The swollen tongue can simply be a sign of an injury, such as a cut or burn on the tongue. However, in some cases, this may mean that a more serious disease is causing this symptom, such as an infection, insufficiency of vitamins or minerals or even a problem with the immune system.
It is important to understand the source of inflammation of the tongue and look for a gastroenterologist or dentist, who will tell you the most appropriate treatment for the problem.
- The tongue may swell as a result of an allergic reaction to products used in the mouth.
- Such as toothpaste.
- Mouthwash.
- Dentures or even other medicines.
What to do: If the person suspects that swelling of the tongue is caused by a product that he has used in his mouth, he or she should stop it immediately and consult the dentist or family doctor, who may recommend a replacement.
Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease, which involves inflammation of certain glands in the body, such as the mouth and eyes, which can cause symptoms such as dry mouth and eyes, difficulty swallowing and an increased risk of infections. eyes and mouth, which can cause inflammation of the tongue.
Learn how to identify Sjogren’s syndrome
What to do: Treatment usually involves the use of remedies such as lubricating eye drops, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, remedies that regulate the immunity and function of the glands. Learn more about treatment.
Very low levels of vitamin B or iron can cause swelling of the tongue. In addition, vitamin B and iron deficiency can also cause other symptoms, such as fatigue, anemia, lack of energy, decreased concentration, lack of appetite, frequent infections, tingling in the legs and dizziness.
What to do: As a general rule, your doctor recommends vitamin B and iron supplementation as well as a diet rich in these substances. Learn how to prepare an iron-rich diet.
Oral thrush is characterized by a fungal infection in the mouth, with symptoms such as the accumulation of a whitish layer in the mouth, the presence of white spots, the sensation of cotton in the mouth and pain or burning in the affected areas. This disease is most common in people with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems, such as infants and people living with HIV, diabetes, or infections.
What to do: Treatment usually involves the use of a drinkable nistatin suspension and, if necessary, your doctor may recommend oral antifungals, such as fluconazole.
In addition, there are other factors that can cause swelling of the tongue, such as cuts, burns or ulcers on the tongue, skin problems such as lichen plan and irritating intake, as well as viral infections such as herpes, bacterial infections, syphilis and gloitis, and mouth or tongue cancer.
In addition to being very important in treating the problem that causes swelling of the tongue, in some cases it may be necessary to treat inflammation and pain with analgesics and anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen.
It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene, quit smoking and avoid drinking alcohol.