tongue inflammation

Inflamed tongue (Glossits)

The tongue inflammation (Glossitis) arises mostly by mechanical stimuli in the oral cavity, so for example by a badly fitting prosthesis. Glossitis also occurs as an accompanying symptom of many common diseases. It manifests itself at every age and affects mainly immunocompromised patients. Finding the cause, diagnosis and therapy are not always easy in this condition.

contents

The tongue - insight into the anatomy
causes
Other diseases that favor glossits
Complaints and symptoms
Special forms of tongue inflammation
burning tongue
treatment
Naturopathy
The tongue is a diagnostic medium

The tongue - insight into the anatomy

The tongue is a mucous-coated muscle. It helps with chewing and sucking and supports the swallowing act. On its surface are so-called papillae, which serve as tactile and temperature sensors, but are also responsible for the tasting. The tongue is involved in the phonation of speech and supports the immune defense with its lymphatic cells.

A tongue inflammation is extremely unpleasant for those affected and should be urgently clarified by a doctor. (Image: vladimirfloyd / fotolia.com)

Drugs administered via the tongue show a rapid effect as they can be absorbed by the oral mucosa in a very short time. An example of this is the nitro-spray, which is administered in angina pectoris attacks. In natural medicine, there are a wealth of remedies, such as the Schuessler salts or homoeopathic preparations, where a sublingual (under the tongue) recording is provided.

Children in particular often suffer from acute inflammation of the tongue. Image: www.fotolia.com © DragonImages

Causes of tongue inflammation

The main causes are irritation of the tongue surface, for example due to sharp tooth edges or various metal alloys used in a dental restoration. Also, a sudden bite that occurs while eating, burns due to overeating and drinking or poorly adapted dentures can lead to a glossitis. In the case of food intolerances to certain foods, such as nuts, cheese, fruit or seafood, many sufferers also respond with an inflammatory reaction of the tongue. In addition, smoking is one of the possible causes of glossitis. But even with certain illnesses the inflammation of the tongue counts to the appearance. Infectious diseases, such as scarlet fever, diphtheria, and syphilis, show - among other symptoms - a tongue inflammation. An example of this is the Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disease in which the entire oral cavity including the tongue is affected. A vitamin A, B or C deficiency or iron deficiency can lead to inflammatory changes. But also invading pathogens, usually fungi, may cause unpleasant, painful changes in the tongue. In addition, tongue inflammations occur in conjunction with diabetes mellitus, diseases of the liver but also of the psyche. Especially the burning of the tongue often has a psychological cause.

Other diseases that favor glossits

Diseases in which the immune system is severely weakened favor the development of tongue inflammation. These include cancers, bone marrow tumors, severe malnutrition and AIDS. Also autoimmune diseases, such as the already mentioned Sjögren syndrome, in which the salivation is influenced, favor the occurrence of glossitis.

Complaints and symptoms

The symptoms can be mild, but also difficult. Sometimes the tongue inflammation takes a tedious, extremely painful course. Possibly additional tongue coating occurs, which is more common especially with fungal infections. The inflammation causes an increased blood flow, which can lead to a slight but also massive swelling. These may be so pronounced that swallowing and speech is hindered. The tongue reddened, especially at the top and at the edges. Pain, possibly burning nature, join. Also the sense of taste is often impaired. In addition, tongue inflammation due to an allergy often causes itching. In general, the symptoms are limited to the tongue and the disease does not affect the general condition.

If the inflammation of the tongue is caused by an insect bite, the strong swelling of the tongue can hinder the breathing so that death by suffocation threatens and an emergency doctor must be alerted.

Especially in children, acute glossitis often occurs. The tongue is swollen, dark red and may have small bubbles on the surface. These so-called aphthae are small, round, open spots that can be as big as a lentil. The blisters are extremely painful. It is often accompanied by difficulty swallowing and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Chronic tongue inflammation is more likely in adults. This may indicate general conditions such as sprue (gluten allergy), iron deficiency anemia or pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency anemia).

Special forms of tongue inflammation

Special forms of tongue inflammation are the glossitis areata exsudativa, also called map tongue, the raspberry tongue and the Hunter glossitis.

Glossitis areata exsudativa is a chronic inflammation of the tongue, in which it changes similar to a map. This disease is also associated with psoriasis (psoriasis) and atopic dermatitis. From small white or yellowish papules, which become smooth after days, become red herds and then slowly confluence, flocks that resemble a map form. These often attack the palate and cheeks. Those affected report mild burning and hypersensitivity to strong spices.

The raspberry tongue, which occurs mainly together with scarlet fever, is intense red, swollen and shows inflamed papillae. This special form also accompanies the rare diseases of pellagra (hypovitaminosis - vitamin B3 deficiency) and Kawasaki syndrome (feverish childhood disease with generalized lymph node swelling).

Another special form is the Hunter Glossitis. This indicates the absence of vitamin B12. The tongue is lacquer-like and red, especially at the tongue tips and on the back of the tongue.

burning tongue

Tongue burning can be triggered by irritation situations in the mouth together with a tongue inflammation or also occur with various general conditions. The burning sensation on the tongue occurs in diseases such as diabetes mellitus, anemia, vitamin deficiency and infections with bacteria and fungi. But also mechanical stimuli in the mouth, such as a pressing prosthesis, a badly adapted braces or an allergic reaction to the materials used during the dental treatment can be a trigger of the tongue burning. Externally, the tongue is not necessarily something to look at, which complicates the diagnosis accordingly. Those affected suffer from burning, itching and / or stinging, similar to a soreness. Often the cheeks and the palate are affected.

Women suffer from glossodynia (tongue burning) much more often than men, especially in life phases with profound physical changes, such as during the climacteric period. There is also a so-called daily rhythm, so that the complaints usually increase towards the evening. The tongue burning can occur together with a fuzziness, dry mouth and taste disorders.

It is not uncommon to find the causes of this unpleasant sensation difficult. So sufferers are found at doctors of different subjects. First, the path usually leads to a dentist, who seeks to fathom the causes by a detailed history and examination of the oral cavity. Often, other diagnostic procedures, such as a blood test, with other specialists needed to get to the root of the cause.

Stress, long-term stress or anxiety can also lead to tongue burning. But also the intensity of the complaints is often intensified by a strained psyche. A mouth-only disease is Burning Mouth Syndrome. This occurs especially in women between the ages of forty and forty-five years, but also beyond the sixty the disease is found. The patients wake up in the morning with burning tongue. Finding the cause and diagnosis is usually a challenge in BMS (Burning Mouth Syndrome) because the clinical picture is multifactorial.

treatment

If the cause of the tongue inflammation is known, it will be treated with appropriate methods. An infection is, depending on the pathogen, antifungal, antibacterial or antiviral therapy. In general, all stimuli to be excluded from the treatment, such as hot spices, too hot food and drinks, but also disturbing factors, such as poorly adapted prostheses or braces. To alleviate the symptoms of various mouthwashes are prescribed. Thorough oral hygiene, after each meal, is essential. Flushing with chamomile or sage tea can be used as a support and help to relieve the symptoms.

Naturopathy

Here, too, the cause is first sought, in order to treat it then exclusively or concomitantly to conventional medicine with appropriate naturopathic means. Mostly, measures that strengthen the immune system are part of the therapy. For this purpose, there are various methods in natural medicine, such as the self-blood therapy, injections with homeopathic, defense-enhancing, preparations and a customized colon cleansing.

From homeopathy, the rare remedy Marum verum can help against the symptoms and develop an anti-inflammatory effect. Applied directly to the mucous membrane of the tongue is the myrrh tincture already known from grandmother's time. This can be diluted with water used as a mouthwash or directly used very carefully for dabbing the affected areas. Also suitable for mouthwashes sage, chamomile and peppermint. In any case, it is essential to abstain from hot and too hot food and drinks. If there is an allergy, the allergen must be strictly avoided. Here too, the self-blood therapy can remedy the situation.

The tongue is a diagnostic medium

The tongue is an ancient diagnostic medium that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for about five thousand years. Meanwhile, this diagnostic form has established itself in many naturopathic practices. Color, texture, shape and surface give indications of the most diverse organic disturbances. The tongue reflects the body's organs in certain places and can therefore be indicative of changes in disease or even preventive on predispositions. Thus, according to statements of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), the tip of the tongue reflects the heart, the middle tongue spleen and stomach, the lateral margin liver and gallbladder, and the tongue root kidney and colon. Redness, cracks, elevations and colored coverings are interpreted differently by the naturopathic therapists, depending on the medical system. Depending on the diagnosis, suitable forms of therapy are subsequently selected. (Sw)