Accompanying symptoms of aphthae on the tongue
Apart from the typical burning or stabbing pain that typically occurs when touched, there are a whole range of other symptoms that trigger aphthae on the tongue. First of all, aphthae are conspicuous by a reddish spot, which changes rapidly. This is an initial flat wound, a reddening with infestation of the uppermost skin layer.
Very often a whitish-yellow coating is found on the surface, which cannot be wiped off. It is widely known that aphthae on the tongue are usually more frequent and recurrent in some patients. With large aphthae, the lymph nodes may become enlarged.
However, this is not a typical symptom and is more likely to occur if there is another underlying disease. Especially if some non-specific general symptoms such as skin blisters or joint problems are added, Behcet’s disease should be excluded. This is a systemic disease of the rheumatic form, which is associated with vascular inflammation.
It should definitely be clarified by a doctor in order to keep possible consequences low. In addition to pain, itching or burning of the affected area, the symptom fever also occurs – but much less frequently. This is a disease of the entire system, which should not be treated lightly.
If the fever persists for several days, a medical clarification must be made. There can then be much more unpleasant underlying diseases. Sometimes it is present in the larger majoraphs of the tongue.
It is accompanied by a general “feeling ill” and swollen lymph nodes. The healing time is longer than with the minor aphthae. High fever is much more frequent in connection with gingivostomatitis herpetiosa.
This is an infection with the herpes virus, which is accompanied by many cold sores that resemble the aphthae on the tongue. A medical clarification is advisable due to the risk of infection. This could also be of interest to you: Treat herpes correctlyThe suddenly occurring aphthae on the tongue can be very painful.
Especially when eating, speaking or swallowing, this can be very unpleasant. Some patients even partially refrain from eating during this painful period. But drinking also hurts.
Every movement in the mouth becomes an agony. The pain manifests itself in a stinging or burning sensation, which often radiates beyond the affected area. The intensity depends mainly on the size and location of the aphtae.
The tongue in particular is very painful due to the frequent movement. Aphtae on the inner side of the cheeks are less painful, as these areas are less mechanically stressed. The unpleasant feeling is not present all the time.
Mostly it only occurs during stress and is strongest within the first 2-5 days. After that the pain slowly subsides until it should have disappeared completely after 14 days at the latest. The development and the first phase of growth are usually not noticed, but only perceive the aphthae when it is already present pea-sized and hurts.
During its healing phase, the sensation of pain steadily decreases and it begins to shrink. Aphtae on the tongue cause almost permanent pain due to the constant contact with cheek, teeth and food. This pain can feel after some time due to the permanent stimuli such as toothache, earache or even headaches.
The feeling of earache is caused by the anatomical proximity of the structures. This can occur because the tongue is sensitively supplied by the seventh cranial nerve (nervus facialis), among others. This nerve also supplies parts of the ear system. Due to the permanent irritation of the tongue and the nerve, ear pain can also occur because the same nerve is responsible for the sensation of pain. This leads to a lack of sensation due to the over-irritation of the nerves, which leads to painful symptoms.
