Tongue-tied by your doctor's diagnosis of glossitis? Cheer up. It's may not be as bad as you think. To be sure, see a doctor if the problem persists.

Glossitis is the medical term for tongue inflammation and it may be short-lived or a recurring condition. It has many forms and produces a variety of symptoms which affect the color and texture of the tongue.

The acute form may be caused by a local infection, bum, or injury. The tongue becomes swollen and tender and the person may find it difficult to swallow and speak. In severe eases, the tongue is so swollen that it interferes with breathing. This is a medical emergency which requires immediate attention.

"Severe acute glossitis, which can result from local infection, burns and injury, can cause tenderness, pain and swelling to make the tongue protrude from the mouth into the back of the throat - creating the danger of airway obstruction and even suffocation. In severe cases, the patient may not be able to chew, swallow, or speak," according to the editors of Consumer Guide's "Family Health & Medical Guide."

In others, glossitis may result from irritants such as jagged or broken teeth, poor-filling dentures, poor oral hygiene or the habit of biting the tongue. The tongue may also be irritated by alcohol, tobacco, hot spicy food, mouthwashes, toothpastes, breath fresheners and certain drugs.

Poor nutrition is another cause of glossitis. Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to a sore or cracked tongue and the development of mouth ulcers. In pellagra, which is caused by lack of niacin, the mouth and tongue are sore and the person may experience indigestion, vomiting and diarrhea.

Pernicious anemia, which is caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, is characterized by a pale, sore tongue and bleeding gums. Iron-deficiency anemia, on the other hand, can also produce a sore tongue and abdominal discomfort. These conditions are easily recognizable by their symptoms.

"Symptoms vary widely, ranging from simple redness of the tip and edge of the tongue (if the cause is pellagra, anemia, or irritation from smoking or a tooth with a rough surface) to painful ulcers and whitish patches. In the later stage of pellagra, the entire tongue may be fiery red, swollen and ulcerated. In iron deficiency and pernicious anemia, the tongue is pale and smooth. Painful ulcers on the tongue may indicate a number of diseases, including herpes, tuberculosis and streptococcal infection," said Consumer Guide.

Fortunately, most cases of glossitis are minor and respond well to simple preventive measures such as avoiding alcohol, tobacco and other known irritants. Avoid the things that make your problem worse. If the problem persists or recurs from time to time, a biopsy or tissue sample may be required to rule out other possible conditions.

"In treating glossitis, specific causes, such as jagged teeth and ill-fitting dentures, should be corrected. Irritants including hot or spicy foods, tobacco and alcohol, should be avoided if they are the source of the trouble. A bland or liquid diet, preferably cool or cold may have a soothing effect. Good oral hygiene is necessary in all cases," said the editors of Consumer Guide.

"Symptomatic relief of large lesions includes rinsing the mouth with a medicated mouthwash before meals. Topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine and benzocaine, can also bring relief. Patients experiencing painful burning should be tested to rule out vitamin B12 deficiency, diabetes and anemia," they concluded.

Article Resource | Health Guide