Glossitis

Under Glossitis one understands both acute and chronic changes of the entire tongue body. The Tongue inflammation is not limited to a certain age or gender, but can affect anyone.

What is glossitis?

In individual cases, vesicles and nodules form on the tongue, which are very painful when touched. In children, glossitis can cause other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting or temporary personality changes.
© designua - stock.adobe.com

Glossitis, or inflammation of the tongue, can affect the surface, mucous membrane and muscle of the tongue. The entire tongue is inflamed, and deposits and discoloration are often visible on its surface.

The tongue can burn and enlarge a lot. The swelling and burning sensation vary in intensity, making it difficult to speak and swallow. Depending on the trigger of the inflammation, itching can also occur.

The loss of the sense of taste is rare, but it does happen. Such an inflammation is of course quite uncomfortable, but in most cases the overall health balance is not disturbed.

causes

There are many causes of glossitis. Most of the time, however, an injury while eating is the cause of this inflammation - you bite your tongue. Such problems also arise from piercings. Anyone wearing a denture that does not fit properly and is therefore chafing can also expect glossitis.

Heavy smokers are also at risk. But the tongue can not only become inflamed through external influences. Food allergies or hypersensitivity to other substances can be made visible by the symptoms mentioned. Glossitis can also be caused by a fungal infection. If the immune system is seriously weak, for example in AIDS, the body can react with inflammation of the tongue.

This also applies to serious illnesses such as tongue cancer. Inflammation of the tongue can occur with all diseases that alter the normal flow of saliva. Last but not least, permanent burning of the tongue can indicate manifest nervous disorders.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against tartar and tooth discoloration

Symptoms, ailments & signs

Glossitis can manifest itself through a number of symptoms. Typical of the disease are pain and swelling of the tongue. The characteristic burning sensation in the tongue is usually accompanied by [8 taste disturbances]], [8 swallowing difficulties]] and itching. Often a foul smelling coating forms on the tongue. Many sufferers also feel increasing itching in the mouth.

If the glossitis is not treated, further symptoms can develop as the disease progresses. The lack of food intake can lead to an undersupply, which can manifest itself, among other things, through fatigue and dizziness. Bleeding in the mouth can also occur. Externally, glossitis can primarily be recognized by the reddened tongue.

In individual cases, vesicles and nodules form on the tongue, which are very painful when touched. In children, glossitis can cause other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting or temporary personality changes. Due to the sometimes very severe pain, for example, outbursts of anger or apathy occur.

Parents who notice signs of this should immediately take the child to the pediatrician. Glossitis is not a serious disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can reliably prevent major complications.

Diagnosis & course

The diagnosis of glossitis is usually not a big problem for the doctor. If the patient describes the symptoms, it is not difficult to draw conclusions about the disorder. The doctor can look at his mouth and tongue and confirm his suspicion.

However, it becomes much more difficult when the tongue infection is a symptom of another condition. Then the trigger has to be found out with detailed examinations. So the doctor can take a smear to find out possible fungal infection.

If the inflamed tongue is the result of an allergy, this can be found out using suitable test methods (patch test or prick test). In most cases, food and oral care products are checked.

Complications

Glossitis usually affects both sexes equally. The disease can also occur in children. There are increased complaints and symptoms on the trains. First and foremost, the patient suffers from a strong burning sensation on the tongue. The tongue may also be swollen.

The burning leads to disturbances in the intake of food and fluids, so that it is not uncommon for underweight or dehydration to occur. The glossitis reduces the quality of life enormously. There are also taste disorders and discomfort when swallowing. This can be particularly dangerous for children and lead to swallowing.

A coating forms on the tongue, which can lead to unpleasant smells. The everyday life of the person affected is enormously restricted by the glossitis. Psychological complaints can also occur due to the pain and limitations.

Treatment of glossitis is usually relatively straightforward. This is done with the help of antibiotics or mouthwashes and quickly leads to a positive course of the disease. There are no further complications. In the case of an allergy or intolerance, the corresponding substance must be avoided.

When should you go to the doctor?

If there is swelling of the tongue or the mucous membranes in the mouth, a doctor should be consulted. A doctor should be presented with an unusual taste in the mouth or changes in taste perception. If you feel furry or very slippery on your tongue, you should also see a doctor.

If the person has pain in the mouth, this is considered unusual and should be examined. Medical treatment is also necessary as soon as the sound formation is impaired. A limited or unclear language formation must be medically clarified. If food or fluid intake is refused due to the symptoms, a doctor should be consulted. If the symptoms lead to weight loss or a feeling of dryness inside the body, urgent action is required.

There is a risk of an acute health-threatening condition in which medical care is necessary as soon as possible. If you have difficulty swallowing, problems with an existing denture, a tightness in the mouth or itching, a doctor should be consulted. Bad breath, a coating on the tongue or discoloration of the tongue should be examined and treated. If a burning sensation is felt inside the mouth, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Treating simple glossitis is not particularly difficult. In most cases, special therapy is not necessary. The inflammation heals quickly with rinsing of the mouth and throat.

Rinses with sage or salt water are suitable here. In the chronic form of glossitis, the cause plays the decisive role. If a fungus infestation was the cause of the tongue inflammation, the doctor can prescribe an antimycotic, i.e. a remedy against the fungal infection. If bacteria are responsible for the disease, an antibiotic can help. If there is an allergic reaction, the triggering substance must be avoided.

The healing process can also be supported with herbal remedies. Marshmallow leaves or roots, witch hazel or ribwort can be used as a tea or gargle solution to alleviate the symptoms and contribute to healing. The chances of recovery from glossitis are generally very good. If the causes of the tongue problems can be identified, the inflammation may heal within a few days.

Outlook & forecast

If glossitis is diagnosed, the chance of recovery is extremely good. In some cases there is improvement even without treatment. The duration of the illness is usually a few days. It depends on whether the upper or lower layers are affected.

Patients can make a contribution to stop the characteristic burning sensation in the tongue. You should abstain from nicotine during treatment. Spicy foods are also to be avoided. Allergy sufferers also refrain from consuming foods that trigger a reaction.

If medical professionals only try to relieve the acute burning of the tongue, relief is not always satisfactory. Correct diagnosis leads to a final cure. What used to lead to problems is now regularly carried out correctly. It must be clarified where the inflammation of the tongue mucous membrane comes from. Oral antibiotics and topical medications provide excellent results in many cases.

If you start wrong treatment, the symptoms are only briefly reduced. In the worst case, the inflammation spreads to the teeth and gums. Feverish conditions can then also occur. The taste buds are temporarily disturbed. Swallowing and speaking difficulties are possible.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against tartar and tooth discoloration

prevention

Preventive measures can prevent glossitis. Dental prosthesis wearers should ensure that the prosthesis is properly seated and properly fitted.If the immune system is weakened by an illness, special attention should be paid to oral hygiene.

Tongue piercing wearers must also pay great attention to the hygiene of their teeth and mouth. Heavy smokers should implement a reduction in their tobacco consumption. In general, douching with disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agents is a good choice to avoid glossitis.

Aftercare

In the case of glossitis, the options for aftercare are only possible to a very limited extent. As a rule, the person affected always needs medical treatment first to relieve the symptoms and limit the disease. Self-healing of the glossitis does not usually occur.

In most cases, the patient depends on rinsing the oral cavity with various means. These can either be purchased from the drugstore or prescribed directly by a doctor. It is important to ensure that it is used regularly in order to completely limit the glossitis.

Even after the symptoms have subsided, further treatment is usually necessary in order to completely limit the glossitis. In some cases, however, the symptoms can reappear, so that further treatment is necessary. Proper oral hygiene is also important and should always be observed.

In severe cases, glossitis is treated with the help of antibiotics. It is important to ensure that it is taken regularly. Antibiotics should not be taken with alcohol. In the case of children, parents must ensure that they are taken regularly and correctly. As a rule, glossitis does not reduce the patient's life expectancy.

You can do that yourself

Glossitis can usually be treated by those affected. The inflammation will heal quickly if the mouth and throat area are treated with a suitable rinse. For example, rinses with salt water, sage or chamomile are suitable.

The chronic form of glossitis can also be self-treated, depending on the cause. However, the doctor should always prescribe an antimycotic, the effects of which can then be supported by arnica and other preparations from naturopathy and homeopathy.

Herbal remedies can also speed up recovery. Marshmallow leaves or marshmallow roots as well as ribwort and witch hazel, which can be taken as a gargle solution or tea and usually relieve the symptoms quickly, have proven themselves. In the event of an allergic reaction, the most important measure is to avoid the triggering substance.

If the cause is unknown, a complaint diary should be kept. This allows the doctor or the patient to determine the trigger and take targeted countermeasures. If the symptoms have not subsided after two weeks at the latest, it is advisable to visit the responsible doctor again.