What the tongue reveals

A stained tongue indicates the stomach

03/18/2014

She is a true all-rounder: the tongue. Without them many everyday things like tasting, talking, sucking or swallowing would not be possible. In addition, the tongue surface contains many cells of the immune system. But the tongue is also a mirror of health. It shows countless changes and illnesses. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the study of the tongue is even one of the most important diagnostic methods. But even here in Germany, doctors know to interpret changes.

A healthy tongue shows up pink with a light white coating. Their surface is moist, smooth and even. „Health disorders manifest themselves as the color, shape or covering of the tongue changes“, explains Dr. Uso Walter, a low-level ENT doctor from Duisburg and chairman of the HNOnet-NRW. „For example, the tongue may be thicker or thinner, more heavily covered or reddened, or there may be sudden tooth marks on the edge of the tongue.“ Also an increased tremor of the tongue muscle provides an indication of diseases. An increase in size of the tongue with visible tooth marks and increased plaque, for example, speaks for a lack of energy. Trembling of the tongue with bluish jammed veins under the tongue is the result of severe stress. Heart problems show up in a reddened tongue tip. Spotty changes in the surface, also called map tongue, indicate stomach problems, while bowel problems are often visible through a strong covering in the back of the tongue. This must be distinguished from fungal infections such as thrush, which arise due to an immune deficiency, and are characterized by redness and white, wipeable coverings. A very dry tongue, on the other hand, may be the result of salivary gland disease.

The diseases that directly affect the tongue include tumors, aphthae, and fibroids. „Tumors are often initially in the form of 'sore spots' or ulcers“, clarifies Walter. „Even palpable hardening of the tongue with an intact surface may indicate tumors.“ In turn, aphthous ulcers are circular or oval milky-yellowish structures that cause inflammation of the surrounding mucosa. Although they are very painful, they usually disappear after a few days. Fibromas, ie small benign mucosal nodules, are usually found on the midline of the tongue. These connective tissue tumors require clarification by an ENT specialist. (Pm)