 |
 |
 |
|
Glossitis is inflammation or infection of the tongue. It causes the tongue to swell and change color. Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue, called papillae, may be lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth.
Causes & Development
- 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 anemia and other B-vitamin deficiencies, oral lichen planus, erythema multiforme, aphthous ulcer, pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and others
- Occasionally, glossitis can be inherited
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms may include:- Tongue swelling
- Smooth appearance to the tongue
- Tongue color changes (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.
Treatment & Prevention
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.
With the aim being to reduce inflammation, treatment usually does not require hospitalization unless tongue swelling is severe. Good oral hygiene is necessary; corticosteroids such as prednisone may be given to reduce the inflammation of glossitis. For mild cases, topical applications (such as a prednisone mouth rinse that is not swallowed) may be recommended to avoid the side-effects of swallowed or injected corticosteroids. Antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other antimicrobials may be prescribed if the cause of glossitis is an infection. Anemia and nutritional deficiencies must be treated, often by dietary changes or other supplements. Avoid irritants (such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco) to minimize the discomfort.
Good oral hygiene (thorough tooth brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning and examination) may be helpful to prevent this disorder. Minimize irritants or injury in the mouth when possible. Avoid excessive use of any food or substance that irritates the mouth or tongue.
Complications; Seek medical attention if
In some cases, glossitis may result in severe tongue swelling that blocks the airway, a medical emergency that needs immediate attention.
A health care provider should be contacted if symptoms of glossitis persist for longer than 10 days, if tongue swelling is severe, or if breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing become difficult.
|
|
 |
|
 |
GLOSSARY
Anemia (Anaemia, Anemias)
A condition resulting from an unusually low number of red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia in which the red blood cells are reduced in size and number, and hemoglobin levels are low. Clinical symptoms include shortness of breath, lethargy and heart palpitations.
Antifungal (Antifungals)
An agent that kills or inhibits fungi, or a compound that inhibits either a dermatomycosis like ringworm or athlete's foot, or
one that inhibits Candida albicans either externally as a douche or internally as a systemic antifungal. Examples: Nystatin, griseofulvin, Tabebuia.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Corticosteroid (Corticosteroids)
Steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex.
Glossitis
Inflammation of the tongue.
Herpes Simplex
An infection, often recurrent, caused by herpes virus type 1 and 2. It causes cold sores around the lips and mouth, and also causes painful blisters on the genitals and in the pubic area, thighs, and buttocks.
Iron
An essential mineral. Prevents anemia: as a constituent of hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body. Virtually all of the oxygen used by cells in the life process are brought to the cells by the hemoglobin of red blood cells. Iron is a small but most vital, component of the hemoglobin in 20,000 billion red blood cells, of which 115 million are formed every minute. Heme iron (from meat) is absorbed 10 times more readily than the ferrous or ferric form.
Pernicious Anemia
Anemia caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Syphilis
A sexually-transmitted disease, with symptoms in the early contagious stages being a sore on the genitalia, a rash, patches of flaking tissue, fever, a sore throat, and sores in the mouth or anus.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Ulcer (Ulceration, Ulcers)
Lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.
Last updated: Jul 19, 2008
|
 |
|
|
