A swollen tongue is always a concern, although the causes of the swelling are not always as serious as it might seem at first glance. Swollen tongue may be a sign of illness, allergy, irritation or even hygiene negligence. Why does the tongue swell and is the swelling of the tongue serious? When is it necessary to contact a doctor?
Language plays a number of important functions in our body. It is thanks to the taste buds placed on it that we are able to recognize the taste of dishes, chew more thoroughly, swallow foods more efficiently, and even speak.
His appearance can also tell a lot about our he alth - especially when it changes color, size or strange raids or spots appear on it. However, we only remember how important it is when something unusual happens to it - for example, it starts to swell.
A swollen tongue is difficult to ignore, if only because it makes it difficult to speak, drink and eat, and there is an unpleasant and unnatural feeling of fullness in the mouth. It is reasonably fearful and in certain situations - e.g. when swelling of the tongue appears unexpectedly and grows rapidly - it requires immediate contact with a doctor.
However, it is often a warning signal that - although the situation is not yet serious - something bad is starting to happen in the body. Even for this reason, this ailment should not be ignored, even if it passes quickly.
Swollen tongue: causes not related to the disease
Swelling of the tongue is most often caused by trivial reasons related to the lifestyle: the way we care for our teeth and mouth, or the diet, or even the lack of certain nutrients. The most common, non-disease-related causes of tongue swelling include:
- Spicy diet and alcohol abuse
- Incorrectly chosen prosthesis
- Improper oral hygiene and related inflammation of the tongue and gums
- Smoking
- Earring in the language
- Irritation caused by contact with an irritating substance (swelling usually also appears on the mucous membranes of the cheeks and throat, and is accompanied by blisters and sores).
- Burn with too hot food or drink - tonguethen it has a vivid red color, it hurts, it can also bleed
- Vitamin B12 or iron deficiency - in these cases the tongue may also become paler.
Swollen tongue: with what diseases does the tongue swell?
Swollen tongue may also appear in the course of certain diseases or ailments.
- Allergic reaction.Swelling on the tongue is often the result of an allergic reaction (so-called Quincke's edema), for example to allergens contained in food, toothpaste or an insect sting. This reaction can also occur with certain medications, especially medications for high blood pressure. Swelling, which increases rapidly (especially after a sting by a wasp, a bee or other Hymenoptera, for example) is especially dangerous, as it may make breathing difficult or even impossible - in such a case it is necessary to contact a doctor immediately.
- Infection caused by trauma.A tongue injury in the absence of hygiene can lead to severe inflammation, a symptom of which is swelling, as well as severe pain (and the tongue is red).
- Sjögren's syndrome . Swelling of the tongue associated with its inflammation is one of the symptoms of this chronic autoimmune disease, associated with impaired function of the glands that produce saliva.
- Lichen planus.This disease can also be accompanied by a swollen tongue, and additionally its burning sensation and visible white spots.
- Syphilis.Its symptom may be a slightly swollen tongue, on which there is also a painless, round lump.
Swollen tongue: treatment
To reduce tongue swelling associated with trauma or diet, it is usually enough to apply ice. In other cases, the help of a specialist and treatment of the root cause of the swollen tongue is usually required.
Swollen tongue is one of those ailments that almost always require consultation with a doctor - it is important especially when the swelling increases quickly (in such a situation it is absolutely recommended to visit as soon as possible), appears regularly or does not disappear.
After collecting a detailed interview, the doctor will decide on possible further tests and treatment.
