Definition
An inflammation of the tongue is called glossitis in medical terminology. In the case of an inflammation of the tongue, the main symptoms are swelling, redness and pain in the area of the tongue. In addition to these symptoms, there may be visible changes in the mucous membrane of the tongue.
The inflammation can be acute or chronic. In addition, it can occur as an accompanying symptom in the context of general illnesses. People with a weakened immune system are more frequently affected, although the disease can in principle occur at any age.
Causes
The causes of inflammation of the tongue are manifold. Basically, a distinction is made between infectious causes and non-infectious causes. Infectious causes include: bacterial infections, fungal infections and infections caused by viruses.
Non-infectious causes belong to the group of non-infectious causes: Injuries of the tongue and the tongue mucous membrane caused by sharp-edged teeth or dentures, complications after the stinging of a piercing, burns in the tongue area due to too hot drinks or food as well as small bite injuries. Also a vitamin deficiency of vitamins A, B and C, an iron deficiency (iron deficiency anemia) as well as a weakening of the immune system can lead to an inflammation of the tongue. General diseases such as diabetes mellitus, scarlet fever, HIV (AIDS) or reduced saliva production in the mouth (Sjögren’s syndrome) are also causes.
Due to allergic reactions to certain foods, medications or dental fillings, symptoms and inflammation of the tongue can occur. The constant consumption of cigarettes, alcohol, spicy mouthwashes as well as strongly spiced food causes additional chemical irritation of the tongue. Such permanent, chemical irritations can promote inflammation in the tongue and mouth area. Due to the many different causes of the disease, precise diagnosis is not always easy for the treating physician.
Symptoms
The predominant symptoms are pain, redness and swelling of the tongue. These occur mainly in the area of the tip of the tongue and at the edges of the tongue. Other typical symptoms are tongue burning (glossodynia), disturbances of the sense of taste, itching of the tongue mucous membrane (especially in allergic reactions), difficulty swallowing and sensitivity disorders of the tongue.
Burning of the tongue often occurs during stress or together with mental illness. An insect bite (wasp sting) can cause dangerous, severe swelling and redness of the tongue in people who are allergic to it. Such a strong, rapid swelling of the tongue leads to a sudden, acute impairment of breathing and must be treated immediately as an emergency. An insect sting (wasp sting) can cause dangerous, severe swelling and redness of the tongue in allergic people. Such a strong, rapid swelling of the tongue leads to a sudden, acute impairment of breathing and must be treated immediately as an emergency.
