10 diseases that can be seen on the tongue

Proven content

From an anatomical point of view, the tongue is a muscular organ covered on the outside with a mucosa. Healthy is pink, springy and moist. When we get sick, his appearance changes.

Scarlatina

Initially, a white coating appears on the surface of the tongue, which recedes from the edges. Usually, after 4-5 days, its color becomes red and the warts are clearly visible (raspberry tongue). Other characteristic symptoms of an infectious disease caused by streptococci (also called scarlet fever) are fever, which can often reach 40 degrees Celsius, a fine blotchy rash and a sore throat. Scarlet fever can affect people of all ages, but most often it affects children between 3 and 8 years of age. Treatment consists of antibiotics, fever-lowering medications and adequate hydration. Patients with more severe course or complications are referred to the hospital.

Anemia (anemia)

Hemoglobin deficiency takes away the color of the mucosa and makes the tongue pale. However, low iron levels not only affect hemoglobin but also reduce the levels of myoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that supports muscle health. And the tongue is nothing but a muscle. As a result, many people with iron deficiency feel their oral organs become oddly smooth and sometimes painful.

To supplement iron deficiencies, it is worth including appropriate supplementation in your daily diet. Iron Complex natural iron dietary supplement is a good choice.

Angina

White coating on the tongue and on the tonsils, high fever, sore throat radiating to the ears? The symptoms of bacterial angina are quite characteristic. The disease has an acute onset and develops rapidly, and is most often caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Infections with other types of streptococci, staphylococci and some other anaerobic bacteria are less common. It is worth remembering that due to serious complications, strep throat cannot be taken lightly. Penicillin treatment significantly reduces the duration of the disease, reduces the infectivity and the possibility of complications, and in many cases prevents the recurrence of bacterial tonsillitis.

If you experience disturbing changes in your tongue, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Online teleconsultation at an ENT specialist is a service thanks to which you will quickly and safely learn the answers to your questions and dispel any doubts. If necessary, you will also learn the directions of further treatment.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

An early symptom of deficiency is glossitis. It becomes shiny, smooth, with the features of papillae atrophy, the so-called “Buffalo”, there is a burning sensation, itching, ulcers in the corners of the mouth, loss of taste and appetite mainly for meat and fried foods. The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency also apply to disorders of the hematopoietic and nervous systems. Fortunately, most of them can be reversed if proper supplementation is implemented quickly. Vegans, vegetarians and people with gastrointestinal malabsorption are particularly at risk of deficiencies. The use of certain medications can also lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency. The daily dose of vitamin B12 is helped by the Solgar brand dietary supplement.

Kawasaki disease

A reddened tongue with an enlarged nipple, resembling a strawberry in appearance is a characteristic symptom of Kawasaki disease, which is an acute inflammation of the blood vessels, especially small and medium-sized ones. Other symptoms of the disease include: fever, conjunctivitis, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and nose, enlargement of the lymph nodes mainly in the neck, on one side. Kawasaki disease occurs mainly in children under 5 years of age and resolves in most cases without long-term complications. Acute disease treatment includes intravenous infusions of human immunoglobulins and administration of acetylsalicylic acid and methylprednisolone. Any disturbing symptoms in children should be urgently consulted with a pediatrician.

Hairy leukoplakia

White spots on the tongue mucosa resembling short “hairs” and being nothing more than overgrown filamentous warts indicate hairy leukoplakia – a mucosal disease associated with infection by the Epstein-Barr virus. It occurs mainly in patients struggling with diseases of the immune system, resulting in a decrease in its efficiency. There can be many causes of immunodeficiency – most often immunodeficiencies are associated with HIV infection and the development of AIDS, with hematological neoplasms as well as with the chronic use of systemic steroids or immunosuppression associated with bone marrow or organ transplants.

Are you seeing disturbing symptoms? Analyze them yourself in the medical questionnaire and decide whether to go to the doctor.

Oral mycosis

Its first symptom is a white coating on the tongue and an unpleasant smell from the mouth. They may be accompanied by painful rashes in the corners of the mouth, ulcerations, burning sensation and pain in the affected mucosa. Oral thrush, also called candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida. Interestingly – 70 percent of us have Candida albicans on our mucous membranes and do not get sick. The problem arises only when the body’s immunity decreases. The disease is first treated topically – with ointments and antifungal fluids. In the case of no effects, oral medications are started. If you suspect oral mycosis, do a ring-up examination for ringworm.

Cancer of the tongue

It attacks especially smokers and alcohol abusers, mainly men over 50. It does not exhibit any characteristic symptoms for a relatively long time, which makes early diagnosis difficult. What most often worries patients is a clear stain on the tongue that does not want to heal. Bleeding is also not uncommon. Sometimes there is pain in the mouth. In the advanced stage of the disease, the tongue is immobilized, speaking becomes practically impossible, and there is difficulty swallowing. It can metastasize to the lymph nodes in the neck and to the submandibular nodes. At Medonet Market you can buy a package of oncological tests for women and men. Remember, an early diagnosis gives you a chance to fully recover.

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Hemangioma of the tongue

In the oral cavity of adults, the most common are simple hemangiomas, made of dilated capillaries. They do not tend to disappear spontaneously, on the contrary, they may grow over time. They are located superficially, as a flat lesion or a steep lesion with a smooth or lumpy surface. Their most common location is the lips, cheeks, corners of the mouth, but they can appear in the area of ​​the tongue and on the palate. Due to the possibility of injury when chewing and speaking, they can lead to ulceration, inflammation and superinfection.

Acromegaly – enlarged tongue

The enigmatic name is a chronic disease associated with the excessive secretion of growth hormone. It is characterized by a gradual change in the external appearance – enlargement of the feet, hands, ears, nose, tongue, as well as increased tooth spacing. It is estimated that up to 3 people suffer from acromegaly in Poland. Death from cardiac complications is one of the most common causes of death in untreated acromegaly.