The tongue is one of the essential organs of the body because it is the only one that allows us to perceive flavors through the sense of taste. Still, it also makes it possible for us to swallow and speak correctly, actions that are almost impossible to do without it—the presence of saliva. There are many problems with this organ, such as pain, changes in appearance, and swelling of the tongue, but these are generally conditions that pose little or no risk to health.
Swelling of the tongue is a symptom usually related to the presence of another condition. However, it can also be a congenital disability, such as a swollen tongue in people with Down syndrome. In this FastlyHealarticle, we are dedicated to mentioning and explaining the causes of tongue inflammation; continue reading and discover what they are.
Table of Contents
Why is the tongue inflamed?
The Inflammation of the tongue, in most cases, appears as a defense of the body to fight bacteria, infections, and other germs that can attack this organ. However, when the tongue becomes inflamed for no apparent reason, it can be harmful to health, or it can be a sign of a disease in the body. Let us know then the leading causes of Inflammation of the tongue.
Reaction to medications
Drug reactions can appear at any time and without warning. Sometimes the tongue becomes inflamed from taking medicines used to treat high blood pressure or hypertension, including NSAIDs, a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. In the case of Inflammation of the tongue from tension medications, the reaction can occur during the first year of use. However, it can also happen unexpectedly after years of taking medicine.
Allergies and infections
Another common cause of Inflammation of the tongue is allergies due to the consumption of food or specific substances; for example, some people who are allergic to bee stings react by presenting swelling of the tongue, as do those who are allergic shellfish. However, although allergies tend to be different in most cases and people, the most common manifestation of a food allergy is swelling of the lips and mouth. It rarely is Inflammation of the tongue due to this cause.
Another reason the tongue becomes inflamed is due to an infection within this organ or on the floor of the mouth. When this is the cause, the swelling develops more slowly than the allergic reaction, and it can take two days for the tongue to become fully inflamed. Some of the infections on the tongue are caused by the Candida fungus and the herpes viruses.
Diseases that inflame the tongue
- Amyloid: Sometimes, the tongue becomes inflamed due to a disease such as an amyloidosis, which occurs due to the accumulation of abnormal proteins in tissues and organs. The cause of this condition is unknown, and the tongue of people who suffer from this disease becomes increasingly enlarged with the passage of time and its progression.
- Glossitis: the main symptom of this condition is Inflammation of the tongue and its color change. However, glossitis is also a consequence of allergic reactions, bacterial infections, dry mouth, hormonal problems, vitamin deficiencies, conditions, and injuries such as burns and poorly fitting dentures.
- Less common or congenital diseases: Some conditions like Down syndrome suggest a larger than average tongue size. This also occurs in Macromedia, myxedema, rhabdomyoma, and Prader-Willi syndrome.
- Tongue cancer: Usually begins with swelling, lump, or bump anywhere on the tongue. If diagnosed early, it is highly curable.
Other injuries
The tongue can also inflate from minor injuries, such as when we get burned when drinking a scorching drink or accidentally get tangled up in our language and bite into it with our teeth. Likewise, the use of dental appliances or prostheses that can irritate the tongue and cause it to swell is also a cause of Inflammation of the language. Tobacco contains toxic substances that can inflame the tongue.
Treatment and recommendations for swollen tongue
Treatment of the swollen tongue will depend on the condition causing the swelling, so it will be necessary first to find the cause of the swollen tongue to begin treating the symptom. However, here are some recommendations so that you can endure this symptom while you find its origin:
- Avoid consuming citrus or scorching foods.
- In the case of allergies, antihistamines can be of great help in relieving Inflammation of the tongue.
- Consuming celery, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce swelling.
- Putting sugar on the swollen tongue can provide relief if there is pain.
- Cold is one of the best therapies for anti-inflammation. Placing ice on the tongue will be of great help.
- Drinking water and avoiding bitter foods will also help ease discomfort.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Inflammation of the tongue: causes , we recommend that you enter our category of Teeth and mouth .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.