Glossitis

Subject: Medical and Surgical Nursing II (Theory)

Overview

Glossitis is the medical term for tongue inflammation. The disorder makes the tongue enlarge, change color, and become smooth on the surface. The papillae and the muscle tissues of the tongue may become irritated as a result of allergic reactions to drugs, food, and other possible irritants. Toothpaste and particular types of blood pressure drugs are examples of potential irritants. The muscles and papillae of the tongue may be attacked by specific immune-system illnesses. The herpes simplex virus, which also causes cold sores and blisters around the mouth, could be a factor in the tongue's swelling and discomfort. Inflammation reduction is the aim of treatment. Most patients don't require hospitalization unless their tongue swelling is significant. Good oral care is crucial. At least twice a day, thoroughly brush your teeth, and at least once a day, floss. If the glossitis is brought on by an infection, antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other antimicrobials may be recommended.

Glossitis

Glossitis is the medical term for tongue inflammation. The condition makes the tongue enlarge, change in color, and develop a smooth surface.

Glossitis is a condition that causes the tongue to swell, change color, and frequently appear smooth on the outside.

Causes:

  • Toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners, and candy dyes might cause allergic reactions.
  • When the glands that create saliva are damaged, it causes dry mouth.
  • Viruses or bacteria infections (including oral herpes simplex)
  • Burns, sharp teeth or dental appliances, or other types of trauma
  • Low amounts of iron or certain B vitamins, like vitamin B12
  • Skin conditions like aphthous ulcers, erythema multiform, and oral lichen planus
  • Cigarettes, alcohol, spicy foods, hot foods, or other irritants
  • Infection with yeast in the mouth

 Symptoms:

  • Tongue soreness or discomfort
  • Swelling of the tongue
  • Your tongue's color changing
  • An inability to swallow, speak, or eat
  • Loss of papillae on the tongue's surface

Exams and test:

An examination by a dentist or other medical professionals reveals:

  • It's possible that there are no bumps on the tongue like there are on fingers.
  • Enlarged tongue.

Treatments:

Inflammation reduction is the aim of treatment. Most patients don't require hospitalization unless their tongue swelling is significant.

  • Good oral care is crucial. At least twice a day, properly brush your teeth, and at least once a day, floss.
  • If the glossitis is brought on by an infection, antibiotics, antifungal medicines, or other antimicrobials may be recommended.
  • Anemia and nutritional deficiencies are treated with dietary modifications and supplements.
  • To lessen any tongue discomfort, stay away from irritants (such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco).

Possible complication

  • Airway blockage
  • Difficulties with speaking, chewing or swallowing
  • Discomfort

REFERENCE

Dhingra PL. Diseases of ear, nose, and throat. $th ed: Reed Elsevier India (P) Limited:2007

HealthLine. 2005. 2017 http://www.healthline.com/health/glossitis

Mandal, G.N. Textbook of Adult Nursing. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2013.

MedicineNet. 1996. 2017 http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3605

Medline Plus. 05 January 2017 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001053.htm

Shrivastav R, Rakesh P. An illustrated Textbook of ear, nose, throat and head and neck surgery. 1st ed. Lalitpur Nepal: UPS publisher; 2008

 
Things to remember
  • Glossitis is the medical term for tongue inflammation.
  • The disorder makes the tongue enlarge, change color, and become smooth on the surface.
  • The papillae and the muscle tissues of the tongue may become irritated as a result of allergic reactions to drugs, food, and other possible irritants.
  • Toothpaste and particular types of blood pressure drugs are examples of potential irritants.
  • The muscles and papillae of the tongue may be attacked by specific immune-system illnesses.
  • The herpes simplex virus, which also causes cold sores and blisters around the mouth, could be a factor in the tongue's swelling and discomfort.
  • Inflammation reduction is the aim of treatment.
  • Most patients don't require hospitalization unless their tongue swelling is significant.
  • Good oral care is crucial. At least twice a day, properly brush your teeth, and at least once a day, floss.
  • If the glossitis is brought on by an infection, antibiotics, antifungal medicines, or other antimicrobials may be recommended.
Questions and Answers

Glossitis refers to inflammation of the tongue. The condition causes the tongue to swell in size, change in color, and develop a smooth appearance on the surface.

Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to medications, food, and other potential irritants may aggravate the papillae and the muscle tissues of the tongue. Potential irritants include toothpaste and certain types of medications that treat high blood pressure.

Diseases: Certain diseases that affect your immune system may attack the tongue’s muscles and papillae. Herpes simplex, a virus that causes cold sores and blisters around the mouth, may contribute to swelling and pain in the tongue.

Low Iron Levels: An inadequate amount of iron in the blood can trigger glossitis. Iron regulates cell growth by helping your body make red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to your organs, tissues, and muscles. Low levels of iron in the blood may result in low levels of myoglobin. Myoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that’s important for muscle health, including the tongue’s muscle tissue.

Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva, which may be due to a salivary gland disorder or overall dehydration. You need saliva to keep your tongue moist.

Mouth Trauma: Trauma caused by injuries to the mouth can affect the condition of your tongue. Inflammation may occur as a result of cuts and burns on the tongue or of dental appliances placed on your teeth, such as braces

The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation. Most people do not need to go to the hospital for treatment unless tongue swelling is severe.

  • Good oral hygiene is important. Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
  • Antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other antimicrobials may be prescribed if the glossitis is due to an infection.
  • Dietary changes and supplements are used to treat anemia and nutritional deficiencies.
  • Avoid irritants (such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco) to reduce any tongue discomfort.

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