Health Issues

Know about Glossitis

 

Glossitis refers to inflammation of the tongue. The condition causes the tongue to swell in size, change in colour, and develop a different appearance on the surface. The tongue is the small, muscular organ in the mouth that helps you chew and swallow food. It also helps with your speech.
Glossitis may cause the small bumps on the surface of the tongue (papillae) to disappear. The papillae contain thousands of tiny sensors called taste buds and play a role in how you eat. Severe tongue inflammation that results in swelling and redness can cause pain and may change the way you eat or speak.
Types of glossitis
There are different types of glossitis, which include:
Acute glossitis: Acute glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue that appears suddenly and often has severe symptoms. This type of glossitis typically develops during an allergic reaction.
Chronic glossitis: Chronic glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue that continues to recur. This type may begin as a symptom of another health condition.
Atrophic glossitis
Atrophic glossitis, also known as Hunter glossitis, occurs when many papillae are lost. This results in changes in the tongue’s colour and texture. This type of glossitis typically gives the tongue a glossy appearance.
What causes glossitis?
A few factors can cause inflammation of the tongue, including:
Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to medications, food, and other potential irritants may aggravate the papillae and the muscle tissues of the tongue. Irritants include toothpaste and certain types of medications that treat high blood pressure.
Diseases
Certain diseases that affect your immune system may attack the tongue’s muscles and papillae. Herpes simplex, a virus that causes cold sores and blisters around the mouth, may contribute to swelling and pain in the tongue.
Low iron levels: Not enough iron in the blood can trigger glossitis. Iron regulates cell growth by helping your body make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your organs, tissues, and muscles. Low levels of iron in the blood may result in low levels of myoglobin. Myoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that’s important for muscle health, including the tongue’s muscle tissue.
Mouth trauma: Trauma caused by injuries to the mouth can affect the condition of your tongue. Inflammation may occur because of cuts and burns on the tongue or dental appliances like braces placed on your teeth.
Who is at risk for glossitis?
You may be at risk for tongue inflammation if you have a mouth injury, eat spicy foods, wear braces or dentures that irritate your tongue, have herpes, have low iron levels, have food allergies, or have an immune system disorder.
Symptoms: Symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the inflammation. General symptoms include pain or tenderness in the tongue, swelling of the tongue,  change in the colour of your tongue, inability to speak, eat, or swallow and loss of papillae on the surface of your tongue
Treatment for glossitis typically includes a combination of medications and home remedies.
Medications: Antibiotics and other medications that get rid of infections may be prescribed if bacteria are present in your body. Your doctor may also prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce the redness and soreness.
Home care
Brushing and flossing your teeth several times a day may improve the health of your tongue, gums, and teeth. This can help relieve the symptoms associated with glossitis and prevent the condition from happening again.
What can be expected in the long term?
In most cases, glossitis goes away with time or treatment. Treatment may be more successful if you avoid foods that cause inflammation of the tongue. Practicing proper oral hygiene may also help reduce or prevent problems. Speak with your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve with treatment or continue to occur.

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