Mouth burning with involvement of the lips

When the lips are affected by a burning sensation, this is called “burning lips syndrome” in technical jargon. Men are particularly affected. The cause is usually a dysfunction or inflammation of the small salivary glands of the lips.

It can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, an autoimmune or systemic disease. The reasons are sometimes quite harmless. Dry heating air, air conditioning, sunburn, neurodermatitis or allergy to toothpaste are behind it.

In the following the lips are torn by dehydration and cracks form. These heal without scarring. This disease is treated with Bethamethasone valerate ointment or similar to the treatment of dry mouth.

Among other things, saliva substitutes are prescribed to restore sufficient moisture to the lips and oral cavity. Another cause that can cause lip burning is a herpes simplex infection. It is particularly common in weak immune systems and under stress. At first, blisters appear, which then burst open and heal in a crusty state. Without treatment, healing takes about 8-10 days, Aciclovir cream can accelerate this.

Mouth burning with tongue involvement

Often tongue burning occurs together with a burning palate, this is also called glossodynia or “burning mouth syndrome”. In addition to the burning sensation, the tongue may be permanently aching, spread bad taste, or appear spotty. This is the only disease that occurs between the ages of 50 and 70 in connection with the menopause.

Often, however, the burning sensation is a secondary disorder that is the expression of a different symptom. Responsible primary diseases are similar to those of mouth burning, here especially contact allergies (possibly nuts, apple or carrot), fungal infections, leukoplakia or aphtae. Neurological disorders and internal diseases can also trigger the burning sensation, for example multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, trigeminal neuralgia or a vitamin deficiency disorder.

Gargling with cold sage tea or salt water is said to help against this. If the mouth feels very dry, you should drink enough fluids. Cold drinks have the positive side effect of numbing the burning sensation for a while.

Burning in the mouth with involvement of the neck

The burning sensation in mouth and throat often occurs together with coughing, hoarseness, fatigue or fever. The cause of these symptoms in winter is often a flu or a cold. But allergies can also be the cause.

Allergens in the air, in food or in the environment can address various receptors in the throat, which lead to a narrowing of the bronchial tubes and thus cause a burning or coughing sensation. If a dry cough occurs at the same time as a burning throat, these are typical symptoms of allergies, such as pollen, congestion or animal hair. The trigger should be found out and avoided, then the burning sensation will also disappear.

Persons who suffer from respiratory arrest during sleep and therefore breathe through the mouth at night will experience very dry mouth in the morning. This can cause sensations such as a burning throat the next day. Even when speaking or singing loudly or for a long time, for example after a concert, many people know the problem of a burning throat. It disappears in the course of the next few days and is usually unproblematic.