Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of glossitis (inflammation of the tongue). Family history Social history Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Have you noticed any burning of the tongue? Where is the … Tongue Inflammation (Glossitis): Medical History
Blood, blood-forming organs – immune system (D50-D90). Iron deficiency anemia Immunodeficiency (immune deficiency), unspecified. Pernicious anemia – anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 or, less commonly, folic acid deficiency. Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Diabetes mellitus (diabetes). Menopause (menopause in women) Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Bacterial infections, unspecified Oral thrush – … Tongue Inflammation (Glossitis): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that can be caused by glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) as well: Restriction of the quality of life
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes Oral cavity [Leading symptoms: Burning tongue (glossodynia); pain on the tongue, especially at the tip and edges; discoloration of the tongue (pale to fiery red)] If … Tongue Inflammation (Glossitis): Examination
Laboratory parameters of the 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification Small blood count Differential blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Fasting glucose (fasting blood glucose), if necessary oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT). HbA1c … Tongue Inflammation (Glossitis): Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic target Cure of glossitis Therapy recommendations Therapy is based on the identified cause. Infections are treated accordingly antibiotic (antibacterial) or antifungal (“against fungi”). In case of vitamin deficiency (vitamin A, C, folic acid, B12) supplementation (targeted and supplementary intake of individual nutrients in addition to food intake) leads to the healing of glossitis. See … Tongue Inflammation (Glossitis): Drug Therapy
Medical device diagnostics are usually not required.
To prevent glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Spices (in the sense of chemical irritation). Vital substance deficiency – vitamin A, C, respectively, iron deficiency anemia (iron), pernicious anemia (vitamin B12; folic acid). Consumption of stimulants (in the sense of chemical irritation). Alcohol … Tongue Inflammation (Glossitis): Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate glossitis (inflammation of the tongue): Leading symptoms Burning tongue Pain on the tongue, especially at the tip and edges. Discoloration of the tongue (pale to fiery red). Associated symptoms Dysgeusia (taste disturbances). Paresthesias (sensory disturbances) Discomfort when speaking
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Glossitis can occur in the context of many diseases but also due to local causes. Etiology (causes) Biographic causes Hormonal factors – menopause (menopause). Behavioral causes Nutrition Spices (in the sense of chemical irritation). Vital substance deficiency – vitamin A, C, respectively, iron deficiency anemia (iron), pernicious anemia (vitamin B12; folic … Tongue Inflammation (Glossitis): Causes
General measures Nicotine restriction (refraining from tobacco use). Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day). Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease. Conventional non-surgical therapy methods Mouthwash with chamomile, sage or Bepanthen solution can provide relief. Nutritional medicine Nutritional counseling based … Tongue Inflammation (Glossitis): Therapy
