Diseases of the oral cavity are usually attributed to ailments of an infectious-inflammatory nature. One of them often encountered in adulthood is glossitis. The treatment of this unpleasant disease must be approached with all seriousness in order to avoid dangerous complications, which we will definitely mention in this article. In addition, inflammation of the tongue can occur against the background of other pathologies of the body. Learn about the features (with a photo of symptoms), the treatment of glossitis of the tongue and much more, learn more in more detail below.
According to statistics, this problem most often bothers men over 40 years old. The development of glossitis is also a common occurrence among children, however, in babies, inflammation of the tongue usually becomes the result of mechanical injury, thermal or chemical burns. To get rid of the disease, it is crucial to determine the provoking factor. The success of therapy can only be guaranteed by eliminating the cause of glossitis. Treatment of superficial manifestations of pathology will not give a long-term effect, inflammation will occur again and again.
Main reasons
They are conditionally divided into two groups: pathological and non-pathological. The first category is more extensive. Most often, any infection becomes the cause of the development of this disease that affects the tongue. Viruses (measles, scarlet fever, herpes, chicken pox), yeast Candida and various representatives of bacterial pathogenic microflora (diphtheria bacillus, streptococcus, staphylococcus) can provoke the problem. Especially quickly, the disease is formed against the background of a weakening of the body's immune forces. The most common pathogen is staphylococcal and streptococcal infections, which quickly spread along the surface of the mucosa, damaging it and penetrating into the deeper layers of tissues.
Inflammation of the tongue in adults and children is sometimes formed against a background of chronic diseases:
- anemia;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- diphtheria;
- allergic reactions;
- rheumatism;
- vitamin deficiency caused by a deficiency of vitamins E, A and folic acid;
- lupus erythematosus;
- heavy metal salt poisoning.
What else can cause glossitis?
Non-pathological causes of the disease also occur. One of them, for example, is the consumption of too hot or too peppered food. Frequent burns become a favorable condition for the appearance of microcracks on the surface of the tongue. An infection quickly gets into the wounds, which gives a “green light” to the inflammatory process. Often there is a problem due to traumatic biting of soft tissues, damage to tableware or sharp chips on the teeth that appeared as a result of carious lesions. Less commonly, the need for treatment of glossitis is caused by minor injuries due to the wearing of orthopedic and orthodontic dental structures (dentures, lingual braces).
Often diagnosed with smokers. Treatment of glossitis in adults (in the photo, unfortunately, it will not be possible to consider the external manifestations of the disease) begins primarily with the elimination of tobacco smoke, which contains a large number of irritants. Nicotine and resins present in its composition negatively affect the entire oral cavity. Smoking in combination with the use of strong alcoholic beverages is the strongest chemical trauma for the sensitive surface of the tongue.
Non-pathological reasons for the development of glossitis in adults include the lack of timely rehabilitation and care of the oral cavity. In many ways, the prevention of this disease is associated with the quality of hygiene care. It is important not only to brush your teeth, but also not to forget about the surface of the tongue. For cleaning the body using special devices. In case of injury to a clean mucous membrane, the risk of infection and the onset of an inflammatory focus becomes minimal.
Forms of the disease and their treatment in adults
In the photo, the symptoms of glossitis are difficult to recognize. However, an experienced doctor is able to conduct differential diagnostics and recognize one or another type of inflammation of the tongue, distinguish it from another form of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment. The classification of the inflammatory process of the soft tissues of the oral cavity includes several varieties of glossitis.
Deep glossitis
The course of this pathology occurs at the bottom of the oral cavity. In the absence of treatment for glossitis of the tongue, the inflammatory process can spread to the soft tissues of the neck and chin. In severe clinical cases, the disease can lead to abscess, which is extremely dangerous for the patient. The accumulation of pus is fraught with a serious aggravation of his general well-being and state of health.
Diamond Glossitis
This type of inflammation develops mainly against the background of chronic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common cause is gastritis. Explain why glossitis is called diamond-shaped, it is possible due to the features of the shape of the inflammatory focus. The lesion in the tongue is outlined with a diamond-shaped edging of red or slightly cyanotic color. The disease affects the organ approximately one third of its size in the region of the posterior wall, ulcers, grooves and tubercles appear on it. There is no point in treating glossitis: a symptom usually resolves on its own, without drug intervention, as soon as the level of acidity in the stomach normalizes.
The patient is recommended to abandon bad habits. With papillomatous rhomboid inflammation of the tongue, growths can be excised surgically.
Desquamative glossitis
Treatment of this form of the disease has its own characteristics. By the way, the second name of the pathology is “geographical language”. The specificity of the disease is its symptoms: desquamation appears on the mucous membrane of the organ - characteristic grooves, due to which the tongue externally becomes like an expanded map of the earth. The affected surface of the organ seems to be divided into uneven areas with dark lines. Patients usually complain of pain and burning sensation, which are aggravated by eating, drinking hot drinks.
The presence of desquamation in the language is associated with systemic disorders in the body. Health problems with this form of glossitis can be caused by helminthic invasion, blood diseases. The development of the desquamative form contributes to an acute shortage of vital vitamins. Often this inflammation of the tongue occurs in pregnant women.
Hunter glossitis
The disease is mainly diagnosed in people with folic acid deficiency. Since no specialist will prescribe treatment for glossitis by video link or photos sent, the patient must visit a doctor.
A Hunter form of inflammation can develop against the background of anemia and a lack of B vitamins. Symptoms and treatment of glossitis are directly related to the provoking factor. With this type of inflammation, the tongue acquires a bright red color, often with a burgundy or raspberry hue. The surface of the organ is smooth, due to the many atrophied papillae it seems shiny.
Catarrhal glossitis
Unlike the previous varieties, this one is characterized by a dense coating covering the inflamed organ and tissues in the oral cavity. At the advanced stage, the tongue swells, which complicates speech, swallowing, and mouth breathing. After some time, the tongue turns bright red. Often, catarrhal glossitis is formed in children against the background of scarlet fever. In adults, this infectious disease practically does not occur.
Villous glossitis
The most unusual form of the disease is manifested by overgrown filiform papillae, which acquire a black color, and in appearance they are very similar to the hairline. Surprisingly, the length of these papillae reaches 1.5-2 cm. The altered papillae will gradually harden and become keratinized if the corresponding treatment for glossitis is not carried out. Photos of the clinical picture may be shocking. But villous glossitis is not only dangerous in appearance. In the future, the disease leads to irritation of the hard palate and the appearance of a pathological vomiting reflex. Among the reasons why this particular form of inflammation of the soft tissues of the oral cavity develops, doctors note thrush, smoking, injuries and a long period of use of drugs, in particular antibiotics.
Folded glossitis
The disease owes its name to a special type of mucous membrane of the tongue. The surface of the soft organ with a fungal or bacterial infection becomes folded with rather deep depressions. Due to poor oral hygiene, pathogenic microflora actively propagate in the recesses. The patient feels a burning sensation, itching, swelling. In some cases, an inflamed tongue hurts a lot. An antibacterial or antifungal treatment for the symptoms of glossitis (in the photo they look unaesthetic) is prescribed by the therapist.
Interstitial glossitis
Such a disease carries the greatest threat. The danger lies in the likelihood of malignancy of the inflammatory process. Without appropriate treatment, interstitial glossitis, which is essentially a benign tumor, will develop into an oncological formation. The malignancy process is activated against the background of weakened body forces, frequent stresses, chronic diseases of the larynx, and the gastrointestinal tract.
Most often, the precancerous form is diagnosed in patients with tertiary syphilis. Since in the process of development of this sexually transmitted disease, muscle fibers are transformed into coarse connective tissue, the lesion becomes malignant. The sooner syphilis therapy is started, the more likely it is to avoid oncology of the tongue.
The basic principles of therapy
It is impossible to ignore the need to treat the symptoms of glossitis in adults. Refusal of therapy can lead to complications in the form of the development of swelling of the organ, which subsequently can affect its swallowing, respiratory and chewing functions. In addition, inflammation can spread to nearby tissues, which will significantly worsen the prognosis. Regardless of the drugs selected by the specialist, the treatment regimen should be based on the main principles: first, the cause of the pathological (non-pathological) process is eliminated, and then the inflammation itself is removed. Glossitis treatment is:
- Diet correction. First of all, the patient is prescribed a sparing diet that excludes from the everyday menu any products that can provoke irritation of the affected mucosa.
- Local treatment. Symptoms of glossitis of the tongue can be controlled with antiseptic rinses. Ideally, a weak solution of potassium permanganate, Chlorhexidine, Miramistin, Furatsilin, etc. is suitable for this purpose. For analgesia, drugs with an analgesic component are used.
- Systemic treatment. To strengthen the immune system, it is necessary to take vitamin-mineral complexes, immunostimulating drugs containing echinacea, ginseng, as well as antihistamines (Loratadin, Tavegil).
In addition, the treatment of glossitis involves the regular treatment of an inflamed organ. If erosion forms on the surface of the tongue, they must be periodically cleaned of fibrinous or necrotic plaque. This can be done with a cotton swab or swab soaked in an antiseptic solution.
Solcoseryl
This is a universal remedy for glossitis. Ointment is an excellent stimulator of regenerative processes in affected tissues. Use the medicinal substance as applications, combining with vitamins in liquid form ("Retinol Acetate"), rosehip oil. In the treatment of glossitis "Sococeryl":
- heals wounds and erosion on the surface of an organ;
- accelerates local metabolism in the tissues;
- compensates for the deficiency of oxygen and nutrients in the cells;
- stimulates the body's production of collagen fibers;
- renews tissue cells.
"Solcoseryl" promotes the formation of healthy tissue, prevents the formation of pathological discharge from ulcers. The tool creates an invisible protective film on the surface of the body, preventing the ingress of pathogenic microorganisms on them.
Before applying the ointment, the affected areas are treated, dead skin, plaque, and discharge are eliminated. Before proceeding to the local treatment of glossitis with the help of Solcoseryl, it is important to make sure that there is no allergy to this remedy.
The ointment is applied a thin layer on the inflamed tongue three times during the day. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor, but, as a rule, the drug is used up to the moment of the formation of the first granulation changes and the healing of erosion.
"Olazol"
Apply the drug in the treatment of wound and burn lesions, non-healing ulcers. Doctors prescribe "Olazol" and in order to treat glossitis of the tongue. In the photo, this drug is presented in the form of a spray for local action. It has a powerful anti-inflammatory and wound healing effect.
Before applying "Olazol", the tongue must be thoroughly cleaned of any pathological accumulations and ulcerative elements. The medicine is carefully sprayed onto the damaged mucosa at a distance of 10-15 cm for 2-3 seconds. This procedure is repeated twice a day for 2-3 weeks.
"Olazol" is able to cause allergic reactions in individuals with increased sensitivity to certain components. During the use of the aerosol, one should be careful not to get its particles on the mucous membrane of the eyes. If this happens, eyes should be thoroughly rinsed with water.
Chlorhexidine
The simplest antiseptic and disinfectant drug “Chlorhexidine” also has a strong bactericidal and bacteriostatic property - the drug not only inhibits the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microflora, but also kills pathogens.
The advantage of “Chlorhexidine” also lies in its pharmacological properties: the active components of the disinfectant act on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, but at the same time remain ineffective in case of fungal infection. Allergy to Chlorhexidine in patients occurs in isolated cases, so the drug is considered universal in terms of hypoallergenicity.
To treat the affected organ, a moderately concentrated solution of the drug is used (from 0.05% to 0.5%). They irrigate, rinse, lubricate the affected mucous membranes throughout the day. Do not take the solution inside. However, if you accidentally swallow it, you should not worry: the solution is not absorbed into the blood. Against the background of prolonged use of Chlorhexidine, the color of tooth enamel may change, plaque may appear and the taste in the mouth may change.
Antibiotic therapy
Treatment of glossitis in adults does not always involve the use of antibiotics. Basically, drugs of this spectrum are prescribed for patients with purulent-phlegmonous inflammatory process, covering, in addition to the tissues of the tongue, the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and nearby lymph nodes. The reason for the use of antibacterial drugs is the progression of the disease and the deterioration of the general well-being of the patient: fever, the development of intoxication of the body. In advanced cases, this condition even requires surgical intervention, associated with the treatment of glossitis of the tongue with antibiotics. You can’t take medications on your own - only a specialist can choose the optimal antibacterial drug:
- "Doxycycline" is a semi-synthetic preparation of the tetracycline group. Prescribe a medicine for oral and parenteral administration. The average dosage is 200 mg on the first day of treatment, then it is reduced to 100 mg once a day. Contraindications include pregnancy, children under 8 years old, individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
- "Suprax" ("Cefixime") - an antibiotic of the cephalosporin series has a wide spectrum of action. For adults, the average daily dosage is 400 mg per single dose or 200 mg twice daily. The duration of the course should not exceed ten days.
- “Rocefin” (“Ceftriaxone”) is a representative of the same cephalosporin group. Used to treat glossitis in adults, 1-2 g twice a day (maximum dose 4 g). The drug is administered intramuscularly, less often intravenously. Accepted up to the stabilization of the general condition, the neutralization of clinical manifestations, the complete removal of inflammation.
- "Tetracycline" - affects various types of microorganisms, however, like other antibiotics, it is powerless against fungi and viruses. Doctors prescribe Tetracycline for adults in a dosage of 250-500 mg at least 3-4 times a day. , . .
Indication for surgical intervention is a life-threatening edematous state of the tongue, damage to the larynx. In the postoperative period, the patient is usually prescribed at least two antibacterial drugs, the choice of which depends on the sensitivity of pathogens.
Oral hygiene
Teeth brushing is a mandatory regular procedure, which is the most effective measure for the prevention of glossitis. It is important to choose the right toothbrush for cleaning your tongue: it should be soft and comfortable for subsequent processing. Toothpaste and elixir for rinsing the oral cavity, choose without sodium lauryl sulfate in the composition. At home, after eating and brushing your teeth, it is useful to rinse your mouth with herbal infusions (chamomile, sage, oak bark).