A tongue abscess is an inflammatory disease in the area of the tongue or the base of the tongue. It is usually caused by germs that cause the abscess through a wound in the mucosa. Often this must be treated surgically if it cannot be adequately reached with medication.
What is a tongue abscess?
A tongue abscess is an inflammation in the oral cavity caused by bacteria. As the name suggests, the tongue or the base of the tongue is affected; however, in some circumstances, the abscess can also form in the floor of the mouth below the tongue. It is usually caused by a wound in the mucous membrane of the mouth into which germs enter, for example, when ingesting food. The infection subsequently leads to the unpleasant tongue abscess. The disease manifests itself as a reddened mucous membrane, difficulty swallowing and fever. Later, breathing difficulties may be added when the abscess reaches a certain size. A tongue abscess is usually first treated with medication; however, surgical intervention is often required afterwards. Basically, the disease is harmless, but it can become life-threatening under certain circumstances due to untreated progression and/or occurring complications.
Causes
The causes of a tongue abscess lie in bacteria that penetrate the oral mucosa and cause an infection there. This happens, for example, when there is a small wound in the oral mucosa. When eating, germs can get into this wound and multiply there, which can lead to inflammation and eventually to the formation of a tongue abscess. If diseases already exist in the oral cavity or in surrounding areas, germs located there can also be the trigger for an abscess. Inflamed tooth roots or otherwise diseased teeth are not infrequently responsible for a tongue abscess, as are inflamed lymph nodes in the neck area. Inflammation of the mandibular salivary glands is also a possible cause of a tongue abscess.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
A tongue abscess is a collection of pus fluid that is located in a cavity. If this occurs in the oral cavity, the affected person suffers from severe pain. With the naked eye, usually only a small blister can be seen under the tongue, which is filled with pus fluid. If the affected person decides to seek medical and drug treatment, then the abscess and the associated symptoms will slowly subside. However, if such treatment is not given at this point, then the pain that occurs will increase significantly. The abscess will increase in size and the pus fluid will also increase, so that a visit to the doctor will become essential. In such a case, the symptoms will intensify, so that the pain will increase considerably. The pressure in the cavity increases, so there is a risk of blood poisoning. If the pus blister bursts, the bacteria enter the bloodstream. Symptoms such as dizziness, circulatory problems or nausea occur, which should also be treated by a doctor or even hospitalized. A tongue abscess has obvious and definite symptoms that should always be treated by a doctor. If this does not take place, then a considerable aggravation of the individual symptoms is to be expected.
Diagnosis and course
If a tongue abscess is suspected, the attending physician will first examine the throat and pharynx to see if there is an abscess there and, if so, exactly where it is located. A mirror is used for this purpose. If not everything can be seen exactly in this way, the physician can use an endoscope, which allows him to reach areas that are more difficult to reach. A swab of the inflamed mucosa provides information about the exact pathogen. In addition, a blood test can be performed to rule out other diseases such as a tumor. If a tongue abscess remains untreated, it causes numerous unpleasant symptoms. If it reaches a certain size, it can cause breathing difficulties and, as a consequence, death by suffocation in the worst case.
Complications
If a tongue abscess remains untreated for a prolonged period of time, it can cause breathing difficulties and problems with food intake, among other complications. In extreme cases, the patient suffocates as a result of the lack of oxygen supply.The tongue abscess itself occasionally causes inflammation in the oral cavity, from which further abscesses can form. If the pathogens reach the lungs, pneumonia may occur. Transmission into the blood may cause blood poisoning, which is fatal if not treated. Furthermore, an abscess leads to fever and a general feeling of illness, which severely restricts the quality of life of the affected person. Since speaking is hardly possible, everyday tasks and social interaction with others can hardly be managed. Especially in the case of chronic abscesses, this can lead to problems, as the affected person then often withdraws and may develop a mental illness. Treatment of a tongue abscess with antibiotics carries the risk of side effects and interactions, for example headaches, muscle and limb pain or skin irritations. Surgical intervention can cause injury, infection, wound healing problems and other complications. For the most part, however, treatment proceeds without major problems.
When should you go to the doctor?
A doctor should be consulted as soon as there are changes in the area of the tongue. In case of swelling, the development of ulcers or other changes in the tissue, consultation with a doctor should be sought. If pain develops, there are changes in the movement of the tongue or an unpleasant sensation develops in the mouth, there is cause for concern. If there is an unusual taste in the mouth, the formation of pus, changes in the teeth, or a refusal to eat, a doctor is needed. Other symptoms include dizziness, disturbances in heart rhythm, nausea or vomiting. If these irregularities persist for several days or increase, the affected person needs medical care. Sensitivity disorders in the mouth, hypersensitivity to everyday stimuli such as heat or cold, and inconsistencies in wearing dentures are among the symptoms that need to be investigated and clarified. Loss of appetite, changes in speech, and refusal to speak indicate a health disorder. A change in behavior, a general feeling of illness, and sleep disturbances should be discussed with a physician. If pus enters the bloodstream, a life-threatening condition may develop. Therefore, cooperation with a physician should be sought at the first irregularities and health complaints.
Treatment and therapy
If a tongue abscess has been clearly diagnosed, the attending physician will initiate appropriate therapy. Since it is an infection caused by bacteria, it is usually treated with the help of antibiotics. In many cases, however, this therapy is not effective or is inadequate, so that surgical intervention must be performed. This is particularly the case if the infection is so entrenched in the tissue that it cannot be eliminated with medication. During surgery, the inflamed tissue around the tongue abscess is generously removed to prevent the infection from breaking out again. Antibiotics are then administered again to support the healing process and also to counteract a re-germination of the inflammation. If such a combination of medication and surgical treatment takes place, a tongue abscess can usually be cured very well. Rapid healing also depends, among other things, on the stage of the abscess at which the therapy is started. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Prevention
A tongue abscess can be prevented to some extent by proper oral hygiene. Regular checkups and/or treatment at the dentist can also prevent diseased teeth from introducing germs into the oral mucosa. If symptoms nevertheless appear that could possibly indicate a tongue abscess, a doctor should be consulted in good time.
Aftercare
As a rule, very few measures and options for direct aftercare are available to the affected person in the case of a tongue abscess, so the affected person should ideally consult a doctor early on and initiate treatment for this condition. As a rule, it cannot heal on its own, so a visit to a doctor is always necessary in this case.Those affected themselves are usually dependent on taking various medications to limit and alleviate the discomfort of this disease. The correct dosage and also the regular intake should always be observed in order to counteract the complaints properly and permanently. In case of any uncertainties or questions, a doctor should always be consulted first. Furthermore, when taking antibiotics, it should also be noted that they should not be taken together with alcohol, so as not to reduce their effect. As a rule, a tongue abscess can be cured relatively well, so that this disease also does not lead to a reduced life expectancy of the affected person.
What you can do yourself
A tongue abscess is usually noticeable in everyday life. However, even if the pain is severe, the wound should not be touched with fingers, tissues, or other tools under any circumstances. The abscess should not be broken open by the patient on his own. This should always be done by a physician. Otherwise there is a risk of serious infection and further complications. For this reason, the affected person should also be careful when brushing their teeth. Spicy oral care products or irritating foods should be avoided. It is also recommended that smoking be discontinued or at least drastically reduced until the wound has healed. To counteract an unpleasant taste or odor caused by the accumulation of pus, it helps to rinse the mouth with oil or antibacterial mouthwash. However, this should not be used too frequently, as it irritates the mucous membranes. Wound healing can be promoted by some measures. For example, it can be helpful to occasionally place a piece of garlic on the wound, which can reduce swelling. Salt has a similar effect. For this reason, in some cases it may help to treat the tongue abscess with a salt water solution. In the short term, applying ice cubes can relieve the pain and the feeling of pressure.
