Many doctors know that the language you can learn about the features of the functioning of the body. It is a kind of indicator. In healthy people, a plaque in the tongue does not appear. There are no formations at the root. Their tongue is pink in color, with a soft surface. Nothing impedes his movements.
Norm Options
There are times when people notice a plaque in the language (at the root) and try to look for a problem. But this does not always indicate some serious diseases. Sometimes a thin whitish layer may appear on the surface of this organ, through which the tongue itself is visible. Such a raid should not be an occasion for experience.
But in parallel, you need to pay attention to:
- smell from the mouth;
- the time of appearance of white formations and their location.
In the absence of extraneous unpleasant odors, you can not really worry. Also, do not raise a panic if a raid is visible only in the morning, and during the day it decreases or disappears altogether. Pay attention to where it is located. If a plaque in the tongue is at the root, and at the end it is practically absent, then this may be due to the peculiarities of nutrition.
Sometimes it appears due to irregular salivation or poor circulation. Do not forget about oral hygiene. The cause of its occurrence may be candidiasis, periodontitis, stomatitis, gingivitis.
Cause for concern
It is necessary to begin to worry and check your health if you notice a white coating on the root of the tongue that does not disappear. The addition of an unpleasant odor will indicate problems. If the thickness and density of the plaque increase, its color changes to darker, then you need to consult a specialist.
For example, a dense white layer will indicate problems with the digestive system, perhaps such a person has chronic constipation. But if, upon its appearance, the temperature and weakness rose, and nasal discharge appeared, then this is a sign of an infectious disease.
The side parts of the base of this organ are covered with a white layer in case of problems with the kidneys. If you notice a plaque and feel bitterness in your mouth, then it is worth checking the gall bladder and liver. In this case, it may be yellow or even greenish.
A cause for concern is the changing color. For example, with an ulcer or gastritis, the tongue is not visible due to the gray cover. But brownish plaque testifies to alcoholism. But this shade is also found in heavy smokers.
Causes of problems
Specialists using a language examination can develop a plan for further examination of the patient. After all, the doctor may suspect by his appearance that a person has:
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract (dysbiosis, helminthic invasions, inflammatory processes, ulcerative lesions);
- malfunctions in the kidneys;
- diseases of the gallbladder and liver;
- dehydration or the presence of edema;
- infectious diseases.
If the root of the tongue is coated with plaque, then this may indicate inflammatory bowel diseases, for example, enterocolitis. But we must look at other signs. If the plaque is not uniform, but resembles white lumps in appearance (as in cottage cheese), then this may be candidiasis.
In cases where not only the root, but also the entire tongue is covered, we can talk about malfunctions of the immune system. In humans, a bowel problem may also be accompanied by anemia.
Possible raid options
In some people, you may notice that the tongue is covered in something yellow. This color plaque in second place in terms of prevalence. If the layer is thin and easy to peel off, then this indicates that the body is overloaded with slags and toxins. We need to think about changing the diet.
But the dark yellow hue and dense structure speak of diseases of the stomach. Moreover, a person may have bad breath from his mouth. This problem will need to be solved only with a gastroenterologist. But if you drink an antibiotic and notice a yellow coating on the root of the tongue, then do not worry. It's just that your liver responds to these drugs. After completion of treatment, the situation normalizes.
Also, a yellowish shade of the tongue can appear with colds, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. The abuse of strong tea and coffee often leads to its appearance. But usually it passes quickly.
Diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases
If you want to know how your digestive system works, pay attention to the root of the tongue. It is a projection of the intestine. But, having noticed a plaque in his tongue (at the root), you should not immediately make a diagnosis. It is better to consult a therapist or immediately a gastroenterologist. They will prescribe the necessary studies and determine if there are problems.
It is also necessary to visit a doctor because this can be a signal of HIV infection. This virus affects all organs, including the digestive system.
In patients with acute gastritis, the tongue is usually swollen. It is covered with a thick gray layer of plaque (sometimes it can be mucous), only its lateral edges and tip remain free. In this case, as a rule, there is an unpleasant odor, a bitter or sour taste.
Chronic gastritis manifests itself a little differently. With it, there may be a white coating on the root of the tongue and in its center. Often it acquires a grayish tint. A similar picture happens with a stomach ulcer. If the covering layer is dense, then the patient may have a dull taste.
A feeling of dryness of the tongue, its edematous state and smoothness of the papillae testify to intestinal damage and impaired functioning. But in a state of remission of diseases, this organ is cleansed. The same thing happens during treatment.
Signs of Enterocolitis
Inspecting the surface of the tongue, the therapist draws attention to the layer covering it. He may suggest that the patient has problems with the intestines if he notices plaque on the root of the tongue. Photos are not required. Everyone with a mirror can see it for himself.
The simultaneous damage to the large and small intestines is called enterocolitis. This disease leads to atrophic changes in the mucous membranes, because of this the intestine ceases to function normally.
Specialists distinguish an acute and chronic form of the disease. In the first case, only the intestinal mucosa is affected. Often this disease occurs in combination with acute gastritis. Its chronic form occurs due to insufficient quality treatment. In this case, not only the mucous membranes are affected, but also deeply located tissues. The disease is characterized by the fact that periods of exacerbations alternate with remissions.
But plaque at the root of the tongue is not the only sign of enterocolitis. The following symptoms will testify to the acute form of the disease:
- abdominal pain, rumbling, bloating;
- nausea or vomiting;
diarrhea
- weight loss.
In chronic enterocolitis, other symptoms occur. They are usually expressed rather weakly. The disease is characterized by alternating constipation and diarrhea, a feeling of bloating, flatulence and pain.
If the cause of the disease was an infectious lesion, then it will be accompanied by weakness, muscle and headache, fever.
In cases where the inflammation is concentrated in the area of the large intestine, the patient complains of constipation and diarrhea, which occur with the same frequency. But complaints of frequent stool disorders, a bursting feeling after eating, discomfort in the umbilical region occurs in those who have a small intestine.
Causes of bowel problems
When the condition worsens, a white coating appears on the root of the tongue. The reasons for the development of enterocolitis are diverse. Inflammation of the large and small intestines can lead to:
- infectious diseases;
- abuse of spicy food;
- alcohol or drug intoxication;
- helminthic infestations;
- radiation damage;
- food allergy;
- long-term antibiotic treatment.
Depending on what led to the problems, several types of enterocolitis are distinguished:
- bacterial: occurs with the development of diseases such as shegellosis, dysentery, salmonellosis;
- toxic: provoked by poisoning by poisons, drugs, chemicals;
- parasitic: appears against the background of colonization of the intestines with trichomonads, amoeba, helminths;
- mechanical: develops due to prolonged and frequent constipation;
- Alimentary: is the body's response to malnutrition;
- secondary: appears as a complication after gastrointestinal diseases.
Having figured out what exactly caused the disease and led to the fact that the root of the tongue is coated with white coating, you can already prescribe treatment.
Kids problems
It happens that parents notice that the child’s language is unhealthy. It can be covered with a white or yellow layer, and sometimes it becomes crimson. It is impossible to ignore this.
A plaque on the root of the tongue in a child may indicate a malfunction in the intestines. But if his entire surface is covered with a white or grayish layer, then it is worth checking if the baby has dysbiosis. But a yellowish hue may indicate overheating.
A dense white coating on the tongue occurs with most infectious diseases. This can talk about acute respiratory infections, flu, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and other diseases. As a rule, its appearance coincides with an increase in temperature.
But in children, plaque can also occur due to thrush. This is one of the main reasons that the baby becomes a white language. But with this fungal disease, not only the root is affected. Almost the entire tongue becomes white, lesions can be on the cheeks, the inside of the lips and the palate.
Cleansing the tongue: does it make sense?
Many advise using soda to remove white plaque on the root of the tongue in a child. But this does not solve the main problem. If the plaque covers only the base of the tongue, then you need to consult a pediatrician. He may refer you to a gastroenterologist. Only after a full examination can we accurately say what led to the appearance of a raid.
If the underlying disease is eliminated, then plaque on the root of the tongue will disappear. The reasons for its formation must be correctly identified. Also, by the intensity of the plaque, you can determine how effective the prescribed therapy is.
Of course, you can remove the layer from the language, but it will appear again, because the reason for its appearance will not be eliminated. This can be done using a cotton or gauze swab dipped in soda solution.
If you notice a raid only in the morning hours, then you can safely remove it. He, as a rule, does not indicate any problems. You can get rid of the white layer with a special brush to clean the tongue. Many toothbrush manufacturers make it on the back. You can also get rid of the white layer using an ordinary teaspoon or a special scraper.
It is important to do it right. You need to clean the tongue with movements from its base to the end. You can use toothpaste or powder for these purposes. So you can not only remove the visible cover, but also remove a huge number of microbes. Many people advise regular cleaning of the tongue, because this helps to maintain the proper microflora in the oral cavity.
By the way, oral care is also necessary in order to maintain the teeth and gums in good condition. This will minimize problems with them.
Treatment tactics
You can determine what to do if pimples and white plaque appear on the root of the tongue after consulting a therapist. Your doctor may order an examination or refer you for a consultation with a specialist.
If the plaque is concentrated only in the basal part, then it is better to go to a gastroenterologist. Kidney problems will be indicated by a white layer from the lateral parts at the base of the tongue. The projection of the stomach and pancreas is the central part of this organ. You can suspect a heart problem by changing the tip of the tongue. Problems with the spleen and liver will be indicated by spots on the sides of the central part. But lesions from the lateral parts closer to the tip of the tongue can tell about lung problems. Imperishable plaque in these places occurs among smokers.
You can get rid of it, but only if you cure the problem that led to its formation. For example, it’s important to follow a diet to restore bowel function. The patient should have a strict regimen. In acute enterocolitis, as in enteritis or colitis, gastric lavage is prescribed. After it, the patient is prescribed fasting days. At this time, you can only drink water and weak tea. Over time, liquid food is allowed: it can be rice broth or thin porridge. Solid food is prohibited.
It is impossible to ignore inflammatory bowel diseases. First of all, it is necessary to determine the cause of their occurrence. Only then can the appropriate treatment regimen be selected. If inflammation began due to a bacterial infection, then antibiotics can not be dispensed with. Allergic enterocolitis can be eliminated only when a person stops consuming foods that cause a reaction. Mandatory intake of antihistamines.
Helminthic infestations cannot be ignored. Parasites can not only damage the intestinal mucosa, but also cause a general weakening of the body. After antiparasitic treatment, it is important to monitor the patient's condition. In some cases, the course must be repeated several times. Toxins are often the cause of bowel disease. Inflammation begins with excessive use of alcohol or certain medications.
Regardless of the causes of problems with the intestines, it is important to restore its work. But this is difficult to do without special drugs that are designed to normalize the intestinal microflora. Such funds as Subalin, Narine, Symbiolact, Latsium, Normobakt and others can be assigned. The doctor selects the most suitable remedy, evaluating the general condition of the patient and taking into account in which particular area of the intestine inflammation occurs.