0
Glossitis is a condition in which the tongue is swollen and changes color. Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue (called papillae) are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth.
See also: Geographic tongue
Alternative NamesTongue inflammation; Tongue infection; Smooth tongue; Glossodynia; Burning tongue syndrome
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsChanges in the appearance of the tongue may be a primary condition (not due to another disease or event), or it may be a symptom of other disorders (a secondary condition).
Glossitis occurs when there is acute or chronic inflammation of the tongue.
Causes include:
- Bacterial or viral infections (including oral herpes simplex)
- Mechanical irritation or injury from burns, rough edges of teeth or dental appliances, or other trauma
- Exposure to irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, hot foods, or spices
- Allergic reaction to toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners, dyes in candy, plastic in dentures or retainers, or certain blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)
- Disorders such as iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemiaand other B-vitamin deficiencies, oral lichen planus, erythema multiform, aphthous ulcers, pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and others
- Yeast infection
- Dry mouth associated with connective tissue disorders, such as Sjogren syndrome
Occasionally, glossitis can be inherited.
Symptoms- Tongue swelling
- Smooth appearance to the tongue
- Tongue color usually dark "beefy" red
- Pale, if caused by pernicious anemia
- Fiery red, if caused by deficiency of B vitamins
- Sore and tender tongue
- Difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking
An examination by a dentist or health care provider shows a swollen tongue (or patches of swelling).
Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue (called papillae) may be absent.
Your health care provider may ask detailed questions about your medical history and lifestyle to determine the possible source of tongue inflammation, if injury or other cause is not easily identified.
Blood tests may be done to rule out other medical conditions.
TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation. Treatment usually does not require hospitalization unless tongue swelling is severe.
Good oral hygiene is necessary, including thorough tooth brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least once a day.
Antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other antimicrobials may be prescribed if the glossitis is due to an infection.
Dietary changes and supplements are used to treat anemia and nutritional deficiencies.
Avoid irritants (such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco) to reduce any tongue discomfort.
Expectations (prognosis)Glossitis usually responds well to treatment if the cause of inflammation is removed or treated. This disorder may be painless, or it may cause tongue and mouth discomfort. In some cases, glossitis may result in severe tongue swelling that blocks the airway.
Complications- Discomfort
- Airway blockage
- Difficulties with speaking, chewing, or swallowing
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of glossitis persist for longer than 10 days.
Call your health care provider if tongue swelling is severe or breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing is difficult.
Blockage of the airway is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention.
PreventionGood oral hygiene (thorough tooth brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning and examination) may help prevent glossitis.
ReferencesBurning mouth syndrome, burning tonuge (glossodynia). In: Buttaravoli P, ed. Minor Emergencies. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 44.
What else can I help you with?
What is toungitis?
"Toungitis" is not a recognized medical term. It may be a misspelling of "tonsillitis," which is inflammation of the tonsils, or "glossitis," which is inflammation of the tongue. If you have concerns about symptoms in your mouth or throat, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What words begin with the prefix glosso?
The root word is gloss. A common word with this is glossary.
What are purple stripes on the side of tongue?
Purple stripes on the side of the tongue may be due to a condition called benign migratory glossitis, also known as geographic tongue. It is a harmless and typically painless condition where the tongue develops irregular, smooth, red patches with a white border. It is usually not a cause for concern, but if you have any discomfort or concerns, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Geographic tongue?
DefinitionGeographic tongue is a map-like appearance of your tongue due to irregular patches on its surface.Alternative NamesPatches on the tongue; Tongue - patchy; Benign migratory glossitis; Glossitis - benign migratoryCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe specific cause of geographic tongue is unknown, although vitamin B deficiency may be involved. Other causes may include irritation from hot or spicy foods, or alcohol. The condition appears to be less common in smokers.The pattern on the surface of the tongue may change very rapidly. This pattern change occurs when there is a loss of the tiny, finger-like projections, called papillae, on the tongue's surface. This makes areas of the tongue flat. These areas are said to be "denuded." Denuded areas may persist for more than a month.SymptomsMap-like appearance to the surface of the tonguePatches that change location from day to daySmooth, beefy red patches and lesions on the tongueSoreness and burning pain (in some cases)Signs and testsYour doctor will usually diagnose this condition based on an examination of your tongue. Tests are usually not necessary.TreatmentThere is no treatment.Expectations (prognosis)Geographic tongue is a harmless condition, but it can be persistent and uncomfortable.Calling your health care providerCall your doctor if the symptoms last longer than 10 days. Seek immediate medical help if:Breathing trouble occursThe tongue is severely swollenThere are problems with speaking, chewing, or swallowingPreventionAvoid irritating your tongue with hot or spicy food or alcohol if you are prone to this condition.ReferencesGoldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:2428.Shulman JD. Prevalence and risk factors associated with geographic tongue among US adults. Oral Dis. Jul 2006; 12(4): 381-6.
Tongue problems?
DefinitionTongue problems include pain, swelling, or a change in how the tongue looks.Alternative NamesDark tongue; Burning tongue syndromeConsiderationsThe tongue is mainly composed of muscles. It is covered with a mucous membrane. Small bumps (papillae) cover the upper surface of the tongue. Between the papillae are the taste buds, which allow you to taste. The tongue moves food to help you chew and swallow.The tongue also helps you form words.There are many different reasons for changes in the tongue's function and appearance.DIFFICULTY MOVING THE TONGUETongue movement problems are most often caused by nerve damage. However, problems moving the tongue may also be caused by ankyloglossia, a disorder where the band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short. Tongue movement disorders may result in speech difficulties or difficulty moving food during chewing and swallowing.TASTE ABNORMALITIESTaste problems can be caused by damage to the taste buds, nerve problems, side effects of medications, an infection, or other condition. The tongue normally senses sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes. Other "tastes" are actually a function of the sense of smell.ENLARGEMENT OF THE TONGUETongue swelling occurs with Down syndrome, acromegaly, myxedema, amyloidosis, rhabdomyoma, and other disorders. The tongue may get wider in persons who have no teeth and do not wear dentures.COLOR CHANGESColor changes may occur with inflammation of the tongue (glossitis). Papillae are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth. Geographic tongue is a patchy form of glossitis where the location of inflammation and the appearance of the tongue change from day to day.HAIRY TONGUEHairy tongue is a harmless condition in which the tongue looks hairy or furry. Its appearance can be worrisome. The disorder usually goes away with antibiotics.BLACK TONGUESometimes the upper surface of the tongue turns black or brown in color. This is an unsightly condition but is not harmful.PAIN IN THE TONGUEThis may occur with glossitis and geographic tongue. Tongue pain may also occur in with diabetic neuropathy, oral cancer, mouth ulcers, and leukoplakia.After menopause, some women have a sudden feeling that their tongue has been burned. This is called burning tongue syndrome or idiopathic glossopyrosis. There is no specific treatment for burning tongue syndrome.Common CausesMinor infections or irritations are the most common cause of tongue soreness. Injury, such as biting the tongue, can cause painful sores. Heavy smoking will irritate the tongue and make it painful.A viral ulcer, also called a canker sore, commonly appears on the tongue (or anywhere in the mouth) for no apparent reason. Some doctors believe that these ulcers are linked to emotional stress or fatigue, although this has not been proved.Possible causes of tongue pain include:AnemiaCancerDentures that irritate the tongueOral herpes (ulcers)NeuralgiaReferred pain from teeth and gumsReferred pain from the heartPossible causes of tongue tremor:Neurological disorderOveractive thyroidPossible causes of white tongue:Local irritationSmoking and alcohol usePossible causes of smooth tongue:AnemiaVitamin B-12deficiencyPossible causes of red (ranging from pink to magenta) tongue:Folic acid and vitamin B-12 deficiencyPellagraPernicious anemiaPlummer-Vinson syndromeSpruePossible causes of tongue swelling:AcromegalyAllergic reaction to food or medicineAmyloidosisAngioedemaBeckwith syndromeCancer of the tongueCongenital micrognathiaDown syndromeHypothyroidismInfectionLeukemiaLymphangiomaNeurofibromatosisPellagraPernicious anemiaStrep infectionTumor of the pituitary glandPossible causes of a hairy tongue:AIDSAntibiotic therapyDrinking coffeeDyes in drugs and foodChronic medical conditionsOveruse of mouthwashes containing oxidizing or astringent agents.Radiation of the head and neckTobacco usePossible cause of grooves in the tongue:Birth defect -- normally occurs in 10% of populationHome CarePractice good oral hygiene for hairy tongue and black tongue. Be sure to eat a well-balanced diet.Canker sores are caused by viruses and can't be cured by treatment. They must heal on their own.See your dentist if you have a tongue problem caused by dentures.Antihistamines can help relieve a swollen tongue caused by allergies. You should avoid the food or drug that causes the tongue swelling.Call your health care provider ifMake an appointment with your doctor if your tongue problem persists.What to expect at your health care provider's officeThe doctor will perform a physical examination, look closely at the tongue, and ask question such as:When did you first notice the problem?Have you had similar symptoms before?Do you have pain, swelling, breathing problems, or difficulty swallowing?Do you have a tongue tremor?What makes the problem worse? (Eating, drinking, swallowing, talking)Do you wear dentures?What have you tried that helps?Are there problems with the teeth, gums, lips, or throat?Does the tongue bleed?Do you have a rash or fever?Do you have allergies?Are there problems with speaking or moving the tongue?Have you noticed changes in taste?What medications do you take?Do you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe?Do you use alcohol excessively?Blood tests may be done to confirm specific disorders, particularly systemic causes of tongue disorders. Biopsyof tongue lesions may be needed in some cases.Treatment depends on the cause of the tongue problem.If nerve damage has causes a tongue movement problem, the underlying condition must be treated. Therapy may be needed to improve speech and swallowing ability.Ankyloglossia may not require treatment unless you have speech or swallowing difficulties. Surgery to release the tongue can relieve the problem.Medicine may be prescribed for mouth ulcers, leukoplakia, oral cancer, and other mouth sores.Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed for glossititis and geographic tongue.This list is not all inclusive. For more details, see the specific disorder.ReferencesRakel P, ed. Conn's Current Therapy 2006. 58th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1038.McKenna JK. Dermatologic drug reactions. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. Aug 2004; 24(3): 399-423, vi.
What system is glossitis in?
respiratory
In humans glossitis is the inflammation of which part of the body?
Tongue
Which part of the body does the disease glossitis affect?
Tongue
What are the possible Causes of ptyalism?
didderent causes include glossitis mouth ulceration gastritis parkisonism
Why you get median rhomboid glossitis?
it kind of inflamation which cause inflammation at tongue by kind of bacteria and it's congenital diseases
What happens if we don't get enough vitamin b6?
Symptoms may include peripheral neuropathy, a pellagra-like condition with seborrheic dermatitis, glossitis, and cheilosis, depression, confusion, EEG abnormalities, and seizures.
What is the name of the desise of a lack of b9 cause?
Folate deficiency may lead to glossitis, diarrhea, depression, confusion, anemia, and fetal neural tube defects and brain defects (during pregnancy). via Wikipedia
What is toungitis?
"Toungitis" is not a recognized medical term. It may be a misspelling of "tonsillitis," which is inflammation of the tonsils, or "glossitis," which is inflammation of the tongue. If you have concerns about symptoms in your mouth or throat, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What words begin with the prefix glosso?
The root word is gloss. A common word with this is glossary.
How are the tongue and fingernails affected by iron deficiency?
Prolonged iron deficiency can result in changes of the tongue, and it may become smooth, shiny, and reddened. This condition is called glossitis. The fingernails may grow abnormally, and acquire a spoon-shaped appearance.
Symptoms beefy red tongue?
One of the main symptoms of glossitis is a beefy red tongue. It results in an inflammation of the tongue that may be painless or it could cause some level of pain. Glossitis is typically caused by a lack of certain nutrients in the diet.
What could cause a quarter-sized red circle on your tongue?
There are actually several different things that can cause a red circle on a persons tongue. Some of these things include a vitamin deficiency, benign migratory glossitis, and scarlet fever.
