What is Glossitis?
The condition in which the tongue gets inflamed, smooth and red-coloured is called glossitis.
It is also known as smooth tongue or burning tongue syndrome.
Mild glossitis causes minor problems such as chewing, swallowing or speaking. If inflammation is severe it causes breathing troubles that is a medical emergency.
Long-standing inflammation of the tongue destroys the papillae of the tongue. The function of papillae is to grip the food while chewing. It is present on the upper surface of the tongue and contains taste buds. Glossitis may occur as a result of various conditions such as anaemia, pellagra, syphilis or nutritional deficiencies or glossitis may be a primary disease.
What are the causes of glossitis?
-Tongue injuries by biting on the tongue by mistake or burning of the tongue by hot drinks or food causes glossitis.
-Poor oral hygiene can cause infection that results in glossitis.
-Dehydration.
-Skin disorders like oral lichen.
-Anemia.
-Insufficient intake of nutrients.
-Drinking too much alcohol.
-Spicy food.
-An allergic reaction.
-Certain medicines like diuretics, diabetes and high blood pressure medicines.
-Hormonal changes in the body sometimes cause glossitis.
What are the symptoms of glossitis?
-Tongue appears pale pink or dark red.
-Tongue is painful, swollen and sore.
-Pain while chewing or talking.
-Tongue appears smooth
Does glossitis go away?
Glossitis goes away on its own but to avoid burning or pain in the tongue, treatment is necessary.
Is glossitis cancerous?
Cancer or malignancy is rarely associated with glossitis.
Is glossitis contagious?
No, glossitis is not contagious nor it can be transmitted.
What causes inflammation of the tongue?
Certain skin conditions cause inflammation of the tongue such as Oral lichen planus (an inflammatory disease-causing sores, swelling, and redness of the tongue), Syphilis (sexually transmitted infection), and Pemphigus (an autoimmune disease).
What are the investigations for glossitis?
-On examining the tongue, it shows the following signs:
-Tongue appears smooth, due to loss of papillae.
-Swollen patchy tongue.
-Blood tests may be done to rule out other medical conditions.
What is the treatment for glossitis?
-Antibiotics, and antifungal medications depending on the cause of glossitis.
-Anemia and nutritional deficiencies should be treated.
Diet and management of glossitis?
-Maintain good oral hygiene.
-Avoid irritants to reduce discomfort.
What are the complications of glossitis?
-Severe inflammation of the tongue causes breathing troubles by blocking airways.
-Difficulties with speaking, chewing or swallowing.
Homeopathic treatment for glossitis?
-Aconite
-Apis mell
-Belladonna
-Cantharis
-Mercurius
