worried that he might swell while on vacation abroad? Sometimes there is a feeling that the tongue grows in size when you cough or sneeze? In no case should you joke with puffiness! Our article will help to describe the main conditions for diseases that provoke puffiness. In any case, even if you have the slightest suspicion of swelling of the tongue, you should urgently consult a specialist.

What is tongue edema and how dangerous is it?

Edema is an increase in volume of an organ. The tongue may swell and increase in width, and also partially, for example, when a tumor-like lump forms in some place. Such conditions are extremely alarming, they can indicate the progression of a dental disease or an allergic reaction.

Note! Swelling of the tongue should not be confused with a slight swelling at the tip of the tongue that occurs after biting or eating hot, acidic foods.

Edema can also be accompanied by the following symptoms of various diseases:

• suffocating cough and sneezing;
• profuse lacrimation;

90,015 rash on the surface of the face and body;

• sensation of “lump in the throat”;

90,015 itching in the mouth and sore throat;

90,015 increase in body temperature;

• weakness;
• difficulty swallowing;

90,015 speech problems;

• swelling of the tissues of the oral cavity and face;
• sensation of the presence of a foreign body in the mouth, etc.

It is important! The most dangerous symptom is swelling of the tongue at its root, when the tissues block the airways, the person feels a sharp choking, turns red, rolls his eyes up. In such situations, you should urgently call an ambulance or provide emergency first aid to the patient.

Why does swelling of the tongue occur?

We list the most common reasons why an organ can swell:

• Allergic reaction resulting in Quincke’s edema;
• glossitis disease or an inflammatory process that affects the tissue of the tongue;
• hypothyroidism or diseases of the endocrine system;
• infectious diseases when the tongue may swell suddenly;
• Injury caused by a broken piece of a tooth or incorrect prosthetics;
• violation of the metabolic process;
• malignant formations;
• complications caused by piercing, etc.

An experienced doctor will help to determine the true cause of the swelling of the tongue, who will diagnose the oral cavity under the close supervision of the patient.

Treatment options for tongue swelling and the underlying conditions

To choose a specific treatment tactic, one should start from the main cause of the swelling of the tongue. Let’s consider the most common clinical cases:

1. The cause of tongue edema is tissue inflammation or glossitis.Quite often, glossitis occurs in smokers. The organ can also swell in people who often drink alcohol. First, the doctor recommends relieving inflammation by prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs. This is followed by taking antifungal drugs. Perhaps, for a more effective treatment, you should drink a course of antibiotics, followed by a course of restoring the intestinal flora.
2. The cause of tongue edema is mechanical injury. The patient accidentally bit his tongue or damaged tissues with the prosthesis. As a rule, the discomfort goes away in the first few days without specific treatment.In order not to aggravate the situation (tissues may swell even more), you should refuse to use hot, salty, peppery foods. You can practice rinsing the mouth with antiseptic solutions.
3. If swelling of the tongue is caused by an infectious disease. It is necessary to treat the underlying disease, after which the swelling should go away on its own. Perhaps, for treatment, you should drink a course of vitamin and strengthen the immune system, so as not to expose the body to infection again in the future.
4. The cause of the edema is an allergic reaction.Dangerous condition that can lead to suffocation. First aid should be provided: take the person out into fresh air (on the balcony, open the window), prevent tongue falling, give an antihistamine or inject with antiallergic drugs. I., of course, call an ambulance.
5. The cause of the edema is a malfunction of the thyroid gland. Here it is imperative to undergo a course of treatment. In many cases, patients are advised to follow a hormonal treatment protocol. As a rule, after the start of taking the drugs, the swelling of the tongue subsides on its own.
6. If the reason for the swelling of the tongue is a piercing, you should urgently remove the earring from the tongue. If the swelling is mild, it can be considered normal – the body’s natural reaction to a needle puncture in the tissue.

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First aid for angioedema of the tongue

We have already spoken above about first aid – here we will give an example on a specific clinical case with a patient.

Angioedema is considered one of the most dangerous, often fatal, as it proceeds extremely quickly. In a person, not only the tongue swells, but the neck, the inner surface of the mouth, larynx, cheeks, eyelids, lips, and the whole face can also swell. The skin becomes blue, the tongue turns white, tearing is observed.

What can be done first of all with angioedema of the tongue before the ambulance arrives?

• to clear the respiratory tract from mucus;
• Raise your head slightly so that the swollen tongue does not block the airways;
• give an antihistamine, preferably intravenously;
• Observe the patient’s condition and wait for an ambulance.

First aid for allergic swelling of the tongue

Another common pattern is when the swelling of the tongue is caused by taking medications or foods that cause allergies.

First aid for allergies is to stop taking foods or medications that caused the swelling.

Be sure to take antihistamines, inform your doctor about the situation. If an allergy condition does not allow you to go to an appointment on your own, call a doctor at home.

You should also remember the drug or product that provoked edema and allergies, and exclude it (and drugs with a similar active ingredient) presence in life for the future.

Prevention of tongue edema

To avoid swelling of the tongue, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Monitor your oral health. Visit your dentist regularly, do preventive cleanings, prevent the development of caries and other infectious diseases that breed pathogenic microflora and create dangerous foci.
2. Observe the rules of personal hygiene. Brush your teeth regularly, use quality brushes and toothpastes, floss, and an irrigator.
3. If you have a predisposition to glossitis, you should exclude spicy, sour and very salty foods from the diet, do not eat too hot foods.
4. Take an allergy test to know your “weak points”, not to use foods and drugs that can potentially cause swelling of the tongue.

Take care of your health, because you are alone at home, and if you need expert advice, always contact experienced doctors.

The reputation of the clinic and dentists is an important criterion when choosing a place of treatment.

We have nothing to hide! Find out what patients think about American Russian Dental Center on popular Internet portals.

90,000 Why can the tongue swell? – Causes of swelling and treatment methods

In a healthy person, the tongue is symmetrical, has a pink color, there is no plaque on the surface of the mucous membrane, the papillae do not stand out.Almost any pathology in the body inevitably leads to a change in the appearance of the language. One of these changes is edema.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of tongue edema are enlargement and swelling. In difficult cases, the patient has difficulty breathing, there is a feeling of a foreign object in the mouth. The mucous membrane becomes loose, with prominent papillae, and teeth imprints become visible on the lateral surfaces. On the lower part of the tongue, blood vessels become pronounced.

The swelling is accompanied by other symptoms:

• Change in taste.
• Discoloration of the mucous membrane.
• The appearance of heaviness when swallowing.
• Increased body temperature.
• Swelling of the lips.
• Hyperemia of the mucous membrane.
• Pallor of the skin.

If the problem is not detected in a timely manner, the tongue continues to swell, does not fit in the oral cavity, and falls out.You cannot neglect the help of a doctor. If the tongue is swollen and this process persists for several days, it is dangerous to self-medicate or wait until the problem goes away by itself.

Reasons

If you exclude everyday causes associated with mechanical damage to the mucous membrane of the tongue, edema is almost always a symptom of other diseases. Therefore, it is impossible to delay a visit to the doctor. The most common reasons are:

• Allergic reaction.Swelling can be caused by taking medications or food that cause allergies. Usually, allergy-prone patients are aware of their problem. If you suspect allergic edema, you need to see your doctor. A severe allergic reaction can cause angioedema or angioedema. This condition develops rapidly, quickly moving to the lips, cheeks, and larynx. It becomes difficult for the patient to breathe. In the most difficult cases, angioedema can be fatal.
• Mononucleosis. A disease characterized by sore throat. Swelling of the tongue with mononucleosis is one of the accompanying symptoms.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Edema develops against the background of colitis, enterocolitis, peptic ulcer, gastritis and other diseases. This reason is one of the most common.
• Hormonal Disorders. In many diseases associated with hormonal imbalance, a swollen tongue is one of the symptoms.

Swelling of the tongue is not always a symptom of other diseases. Often, swelling appears for domestic reasons:

• Bite.
• Burn.
• Mechanical damage (dentures, braces, poor-quality fillings, piercings, etc.).

Treatment

In the event that there is no apparent reason for the appearance of a tumor, self-medication cannot be performed. The edema will not go away by itself, and not the timely treatment of the somatic disease that caused the problem can cause a deterioration in the general condition, the transition of the disease to a severe stage of its course.

What to do if the tongue is swollen? First of all, you need to deal with the treatment of the underlying disease. In this case, the swelling will subside as you recover.

Immediate help should be provided if an allergic reaction is the cause of the swelling. The rapid development of the process can cause suffocation. If you suspect angioedema, you need to immediately call for emergency help. While waiting for doctors to take antihistamines.

Treatments for tongue edema depend on the underlying causes. The easiest way is to remove puffiness caused by household reasons. Usually, a tongue bitten or burnt by hot food goes away on its own after a few days. If swelling occurs in the area of ​​the piercing, it is sufficient to remove the jewelry. Everything will return to normal as the wound heals. In addition, immediately after the procedure, swelling is a normal reaction, as the damaged tissue is inevitably inflamed.

It is necessary to consult a doctor if mechanical damage was caused by dental reasons.In this case, the doctor will eliminate the cause of permanent mucosal injury, for example, adjust the braces.

If you have a problem similar to that described in this article, be sure to contact our specialists. Do not diagnose yourself!

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Allergies | Symptoms, complications, diagnosis and treatment

Allergic reactions occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom, wool, or food that most people do not react to.

The immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When you have an allergy, the immune system creates antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, although this is not the case. When you come into contact with an allergen, an immune system reaction can inflame the skin, sinuses, respiratory tract, or digestive system.

The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening emergency.Although most allergies cannot be cured, treatment can help relieve symptoms.

Symptoms of allergy , which depend on the substance involved, can affect the respiratory tract, sinuses and nasal passages, skin and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. In some severe cases, allergies can cause a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Allergic rhinitis can cause:

• Sneezing
• Itching of nose, eyes or upper part of mouth
• Nasal congestion
• Red or puffy eyes (conjunctivitis)

Food allergy may cause:

• Tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of lips, tongue, face or throat
• Urticaria
• Anaphylaxis

Allergy to insect bite can cause:

• Large area of ​​swelling (edema) at the site of the bite
• Itching or inflammation all over the body
• Cough, chest compression, shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis

Allergy to drugs may cause:

• Urticaria
• Itching
• Rash
• Tumor of parts of the face
• Anaphylaxis

Atopic dermatitis , an allergic skin condition also called eczema, can result in:

• Itching
• Redness
• Skin peeling

Anaphylaxis

Certain allergies, including food allergies and insect bites, can cause a serious reaction known as anaphylaxis.Anaphylaxis can cause shock. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Drop in blood pressure
• Severe shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Dizziness
• Fast / weak pulse
• Nausea and vomiting

An allergy begins when the immune system mistakenly perceives a substance that is normally harmless to a dangerous invader. The immune system then makes antibodies that remain alert for that particular allergen.When you are again exposed to an allergen, these antibodies can release a number of immune system chemical reactions, such as histamine, that trigger allergy symptoms.

Common allergy triggers include:

• Airborne allergens such as pollen, animal dander, mites and mold
• Certain foods, in particular peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk
• Insect bites, e.g. from bees or wasps
• Medicines, especially penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
• Latex or other substances that you touch that may cause allergic skin reactions

You may be more likely to develop allergies if you:

• Have chronic asthma or allergies
• Raising a child
• Asthmatic or allergic person

Complications

Having allergies increases the risk of several other medical problems, of which:

• Anaphylaxis .If you have severe allergies, you are at an increased risk of this serious allergy-related reaction. Food, medicine, and insect bites are the most common triggers for anaphylaxis.
• Asthma . If you are allergic, you are more likely to have asthma, an immune system reaction that affects the airways and breathing. In many cases, asthma is caused by exposure to an allergen in the environment.
• Sinusitis and infections of the ears or lungs. The risk is higher if you have asthma.

Prevention

Prevention of allergic reactions depends on the type of allergy. General measures include the following:

• Avoid known triggers. Even if you are treating allergy symptoms, try to avoid triggers. If, for example, you are allergic to pollen, stay inside when windows and doors are closed when pollen is high. If you are allergic to dust mites, dust and vacuum, change your bedding frequently.
• Keep a diary. When trying to determine what is causing or worsening allergic symptoms, monitor what you are doing and what you eat, when symptoms appear and what appears to be helping. This can help you and your doctor identify triggers.
• Put on the medical alert bracelet. If you have had a severe allergic reaction, the medical bracelet warns others that you have a serious allergy if you have a reaction that prevents you from answering questions from others.

Diagnostics

To assess if you have allergies , your doctor is likely to:

• Asks detailed questions about symptoms
• Passes Physical Exam
• Will clarify if you are keeping a diary of symptoms or possible triggers

If you have food allergies , your doctor is likely to:

• Asks you to keep a detailed diary of the foods you eat
• Asks if you stopped eating suspicious food during allergy assessment

Your doctor may also recommend one or both of the following tests.However, keep in mind that these allergy tests can be false positive or false negative.

• Skin test. Your doctor or nurse will prick your skin and test small amounts of proteins found in potential allergens on you. If you are allergic, you are likely to develop an increased reaction at the test site on your skin.
• Blood test . A specific blood test, commonly referred to as radioallergenic borate testing (RAST) or ImmunoCAP, measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.A blood sample is sent to a medical laboratory where it can be tested for susceptibility to possible allergens.

If your doctor suspects something other than an allergy is causing your problems, other tests can help identify or rule out other medical problems.

Allergy treatment includes:

• Allergen isolation. Your doctor can help you take steps to identify and avoid allergies.This is usually the most important step in preventing allergic reactions and reducing symptoms.
• Medicines. Depending on the allergy, medications can help reduce the immune system’s response and relieve symptoms. Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter medication or prescription medications in the form of tablets, nasal sprays, or eye drops.
• Immunotherapy. This treatment involves a series of injections of purified allergen extracts, usually given over several years.

Another form of immunotherapy is a pill that is placed under the tongue (sublingual) until it dissolves. Sublingual medications are used to treat certain pollen allergies.

• Epinephrine emergency. If you have a severe allergy, you may need an urgent dose of epinephrine. For severe allergic reactions, epinephrine (Auvi-Q, EpiPen, others) can reduce symptoms until you receive emergency treatment.

stomach mirror, and more – Medical Center “Lotos”

Pirogova Irina Yurievna

Deputy chief physician for organizational and methodological work, head of the center of gastroenterology and hepatology, gastroenterologist

Eyes are the mirror of a person’s soul, and language can be safely called a mirror of health.The color of the tongue, the shape and the presence of plaque on it can speak of a particular pathology. Many diseases do not make themselves felt for a long time, and a detailed picture of clinical symptoms suddenly appears. Many doctors warn that the body lets you know about the disease almost immediately, and the most important thing is to notice and learn to recognize the disease. The immediate aid in defining health is, of course, language.

Anatomy of a tongue

The tongue is a muscular organ that is covered with mucous membranes.The organ performs many functions, participates in the formation of speech, determining the taste of food, mixes and helps the formation of a food lump, pushes it into the esophagus. Anatomically, the tongue is divided into two parts, the back of the tongue is called the root, and the front, which moves freely, is called the body. The upper surface, which looks like velvet, is called the dorsum of the tongue. The entire tongue is covered with papillae of 4 groups, which are responsible for the definition of taste.

What should a healthy tongue look like?

The tongue of a healthy person is pale pink in color with an even fold that runs along the tongue.The tongue is soft and does not cause any discomfort when moving. The papillae on the tongue are clearly visible and not flattened. Depending on the season, there may be a little white bloom on a healthy tongue, in summer the bloom is a little thicker, and the papillae of the mucous membrane are still visible through it. In winter, the plaque can take on a yellowish tint, and in autumn the plaque becomes lighter and drier. In addition, the presence of a thin plaque on the tongue may indicate a minor pathology that develops locally in the oral cavity, for example gingivitis of the gums, oral candidiasis and even caries.The thickening of plaque, in which it is already difficult to distinguish the back of the tongue, is a signal for action, and may indicate some diseases, including even chronic ones.

What does the color of the tongue say?

Many diseases can be identified by the color of the tongue, and each of them has its own characteristic color. In case of infectious diseases, for example, measles or flu, the color of the tongue becomes burgundy, moreover, this color of the tongue indicates the presence of fever. A pale tongue speaks of malnutrition, blood pathology – anemia, or heart failure.The purple tongue signals not only diseases of the blood, but also indicates diseases of the respiratory system. A yellow or gray tongue occurs in smokers, jaundice, or indicates gastrointestinal problems. Black tongue, which scares parents so much, and by the way, not in vain, speaks of weakness of the liver and spleen, dysentery, serious viral infections and even abscesses. The blue color of the tongue speaks of kidney disease. A bluish tinge to the tongue occurs with poor blood circulation, scurvy, and heavy metal poisoning, especially mercury.A white tongue speaks directly of a fungal infection or dehydration of the body. Problems in the oral cavity can be judged by the presence of a dark brown tongue, which indicates bleeding in the oral cavity, and in particular with periodontitis and gingivitis.

Reasons for a raid in the language

The main reason, of course, is poor oral hygiene. It is necessary to take care not only of the teeth, but also of the tongue. For these reasons, special brushes have been released that are suitable for cleaning teeth (bristles) and for the tongue; the back of such a toothbrush has a ribbed surface.But not all children, due to their age, can use a toothbrush; for such purposes, toothbrushes are perfect – finger cots with a ribbed work surface.

But not only poor hygiene provokes the formation of plaque, various problems in the oral cavity of a dental nature can provoke the formation of plaque. At the first suspicions and the appearance of plaque in the tongue, it is necessary to initially contact the dentist to exclude dental pathology. Disruption of the stomach or the entire gastrointestinal tract as a whole is also a provocateur in the formation of plaque.The accumulation of plaque on the tongue in children occurs for various reasons. The most common cause of tongue plaque in infants is oral candidiasis. In puberty children, plaque can form due to a hormonal jump, and inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa, the so-called juvenile gingivitis.

What does the color of the plaque on the tongue say?

The color of the plaque can tell about a particular disease, about a particular problem with a particular organ and even a group of organs.But, for a complete understanding of the process, it is still necessary to take into account the location of the plaque, only adding these two components, we can say with almost 100% probability that this is precisely this pathology.

Plaque on the tongue in most cases differs from the color of the tongue. The thicker the plaque, the more serious the pathological process. Plaque is the first sign of a decrease in immunity, according to the thickness of the plaque in the tongue, it can be concluded that what kind of immunity is in question (general or local).

The presence of a thick white plaque speaks of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is such a plaque that indicates the presence of constipation. A thin plaque in the middle of the tongue indicates the presence of gastritis, and if the plaque is thick, then, most likely, complications of gastritis have begun or gastritis has taken on a chronic form. If the plaque is located at the root of the tongue, it can be used to judge intestinal inflammation. Chronic diseases of the intestines and stomach that are imperceptibly proceeding, for example, high acidity, are indicated by the presence of a gray plaque.A yellow and black coating of the tongue indicates a problem with the gallbladder, spleen and liver, if it does not go away within a week. If, nevertheless, the plaque was a temporary phenomenon, then this indicates a violation of the microbial balance of the oral cavity, and the reason for this phenomenon is diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

But, white plaque and its shades may indicate a disease of other organs, if the plaque along the edges and in front of the tongue indicates a lung disease, a gradual darkening of the plaque indicates a complication of the disease – pneumonia.

The shape and size of the tongue – is it important?

Shape, size are as important in diagnosis as the color of the tongue itself and the color of the plaque. It must be remembered that the tongue belongs to the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, and it is practically the beginning of digestion. If the tongue has become swollen and enlarged, then first of all, it is necessary to exclude diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and be examined by an endocrinologist. A thick or wide tongue indicates a lack of calcium and vitamin D, or metabolic disorders, diseases of the lymphatic system.In this condition, one can also talk about inflammation of the tongue itself, diseases of the pituitary gland. With a gradual decrease in size or sudden compression, one can suspect diseases of the central nervous system, general depletion of the body, including dehydration.

Language appearance

Due to the atrophy of the papillae of the tongue, it becomes smoothed, shiny and takes on a bright red color, such a tongue is called varnished. This picture can be seen with stomach cancer or chronic colitis.With a deficiency of vitamin B and nicotinic acid in the body, such a disease is called pellagra and belongs to the class of vitamin deficiencies, the tongue looks like a chessboard, covered with a black-brown bloom with cracks. With the development of the disease, the tongue changes its color and becomes red.

A tongue with deep grooves of various sizes and colors is called geographic. Such language can be observed with chronic damage to the stomach and intestines (when the parents are feeding the child incorrectly), with some forms of mental illness.By this language, you can immediately judge the presence of an allergic reaction. If the function of the cerebellum, cerebral circulation is impaired, the tongue may bend or deviate to the side. According to some reports, the curvature of the tongue may be associated with somatic disorders of the body. In case of dysfunction of the organs of the left or right half of the body, the corresponding side of the tongue slightly increases in size, and the tip changes position – it deviates. With pathology of the hypoglossal nerve or with paresis, the tongue can also change its position.

A clearly visible midline of the tongue is directly connected to the spine and may indicate a problem. A curved line at the root of the tongue indicates problems in the lumbar spine, if it is bent in the middle – the middle part of the back, and accordingly if the bend is at the tip of the tongue, then the problem lies in the cervical spine.

Cracks or pitting

Ulcers on the surface of the tongue can occur for various reasons. Before panicking, it is necessary to exclude a simple trauma to the tongue, for example, when biting, or in case of damage from dilapidated teeth.The latter option is very dangerous, since permanent trauma can cause glossitis, inflammation of the tongue.

With inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (Crohn’s disease), small ulcers appear on the tongue, and a large number of them immediately form. The sores are painful and uncomfortable.

With syphilis, only one ulcer appears on the tongue, of a completely different size and shape. The surface is bright red, shiny and hard. The ulcer does not make itself felt, it is completely painless.A manifestation of HIV infection in the tongue can be the formation of warts. It looks like an overgrowth of the mucous membrane of the tongue on the sides of the tongue or closer to the root. Flat sores that are located on the tip of the tongue, lateral regions, or along the midline indicate tuberculous disease. Transverse stripes on the tongue indicate vascular disorders of the brain.

Unpleasant sensations in the tongue

The unpleasant sensations themselves are varied and can manifest themselves as pain, excessive dryness, burning sensation, etc.Dryness of the tongue and mouth is called xerostomia, and is a signal for testing for diabetes. Dryness can also be associated with impaired activity of the salivary glands, fever, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and dehydration. With prolonged xerostomia, the color of the plaque on the tongue becomes dark and cracks appear.

Pain in the tongue or glossalgia usually occurs with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, disorders of the endocrine system or neurological disorders.Pain with glossalgia is of a different nature, localized at the tip of the tongue and can change throughout the day. Spicy, hot and pickled foods can provoke pain.

When itching and burning of the tongue appears, the first step is to be examined by a dentist and check for the presence of fungal infections of the tongue (thrush). A burning sensation can also be a sign of anemia or increased acidity of gastric juice.

Signs of internal organs in the language

Each of the internal organs in the tongue has its own place.In Chinese medicine, the tongue is divided into three parts, the root of the tongue corresponds to the lower part of the body, the body of the tongue corresponds to the middle part of the body, and accordingly the tip of the upper body. But there is another opinion, in which each organ is given its place, and it is more accurate.

The front of the tongue is a mirror image of the liver, heart, and lungs; the middle shows the stomach, pancreas, and spleen. The parts of the intestine can be diagnosed by the root of the tongue, but the kidneys by the lateral parts of the tongue.Various changes in the ulcer, redness of the plaque in these projections, indicates this or that pathology of the corresponding organ. It is necessary to notice the signs of the disease in a timely manner and take timely measures.

Show your tongue – and I will tell you why you are sick!

– Pirogova Irina Yurievna

Inflammation under the tongue | Family Dentistry

Pain under the tongue should alert everyone.Having felt it, you must immediately consult a doctor without self-medication. The problem is that there are many causes of pain, because important elements of the oral cavity are located in this place. And the treatment is determined depending on the location and type of inflammation.

The structure of the area under the tongue

Everything that is located under the tongue is called the floor of the mouth. It is:

• nerve endings;
• hyoid bone;
• hypoglossal muscles;
• salivary gland;
• connecting folds called bridles;
• vessels.

Each element of the floor of the mouth serves its purpose and is irreplaceable. Only if all muscles, tissues, glands and nerves are healthy, the tongue functions normally. If there is pain under the tongue, then we are talking about pathology.

Causes of pain under the tongue

• Allergic reactions cause tissue swelling and painful sensations.
• Harmful microorganisms that appear in the mouth during sore throat cause acute inflammation. Often, it affects the floor of the mouth.
• Mechanical injuries in case of bruising, falling damage blood vessels, nerves, soft tissues. Vessels may rupture, leading to accumulation of blood between the muscle fibers.
• Certain untreated diseases lead to phlegmon, an inflammation with pus inside. In most cases, phlegmon appears just under the tongue.
• Common caries, if left untreated, causes inflammation that extends to the sublingual region.
• There are many ducts in the salivary gland, and if an infection gets into it, it will easily enter the gland tissue through these ducts.
• Injury of the frenum of the tongue. In people with congenital short frenum, injuries occur more often. Even a casual conversation can cause a breakup. However, people with a normal bridle size also suffer. Often, inflammatory diseases, allergic reactions leading to a tumor of the tongue, the appearance of ulcers lead to trauma. But also improper oral hygiene – the so-called dangerous cleaning – leads to damage to the frenum.

Some people have an asymmetry of the hyoid bone from birth, and sometimes this anomaly is formed by trauma.Asymmetry prevents the organs of the floor of the mouth from functioning properly.

How is the sublingual area treated?

Considering the above reasons, with the slightest pain in the sublingual space, you should immediately consult a doctor. The doctor will find out the source of the pain and determine the treatment regimen. In some cases, allergists and therapists are involved in the treatment. But more often dentists treat pain in the floor of the mouth.

In case of injury to the frenulum or tissues of the area under the tongue, rinsing will be prescribed: with a solution of soda, romazulan, stomatofit, hexoral, chlorophyllipt or iodinol.Rinse your mouth according to the following schedule:

• morning and evening before bedtime;
• after eating.

The doctor also treats the area of ​​injury with an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Inflammations caused by dental problems require immediate treatment – specialists from Family Dentistry will get rid of caries, pulpitis or periodontitis and prescribe a course of anti-inflammatory drugs to cope with sublingual inflammation.

But inflammation of the salivary glands is considered one of the most dangerous diseases in the floor of the mouth. It is important to start treatment before an abscess appears and complications develop. In this case, the doctor prescribes:

• antibiotic therapy – the doctor injects a medicine into the gland, and also prescribes an antibiotic of a wider spectrum of action;
• preparations for activating saliva secretion – either a solution of potassium iodide or pilocarpine is used, sometimes ordinary lemon is used;
• hot dry compresses;
• course of physiotherapy.

If the inflammation is running and pus appears or a stone has formed, the patient is referred to a surgeon who cleans the gland cavity from pus and removes the stone.

Prevention of inflammation of the floor of the oral cavity

As a preventive measure against diseases of the sublingual region, dentists give recommendations on proper oral care:

• take care of the gums;
• to avoid the accumulation of bacterial plaque;

90,015 visit the dentist 2 times a year;

• to prevent the occurrence of caries;
• brush your teeth 2 times a day.

But if the patient has congenital or acquired anomalies in the development of the floor of the mouth, such as a shortened frenum or an asymmetry in the structure, then you have to be careful to avoid injury. Some abnormalities are treatable. Come to an appointment at “Family Dentistry” and experienced specialists will tell you how to get rid of defects, tumors and inflammations.

90,000 from what appears and how the disease manifests itself in the mouth

Contents:

1. What is
2. Forms of manifestation
3. Stomatitis in a child
4. Where is stomatitis
5. Methods for the treatment of stomatitis
6. How to avoid illness

How often do you check your mouth to see how healthy it is? Do you rinse your mouth regularly after eating? For some reason, most people do not have the habit of watching their teeth, apparently thinking that everything is in order there.In fact, there are many different bacteria here, and not always beneficial. If you do not follow hygiene, symptoms of stomatitis may appear at any time. Together with the specialists of the Dentica clinic, we will deal with the problem in more detail.

What is it

This is what medicine calls the result of inflammatory processes in the oral mucosa. With the help of special enzymes contained in saliva, it protects the entire digestive tract, processing food so that it does not harm health.Inflammation appears both in a prominent place, for example, on the lip or cheek, and deep in the throat, where it is not always and not immediately possible to detect it. Different people are exposed to it at different intervals: some – once every few years, others – annually, and still others – monthly. It depends on the strength of the immune system and the internal characteristics of the body.

How contagious is this disease

It is possible to judge the degree of its infectivity only if the reasons for the appearance are known, and there are quite a few of them.Only a doctor can determine what caused you to get sick with the help of the necessary equipment and tests. Therefore, do not delay the trip to the hospital – what if you infect your loved ones? If the causes of the disease are allergic reactions, mechanical damage (bite, cut) or intoxication, then you should not be afraid of infection. It is transmitted only as a result of the penetration of an infection, which causes inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane.

Children are more susceptible to its appearance, so it develops even as a result of chickenpox (chickenpox), adenovirus, influenza or parainfluenza.And it is transmitted easily with the help of common toys (especially if babies take them in their mouths), dishes, cutlery, hygiene items, towels and others. Those with a weakened immune system are also at risk of getting sick, especially if they take antibiotic drugs.

How stomatitis manifests itself: first signs and treatment

It can always be identified visually:

• initially there is a slight edema, accompanied by redness;
• then the affected area may swell, and the patient feels a burning sensation;
• after a while a white speck forms.

Some, seeing this, immediately understand what kind of illness overtook them, and rush to the pharmacy for ointments and pills. But this does not always help, since the speed of recovery depends on how correctly the drug is selected. It is difficult for an ordinary person without medical education to correctly determine the nature of the disease, and therefore – to choose medicines.

Do not be lazy and make an appointment with the dentist, so you will save yourself from possible complications and deal with the problem faster.

What caused the manifestation of stomatitis

Specialists have identified several factors leading to the appearance of this pathology:

1. Solid food, fish bones, tooth fragments – all this damages the mucous membrane. If a person has strong immunity, then the wounds heal quickly and without consequences. But those who have it weakened get complications in the form of an ulcer.
2. Some toothpastes and rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate dehydrate the mouth, making it less resistant to harmful bacteria.
3. High-carbohydrate foods increase the acidity of saliva, which increases the risk of disease. To avoid it, it is necessary that the body contains vitamins of group B, C, A, iron, zinc and selenium. If you don’t eat right and these substances are in short supply, then the chances of getting sick will be higher.
4. Some people are susceptible to allergic reactions caused by any food, chemicals, pollen from flowers, trees and other factors.Allergy, in turn, can manifest itself in the form of stomatitis.
5. Women tend to experience more hormonal disruptions caused by puberty, changing phases of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or childbirth. All this leads to inflammation in the mouth.
6. There are people in whom this pathology is explained by a genetic predisposition. If parents or grandparents have sores in the oral cavity, then there is a possibility of its occurrence in children.
7. Due to bad habits, various toxins from alcohol and nicotine poison tissues and disturb the microflora.
8. There are many microbes and viruses in the human body that are at rest. If they are not provoked by other factors, then they do not cause harm for a long time, otherwise their effect leads to inflammatory processes. This is especially often manifested after other past diseases, when the immune system does not have time to recover.
9. It has long been proven that even a deterioration in the emotional state can cause illness, including problems with the oral mucosa.

Symptoms

The manifestation of stomatitis is usually associated with painful sensations and unpleasant formations on the skin:

1. A small red patch appears at first, followed by swelling and swelling. Basically, the patient feels a burning sensation.
2. When inflammation is provoked by the ingress of bacteria, a round or oval white spot with a thin film on the surface forms at the site of redness.
3. Profuse salivation, gingival bleeding and bad breath may occur.
4. In especially difficult situations, the tongue and lips lose motor activity, since severe pain does not allow them to move.

The period of illness usually lasts from a week to two, sometimes it takes only 4 days. The duration depends on why it arose and how strong the patient’s immunity is.

Forms of manifestation

There are many factors provoking inflammatory processes, their difference and underlies the creation of a special classification.

Aphthous

Aphthae are called small ulcers up to 5 millimeters in size. They usually have a white or grayish bloom in the form of a small bubble, which is then deflated and forms a single erosional area. These aphthae grow as a result of advanced viral, bacterial or chronic diseases of an internal organ.

This type has several forms:

• fibrinous, which occurs when the blood begins to circulate poorly;
• necrotic (rare), in which tissues die off;
• granular, affecting the salivary glands;
• deforming the soft palatine part;
• scarring, damaging acinus and connective tissue.

Herpes

In children, the herpes simplex virus type I often appears, actively developing in the epithelium and lymph nodes and then affecting the skin. With it, the temperature can rise, which kills the viral cells. But the immune system weakens, and it takes at least one to two weeks to recover.

Gorlovoy

Only 20 percent of patients experience it. Usually, yellowish-gray ulcers form on the root of the tongue, throat tissues, and palate.Swelling of the ligaments with this form is very dangerous, as it makes it difficult to breathe and eat. There may be pain in the larynx, cough and runny nose.

Ulcerous

When no remedial measures are taken for problems with the gastrointestinal tract and poisoning, ulcers appear in the mouth. Then the mucous membrane is damaged to very deep layers, and during chewing or speaking, severe pain and perspiration are felt.

Sharp

This form is more difficult to cure, since it raises the temperature, which requires taking an antipyretic agent, and also enlarges the lymph nodes.In the case when the disease occurs again (recurs), it develops into a permanent form, and it becomes easier for the body to cope with it.

Chronic

Many people are interested in the question why stomatitis often appears in the mouth. With a weakened immune system, even after a complete recovery, he easily returns again. And more often – in late autumn, winter and early spring, when the body suffers from a lack of vitamins. Usually it complements colds and viral diseases: ARVI, flu, sore throat and others.

But it can also occur together with pathologies of the endocrine glands or the gastrointestinal tract.

Catarrhal

In this form, ulcers are not formed, only slight redness and swelling are observed. The pain syndrome is not as obvious as in other forms, and the temperature in an adult remains at a normal level. Children, on the other hand, suffer from fever for the first two days, but it goes away if timely treatment begins.

Allergic

Some people are hypersensitive to various external factors: certain types of food, medicines, dust, wool fibers, cosmetics and others.Then dryness occurs in the oral cavity, the taste buds reduce sensitivity, and the mucous membrane becomes inflamed.

Stomatitis in a child

Children, as a rule, are less resistant to bacterial and other diseases, since their body is still poorly resistant to external influences.

Viral

There are many viruses that cause this disease. It depends on which of them got into the child’s body, how hard he will endure it and how quickly he will recover.The child may feel a sore throat that gets worse when swallowing or chewing. The body temperature rises to 37-39 degrees.

This form is accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, cough and runny nose, so it is often confused with the common cold, regardless of mouth ulcers.

Candidal

Small children love to put various objects in their mouths, in this way they learn about the world. Therefore, the risk of contamination of harmful bacteria is higher, especially if you do not keep your hands clean.Sometimes parents forget to wash the fruits they bought in the store, and then it is difficult for children’s immunity to cope with microbes. This leads to inflammatory processes on the mucous membrane: ulcers and areas with a white coating appear, having a curdled texture. With mechanical damage, they begin to bleed.

Where is stomatitis

It is not so easy to find signs of the disease at once, since inflammations can appear in absolutely any area.

On the lip

Here the skin is very thin and sensitive, especially on the lower part.There are several causes of ulcerative formations:

• herpes virus;
• burns;
• severe chapping and dryness;
• consequences of chickenpox, measles or scarlet fever;
• gestation period.

On the gum

Newborns, preschoolers and adults most often suffer from this. In this place, the affected area is visible only at an early stage, later it spreads over the entire inner surface of the cheek and lip.At the same time, small cracks are covered in the corners of the mouth.

In the sky

Young children are more likely to experience this because they are not able to take care of their hygiene on their own. They take other people’s toys from the floor, stones and branches from the ground and then gnaw, taste. All this leads to the formation of white plaque, especially if the body is not resistant to bacteria.

In language

In this area, the disease occurs not only due to lack of hygiene procedures, but also due to sleep disturbance.If a person, especially a small child, has little rest and is under great stress, his health deteriorates.

Methods for the treatment of stomatitis

There are many options for coping with this disease. But in any case, it is impossible to do without consulting a doctor, only he will be able to correctly determine the pathogen and correctly prescribe the necessary drugs.

Home treatments

Often people do not go to the dentist’s office, but try to relieve inflammation on their own with the help of rinsing with various means, maintaining hygiene and other things.Sometimes it helps, but a good result cannot be guaranteed – it is not always possible to find medicines.

Therefore, do not neglect the examination by a specialist, even if one day you manage to remove the ulcers, they will come back again.

Folk remedies

There are some universal natural antiseptics with anti-inflammatory effect: chamomile flowers, chicory, honey, burdock, potatoes, yarrow, cloves of garlic and others. But they are effective only when inflammatory processes are associated with a decrease in immunity or a lack of vitamins.In the presence of other pathogens, it is unlikely that it will be possible to get rid of the problem in this way, first go through a dental examination.

Medical treatment

This is the most appropriate method, as it guarantees the correct diagnosis. The doctor will select exactly those medicines that will fight not only the symptoms, but also eliminate the prerequisites for their return.

How to avoid illness

There are some preventive measures that will preserve the health of not only the oral cavity, but also the whole body:

• Regular hand washing, especially before meals;

90,015 annual visit to the dentist;

• balanced nutrition and avoiding harmful high-carbohydrate foods;
• selection of suitable dental care products.

In this article we have shown what causes stomatitis in the mouth, causes of the disease, symptoms and treatment. It depends only on you whether you face it or not, a responsible approach will save you from health problems.

Cracks in the tongue – causes and treatment. Glossitis symptoms.

Any malfunctions in the work of internal organs are immediately reflected on the surface of the tongue. For this feature, the tongue is often called the mirror of the whole organism.The appearance of sores, papillae, plaque or cracks on its surface indicates possible health problems. Today we will tell you why cracks appear and how to get rid of them.

Hazardous symptoms

Usually, cracks in the tongue do not cause any discomfort – they often find out about their appearance at the doctor’s appointment.But this is not always the case. Sometimes unpleasant symptoms may appear that indicate health problems:

• pain sensations;
• burning sensation, change in taste;

90,015 itching or swelling;

• pain when chewing, problems with speech;
• temperature rise.

If cracks appear on the tongue, there are several of the listed symptoms, then perhaps the cause is the inflammatory process of the oral cavity – glossitis.If the tongue becomes covered with cracks and sores – the cause is ENT diseases (tonsillitis, pharyngitis). In any case, professional treatment is needed.

Diseases of the oral cavity (glossitis)

Glossitis is an inflammatory disease of the oral cavity that changes the surface of the tongue. The tongue turns red, swells; white bloom, burning sensation, growths appear. There are more than 10 types of glossitis, and only three of them are characterized by the appearance of cracks on the surface of the tongue.

Folded glossitis. Congenital anomaly that is defined immediately after birth. It is characterized by the presence of cracks of different depths. Normally, they do not bring discomfort.

Rhomboid glossitis. The affected area is diamond-shaped and has cracks in the middle of the tongue. Most often appears with gastritis with low acidity.

Desquamative glossitis. It is sometimes referred to as “geographic” because the lesions resemble the outlines of continents.The damaged areas can “move” on the surface of the tongue, almost always cause painful sensations, burning, and also shallow cracks. The reason for the appearance of such glossitis is still not clear. Some argue that this is an allergic reaction, others that it is hormonal imbalance and gastrointestinal diseases.

Other reasons

• Avitominosis. Micronutrient deficiencies can cause sensitivity of the mucous membranes and the appearance of cracks in the tongue.
• Allergy. New dental care products and foodstuffs can increase the sensitivity of the gums and tongue.
• Worms. The presence of parasites leads to the fact that the body does not absorb nutrients and useful microelements, due to which the condition of the mucous membrane worsens.
• Hormonal failure.
• Stress.

How to determine the state of health by language. Source: Yulianna Pliskina’s YouTube channel

Treatment of cracks in the tongue

If cracks appear on the tongue, then treatment should be started with a consultation with a dentist.