Glossitis is characterized by an inflamed tongue. It can also cause changes in the texture and color of the tongue. There are several types of glossitis, and symptoms vary from person to person. There are several therapy options available for this illness, which is usually not serious.
Glossitis, in addition to causing swelling, can alter the color and surface texture of the tongue by causing the microscopic bumps on the surface to decrease, resulting in a glossy, red surface.
Glossitis is sometimes referred to as tongue inflammation, tongue infection, smooth tongue, or burning tongue syndrome according to its symptoms and appearance.
Glossitis can be painful and impair a person's ability to speak or eat. According to a 2021 analysis, there are several kinds of glossitis, including:
- Acute glossitis: This usually occurs unexpectedly and might cause severe symptoms.
- Chronic glossitis: This is frequently the result of an underlying illness that causes persistent inflammation of the tongue.
- Atrophic glossitis: Hunter's glossitis occurs when many of the tongue's tiny bumps (papillae) diminish, changing the surface of the tongue and making it look glossy.
- Median rhomboid glossitis: This kind of glossitis is frequently caused by a Candida yeast infection.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GLOSSITIS?
Glossitis symptoms differ from person to person. They may also differ depending on the root cause of the disease.
Glossitis is characterized by the following symptoms:
Tongue swelling
Tongue pain
Tongue stinging or itching
Changes in the texture of the tongue's surface caused by changes in the size and shape of papillae
Surface color of the tongue varies
Lack of capacity to appropriately talk or eat
Swallowing difficulties
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF GLOSSITIS?
There are a number of probable causes of glossitis, including:
- Reaction to allergens: When glossitis is caused by an allergic response, a person may have acute glossitis with immediate tongue swelling and discomfort. This sort of reaction can be caused by an allergy to a certain food, medicine, or irritation.
- Mouth injury: Mouth injuries, such as minor cuts from braces or burns from hot food, can cause the tongue to inflame and enlarge. Importantly, when dental braces induce glossitis, a person may be at risk of developing chronic glossitis owing to repetitive harm to the mouth and tongue.
- Diseases: Glossitis can be caused by some disorders, particularly those that induce nutritional deficits, such as celiac disease, protein-calorie malnutrition, and pernicious anemia. Immune system diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, can produce changes in the mouth that contribute to glossitis.
- Infections: Glossitis can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal diseases. Among the illnesses known to cause glossitis include oral herpes, a viral infection, and fungal yeast infections.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Iron deficiency occurs when a person's blood contains insufficient iron. This can cause glossitis because low iron levels result in low myoglobin levels, a component in the blood that is important for the health of all muscles in the body, including the tongue.
Glossitis can also be caused by a lack of vitamin B12.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR GLOSSITIS?
Scientists are learning that certain people may be predisposed to having particular types of glossitis.
There is evidence that benign migrating glossitis is heritable, for example.
There is additional evidence that cigarette users and people with arterial hypertension are more likely to develop median rhomboid glossitis.
HOW IS GLOSSITIS DIAGNOSED?
If a person has glossitis symptoms, they should see a dentist or a doctor.
The examining healthcare expert will obtain a medical history and analyze any symptoms the person discloses during the exam.
The doctor or dentist will then extensively examine the patient's mouth and tongue. They will search for blisters or lumps on the tongue or gums, as well as any abnormalities in the surface of the tongue.
They may also collect a saliva sample for testing and request blood tests to look for underlying nutritional deficits or illnesses.
Some types of glossitis are more difficult to diagnose than others. Some experts feel that atrophic diagnosis may provide unique diagnostic challenges since clinicians may mistake glossitis for a variety of other illnesses.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR GLOSSITIS?
The treatment for glossitis is determined on the etiology. Glossitis often responds favorably to therapy after the underlying cause has been identified.
When the reason of glossitis is illness or infection, doctors may give treatments.
Antibiotics, antifungals, and antiviral medications may be used to treat bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, respectively.
If a person has glossitis due to a nutritional deficit, a doctor may recommend dietary supplements. The doctor may also suggest strategies to supplement the missing vitamin in a person's diet.
If a nutritional shortage is caused by an underlying disease, such as celiac disease, a doctor may advise dietary adjustments to treat the underlying problem.
HOW CAN GLOSSITIS BE PREVENTED?
It is not always feasible to avoid glossitis. However, a person can reduce their chances of having the illness by doing the following:
- Consuming a nutritious diet
- Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash on a regular basis to maintain healthy dental hygiene
- Avoiding irritants such as spicy meals, smoking, and acidic foods
CONCLUSION
Glossitis patients may usually expect to recover completely, however it will take time and good treatment.
During therapy, a person should avoid foods that may irritate the tongue and practice proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing their teeth.
Anxiety is a typical consequence of glossitis, which occurs when patients become self-conscious about the look of their tongue. Counseling or therapy may be beneficial for persons suffering from this worry.