Glossitis
Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue. This may be a stand-alone condition or it may be a symptom of a different condition that you have. Generally, glossitis goes away when its cause is identified and treated properly. Glossitis can be dangerous if it causes difficulty breathing.
CAUSES
This condition can be caused by many different things. In some cases, the cause may not be known. Certain underlying conditions may cause glossitis, such as:
• Viral, bacterial, or yeast infections.
• Allergies.
• Dysfunction of the skin and mucous membranes. This can happen with certain autoimmune disorders.
• Abnormal tissue growths (tumors).
• Lack of healthy red blood cells (anemia).
• Movement of stomach acid into …show more content…
In these cases, glossitis may be caused by:
• Use of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes.
• Excessive alcohol use.
• Tongue injury or irritation.
• Certain medicines, such as medicines to treat cancer.
RISK FACTORS
• This condition is more likely to develop in:
• People who are 50 years or older.
• Men.
• People who are taking antibiotics or steroids, such as asthma medicines.
• People who drink alcohol excessively.
• People who use tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes.
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as immune diseases or cancer.
• People who do not brush or floss their teeth regularly.
• People who lack proper nutrition or are anemic.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition vary depending on the cause. Symptoms may include:
• Swelling of the tongue.
• Pain and tenderness in the tongue. Sometimes, this condition is painless.
• Changes in tongue color. The tongue may be pale or bright red.
• Smooth areas on the tongue’s surface.
• A small mass of tissue (node) or white patch on the tongue.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or talking.
• Difficulty
Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue. This may be a stand-alone condition or it may be a symptom of a different condition that you have. Generally, glossitis goes away when its cause is identified and treated properly. Glossitis can be dangerous if it causes difficulty breathing.
CAUSES
This condition can be caused by many different things. In some cases, the cause may not be known. Certain underlying conditions may cause glossitis, such as:
• Viral, bacterial, or yeast infections.
• Allergies.
• Dysfunction of the skin and mucous membranes. This can happen with certain autoimmune disorders.
• Abnormal tissue growths (tumors).
• Lack of healthy red blood cells (anemia).
• Movement of stomach acid into …show more content…
In these cases, glossitis may be caused by:
• Use of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes.
• Excessive alcohol use.
• Tongue injury or irritation.
• Certain medicines, such as medicines to treat cancer.
RISK FACTORS
• This condition is more likely to develop in:
• People who are 50 years or older.
• Men.
• People who are taking antibiotics or steroids, such as asthma medicines.
• People who drink alcohol excessively.
• People who use tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes.
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as immune diseases or cancer.
• People who do not brush or floss their teeth regularly.
• People who lack proper nutrition or are anemic.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition vary depending on the cause. Symptoms may include:
• Swelling of the tongue.
• Pain and tenderness in the tongue. Sometimes, this condition is painless.
• Changes in tongue color. The tongue may be pale or bright red.
• Smooth areas on the tongue’s surface.
• A small mass of tissue (node) or white patch on the tongue.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or talking.
• Difficulty