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Chinese medicine considers the tongue to be one of those organs that can tell a lot about the overall condition of our body. Swollen tongue is rarely a disease in itself. Most often it is a symptom accompanying another ailment.
However, it should be remembered that macroglossia, i.e. an abnormally large tongue, is a characteristic feature of many congenital diseases, e.g. Down syndrome, Pompe disease, amyloidosis or congenital thyroid insufficiency. However, the enlargement (including lengthening) of the tongue must be distinguished from the swelling that occurs due to conditions that are not congenital.
The most common cause of swelling is, of course, poisoning by ingesting a poison, e.g. a caustic substance (concentrated acid or alkali). In such cases, small blisters are visible on the surface of the tongue and in its flesh. The tongue is so large that it cannot fit in the mouth, making it difficult to eat and speak. In such cases, see a doctor immediately.
Swelling of the tongue can also be caused by the build-up of tartar on the teeth. The same happens when the tongue is injured by the sharp edges of teeth damaged by caries or poorly fitted dentures. In such cases, there is also bad breath caused by caries. Sometimes there is inflammation of the tongue, accompanied by abscesses or hard cysts filled with blood or pus.
Riboflavin deficiency is another cause of tongue swelling. Riboflavin belongs to the B vitamins. It is part of enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of glucose and amino acids in cells, and is involved in biochemical changes in the retina of the eye. Man has to supply the body with food. Products rich in this substance are unpasteurized milk, liver, kidneys, germinated cereal seeds. When riboflavin is missing, the tongue is enlarged, purple-red, often with foci of atrophy of the papillae.
Excessive drinking of alcohol, not to mention alcoholism, also contributes to swelling of the tongue. The tongue of alcohol abusers is swollen because it is constantly irritated. The mucous membranes on the cheeks may also be swollen.
A very common cause of tongue swelling is the body’s reaction to allergens that are ingested or inhaled. Such reactions can be caused not only by food, but also toothpaste, substances from which dentures, prosthetic bridges, cosmetics, drugs and heavy metal salts are made. The most dangerous form of tongue swelling is the one that occurs as a result of a severe allergic reaction, for example after being bitten by a bee or a wasp. Hymenoptera venom allergy causes swelling not only of the tongue, but of the entire mucosa inside the mouth. The swelling may be so extensive that without specialist help, and above all without the administration of a vasoconstrictor, the victim may suffocate. Therefore, people who are allergic should carry special anti-shock kits so that in the event of an emergency, they can take a dose immediately.
Neurovascular edema can also cause the tongue to become swollen. Muscle enlargement occurs without any prior signals and builds up fairly quickly. The swelling lasts for hours or days and then goes away on its own. In such cases, swelling may also occur on the face, spreading to the lips and throat.
Acute diffuse glossitis, or phlegmon of the tongue, also causes swelling of the soft palate, palatine arches, and the glottis area. In the case of an abscess of the tongue, only part of the tongue is swollen.
The tongue may also become swollen after taking a higher dose of acetylsalicylic acid. People suffering from chronic indigestion also very often have a swollen tongue.
Beauty treatments are another, but equally important, cause of tongue swelling. I am talking about piercing the tongue, and even cutting it. Wearing an earring on the tongue causes constant irritation of its structures, which promotes the formation of swelling.
A slight swelling of the tongue may appear during flu, severe colds, or angina.
Consult your doctor about any swelling of the tongue. First of all, to assess whether it is a temporary indisposition or a symptom of a more serious ailment, e.g. developing anemia.