Tongue Inflammation (Glossitis): Examination

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 necessary, psychiatric examination [due todifferential diagnoses or possible causes: depression; psychogenic].
  • Dental examination [due topossible causes:
    • Dentures
    • Injuries to the tongue caused by dentures, tooth edges, etc.
    • Dental fillings]
  • Health check

Square brackets [ ] indicate possible pathological (pathological) physical findings.