There is an opinion that the eyes can tell about our internal state. But language can tell about our health. By the state of this body, you can find out about the problems of the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammatory processes that occur in the body provoke a disease of the tongue. One of them is glossitis. Treatment depends on the cause of the pathology.
Glossitis is an inflammatory or dystrophic reaction of the mucous membranes of the tongue to an irritant or infection. Most often, an ailment is not an independent disease. It is a symptom of more serious body problems. By changing the surface of the organ, its color, size, it is possible to preliminarily diagnose metabolic disorders, impaired functioning of the immune system and the gastrointestinal tract, and blood disease.
Causes of pathology
Since with glossitis, the causes and treatment are interconnected, the conversation should begin with the factors that cause the disease.
If the disease is independent in nature, the reasons that provoked it should include:
- The direct effect of infection on the mucous membrane: gingivitis, stomatitis.
- Mechanical injury: damage by sharp edges of the teeth, bones when eating food (poultry, fish), prostheses, burns to the oral cavity.
- Frequently repeated harmful effects. This refers to nicotine, alcohol, spicy dishes.
- The response to an allergic reaction when using toothpaste, chewing gum, rinse and other rinses.
- Congenital pathologies and abnormalities of the development of the tongue. In a newborn, folded glossitis is sometimes diagnosed. As a result of this disease, the shape of the organ of touch changes in the child, and its size increases.
Common diseases
We continue to talk about the factors that cause glossitis. The causes and treatment of this pathology depend on whether it is a symptom or is independent. The second speech was discussed above, now let's talk about common diseases, where inflammation of the mucous membrane of the tongue is a sign:
- Infections (rubella, measles, scarlet fever, AIDS, syphilis, tuberculosis, lichen and others).
- Allergic reactions (diathesis, urticaria, dermatitis).
- Blood-related diseases (anemia, significant loss of blood).
- Disruption of the digestive system (gastritis, hepatitis, ulcer, dysbiosis, colitis, helminths).
- Lack of vitamins A, E, group B, folic acid.
- Autoimmune system diseases (collagenoses, rheumatism, periarthritis nodosa).
The basic principles of treatment
The doctor diagnosed glossitis. Treatment begins with the elimination of the underlying cause.
To relieve pain during eating, you will have to switch to a sparing diet:
- soups only mashed;
- liquid cereals - boiled;
- vegetable puree.
For severe pain, make nutritious cocktails from eggs, milk, sugar. Drink them through a straw.
With glossitis, treatment at home is as follows:
- Rinse your mouth with a disinfectant solution. You can apply: "Furacilin", "Chlorhexidine", potassium permanganate. The procedure is performed several times a day, before and after meals.
- If the pain is strong, then anesthetic applications with the following drugs will help: Lidocaine, Trimecaine, Pyromecaine.
- The surface of the tongue is lubricated with a mixture of glycerin with "Anestezin" if the mucous membrane is dry.
- In order to remove plaque, fibrin, damaged epithelium, cotton swabs are used. They are wetted in a solution containing proteolytic enzymes. With erosion and ulcers, preference is given to applications with Trypsin or Chymotrypsin.
- For speedy healing, gel-like products are used: Solcoseryl, Retinol (oil solution), and Vinisol.
If glossitis is diagnosed, home treatment includes a “combination” of drugs and home remedies.
In case of infection, the specialist prescribes antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the inflammatory process. To home "helpers" include herbal decoctions.
Depending on the characteristic symptoms of glossitis of the tongue, causes and treatment, the disease is divided into classes. We are going to talk about them now.
Desquamative and candidal
How is desquamative (geographical) glossitis manifested?
Symptoms
- the epithelial layer is affected;
- papillae are desquamated;
- the surface of the tongue is like a map (white ridges, red spots).
Another name for this species is migratory. Affected areas are restored, and healthy (neighboring) inflamed. Such symptoms are characteristic in violation of the endocrine, circulatory and digestive systems.
The treatment of glossitis of this type is the treatment of a disease that leads to inflammation of the organ of taste.
How is candidal (fungal) glossitis manifested? It indicates the presence of a fungal infection in the body and a decrease in the level of immunity.
Symptoms
- the tongue is covered with a dense white coating;
- a large number of transverse and longitudinal grooves.
Treatment of candidal glossitis is as follows:
- Recovery of microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity.
- The use of drugs that kill fungal cells and normalize the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract.
Often, doctors prescribe Nistan.
Hunter, rhomboid and catarrhal
The next view is Gunter (Meller-Gunther). It is the most striking symptom of the initial stage of a disease such as malignant anemia.
Symptoms
- There are no papillae in the tongue.
- The color of the organ of touch becomes crimson or deep red with a shiny surface.
Treatment of glossitis of the tongue at home is the implementation of the appointments of a hematologist and therapist to eliminate the pathology of the blood forming organs. The general condition of the body is normalized - the symptoms of inflammation of the tongue will disappear.
How does the diamond-shaped form of the disease manifest itself?
Symptoms
- Thickening of the epithelium.
- The plot is red-blue, the shape is an oval or rhombus. Located on the back of the tongue. These signs are a distinctive feature of glossitis of this species.
There are three forms of the disease: tubercular, flat, papillomatous. This inflammation provokes problems of the gastrointestinal tract.
What therapy is prescribed for rhomboid glossitis of the tongue? Drug treatment is usually not carried out. With the progression of the disease, the development of a hyperplastic form, surgical intervention will be required.
How is the catarrhal form of the disease manifested?
Symptoms
- Inflammation and swelling.
- In severe form, the tongue increases, hypersalivation appears. The cause of this type of disease is stomatitis, mechanical tissue damage, metabolic disturbance.
Alternative treatment of catarrhal glossitis, first of all, includes the treatment of affected areas of the tongue. Antiseptic, wound healing drugs are used.
At the same time, treatment of the disease that provoked inflammation should be carried out.
Atrophic, aphthous, folded
How is atrophic glossitis manifested?
Symptoms
- Complete disappearance of the papillae or their reduction.
- Difficulty talking.
- The appearance of ulcers.
- Strengthening salivation.
The cause of this type of disease is vitamin deficiency or gonorrheal lesion of the tongue.
Atrophic glossitis is treated quite simply. Vitamin A and E preparations are used.
Aphthous is a consequence of the catarrhal form of the disease. Occurs if treatment was untimely.
Symptoms
- The formation of ulcers on the upper layer of the tongue.
- With a deeper lesion, the sense of touch swells, the sores bleed.
- Bad smell.
- Gray plaque.
The glossitis of the tongue is treated with drugs of this type - anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, vitamins.
Often used "Hydrocortisone" and "Prednisone".
Folded is a consequence of a gene abnormality. This species is diagnosed, usually at birth.
Symptoms
- A large number of folds.
- With a lack of vitamins, keratinization, dryness, cracking, and pain appear.
Treatment is required only if the pathology causes inconvenience to the person.
Phlegmonous, allergic and villous
We continue to get acquainted with the types of disease.
Phlegmonous glossitis. It spreads throughout the tongue and passes to the lower part of the oral cavity, chin, neck. In this case, the ailment is called deep glossitis.
Symptoms
- The appearance of abscesses and phlegmon.
- The general condition of a person worsens.
- The temperature rises, severe headaches torment.
- Tongue swells, hurts.
- Difficulty breathing.
When diagnosing deep glossitis, treatment with folk remedies will not help. Surgery will be required. An abscess is excised, and then antibacterial drugs are prescribed.
How is allergic glossitis manifested?
Symptoms
- burning;
- swelling;
- redness.
Treatment is the elimination of an allergen.
The villous appearance of the disease. The exact cause of the disease has not been established.
Symptoms
- The filiform papillae located in the back and in the center of the tongue turn black.
- Papillae are growing. Sometimes they can reach two centimeters in length.
- Coming, gagging.
- Dryness and feeling of cottoniness in the mouth.
Before starting treatment, the doctor conducts a visual examination, finds out the anamnesis, directs the patient for analysis. Adult treatment involves removing the papillae with tweezers. After the procedure, the surface of the tongue is treated with a three percent solution of copper sulfate.
Chronic, interstitial, and wandering
How is the chronic appearance manifested? The reason for its appearance is incorrect or incomplete treatment. Go to this form can be any form of inflammation of the tongue.
The interstitial view is the precancerous condition of the organ of touch. The reason for its appearance is syphilis.
Symptoms
- Muscle tissue is replaced by connective tissue.
- The tongue becomes dense and loses its mobility.
Treatment consists in getting rid of the underlying disease (syphilis).
How is the superficial type of ailment manifested? There is a lesion of the upper layer of the epithelium. The inflammatory process does not extend to other organs and tissues.
Symptoms
- The mucous membrane of the tongue is inflamed.
- The organ has a grayish coating, it has a reddish color and swelling.
- When eating, painful sensations appear.
- Possible loss of taste, the appearance of increased salivation and burning.
Since the cause of this ailment is a problem with the gastrointestinal tract, infection, the treatment is to eliminate them.
Acute is the primary occurrence of inflammation in the tongue. The most interesting is acute pseudomembranous glossitis. It is a variety of candidiasis.
Symptoms
- White curd coating.
- The transition from a mild to a more serious stage, where the formation of purulent infiltration occurs.
How is herpes glossitis manifested? The cause of its formation is the herpes virus.
Symptoms
- Severe itching.
- Burning and worsening general condition.
- On the surface of the organ of touch and taste, bubbles with a clear liquid appear.
Used for herpetic glossitis for the treatment of immunostimulating drugs.
Children and ailment
Let's talk a little about inflammation of the tongue in children. Most often, the cause of its appearance is a trauma to the tongue: improperly placed filling, biting the organ of taste, eating hot food. An infection gets into the wound and inflammation develops.
The main symptom is pain.
If the cause is helminthic invasion, desquamative glossitis develops . With this form, children do not complain about anything. Most often, parents go to the doctor only after they notice strange spots on the tongue.
The factors causing this form of the disease include: atopic dermatitis, disease of the endocrine system, blood and gastrointestinal tract.
Children with diabetes, weakened immunity can suffer from candida glossitis.
In a child, treatment should be comprehensive and only as directed by a doctor. If there are no special complaints, then special treatment for the disease is not carried out.
If the baby feels discomfort, then the following activities are carried out:
- Remediation of the oral cavity. For these purposes, decoctions of herbs, antiseptics, elixirs for rinsing are used.
- Application "Anestezin" with an oil solution of vitamin E.
- Analgesics and stimulants of epithelization, anti-inflammatory, drugs that strengthen the walls of blood vessels are prescribed.
- Physiotherapy with analgesics is performed.
- Do not forget about vitamins.
Traditional medicine to help
At the beginning of the article, you saw how the glossitis of the language looks in the photo. Treatment in adults and children includes not only the use of drugs, but also traditional medicine. A few recipes will come in handy. They will help, accelerate recovery:
- A decoction made from chamomile flowers has antiseptic and wound healing properties. One tablespoon of the plant is brewed with a glass of boiling water. It is infused for one hour. It is filtered. Rinse four times a day after meals and at bedtime.
- Sage. Two teaspoons are poured with five hundred milligrams of boiled water. Infused for thirty minutes. It is filtered and used to rinse.
- Horseradish juice is also used for glossitis. Fifty milliliters of juice is taken, mixed with the same amount of distilled water. The mixture boils for fifteen minutes. It is advisable to rinse with warm broth.
- A good antibacterial agent is tea tree oil. It is diluted with any vegetable oil in a proportion of one to one. This tool lubricates damaged areas. You can put the medicine in your mouth and hold for several minutes.
- For a time, a decoction of eucalyptus with mint will relieve the pain. A warm broth is taken in the mouth and held for a couple of minutes.
- You can rinse your mouth with warm water with soda and a few drops of iodine.
- Honey water will also help. An excellent remedy is one teaspoon of honey, held in the mouth until completely resorbed.
When you can treat the disease yourself
Of course, not everyone has a desire to visit a doctor. Many people prefer home treatment. Unfortunately, the patient does not always understand the seriousness of the pathology. Begin to use their knowledge and the tips of others while staying at home. Sometimes this leads to complications.
You can stay at home only in mild cases. These include damage to the surface of the tongue as a result of a small burn, mechanical stress. But, no matter how you would like, you should still consult with a specialist.
Herbal medicine is usually used at home. They will help to cope with the pathology of oak bark, chamomile, coriander, basil, calendula. From these plants prepare decoctions for rinsing the oral cavity.
If the disease does not go away for a long time, you can not do without a doctor. You will have to consult a specialist if it is impossible to establish the origin of glossitis.
Listen to the people
You are already with symptoms and treatment for glossitis of the tongue. The reviews of those who survived this ailment can also suggest something.
Former patients claim that special attention should be paid to nutrition during treatment. If the diet is not reviewed, then healing and recovery will take longer.
You can hear such an opinion: a good alternative treatment is drinking soda and honey. First rub your tongue with soda, and then with honey. Of course, this tool is not for children. When using soda, the tongue hurts. Will have to tolerate.
Another way to get rid of the problem is to use Trachisan tablets. Doctors recommend dissolving them every three hours. On the third day, relief comes: the pain goes away, and the redness subsides.
Wounds of applications with rosehips, ointments, where vitamin A is present, heal well.
During treatment, do not forget about oral hygiene. Former "sufferers" say that getting rid of the disease will progress slowly if after each meal there is no mouthwash with a decoction of calendula or sage.
Former patients say that the most modern treatment is to increase immunity.
Running the disease is not worth it. Sometimes one day of delay can create a problem for a long time. The tongue is swollen, sore, impossible to eat. It’s better to go to the doctor right away.
Prevention
A disease is better to prevent than to treat. Here's what to do to prevent glossitis from becoming your “companion”:
- Carefully observe oral hygiene.
- Stop drinking and smoking.
- Eat less hot, spicy and rough foods.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Diseases that provoke glossitis, treat in a timely manner.
- Do not forget about vitamins.
- More often take tests and conduct an examination.
A reliable diagnosis can only be made by a specialist. Therefore, abandon self-diagnosis and self-medication. After all, you do not want the harmless disease at the initial stage in the future to turn into a big problem.
So, we got acquainted with the types, symptoms of glossitis of the tongue and photo. Treatment in adults and children has also been reviewed.