Tongue problems
Alternative names:
dark tongue
Definition:
Soreness, enlargement, or irregularities of the tongue.
Considerations:
Tongue problems may include pain, hairy appearance, unusual color, unusual smoothness, swelling, ulcers, white lining, a split or groove in the tongue (fissure), cobblestone appearance, or positioning off to one side.
The tongue is mainly composed of muscles. It is covered with a mucous membrane. Small nodules of tissue (papillae) cover the upper surface of the tongue. Between the papillae are the taste buds, which provide the sense of taste. In addition to taste, the tongue functions in moving food to aid chewing and swallowing, and it is important in speech. Changes in appearance of the tongue may indicate a primary tongue disorder or may be a symptom of other disorders.
DIFFICULTY MOVING THE TONGUE properly is most often caused by damage to the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII). It may also be caused by ankyloglossia ("tongue-tie"), a disorder where the band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth (frenulum) is too short. These disorders rarely cause difficulty but may result in speech difficulties and/or difficulty moving food during chewing and swallowing.
TASTE ABNORMALITIES can be caused by damage to the taste buds, neurologic abnormalities, side effects of medications, infections, and many other conditions. The tongue normally senses sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes. Other "tastes" are actually a function of the sense of smell.
ENLARGEMENT OF THE TONGUE occurs with Down's syndrome, cretinism, acromegaly, myxedema, amyloidosis, rhabdomyoma, and other disorders. The tongue may broaden in persons with no teeth who do not have dentures.
TEMPORARY SWELLING AND COLOR CHANGES occur with acute or chronic inflammation of the tongue (glossitis). Papillae are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth. GEOGRAPHIC TONGUE (benign migratory glossitis) is a patchy form of glossitis where the location of inflammation and appearance changes may vary from day to day.
HAIRY TONGUE is a benign condition that involves enlargement and profusion of tongue papillae, causing the tongue to appear hairy or furry. Hairy tongue is not a harmful disorder, although it can appear worrisome. The disorder usually clears after antibiotics or other causes are resolved.
BLACK TONGUE occurs occasionally. The upper surface of the tongue turns black or brown in color, and in some cases the papillae elongate. This is an unsightly condition but not harmful.
PAIN IN THE TONGUE may occur with glossitis and geographic tongue. It may also occur in some post-menopausal women (for unknown causes) and with diabetic neuropathy. The tongue may be a site of oral cancer, mouth ulcers, and leukoplakia.
Common causes:
- Minor infections or irritations are the most common cause of tongue soreness.
- A viral ulcer or "canker sore" commonly appears on the tongue (or anywhere in the mouth) for no apparent reason. While it is not medically proven some doctors believe that viral ulcers are linked to emotional stress, fatigue, or lowered resistance.
- Injury (biting the tongue) can cause painful sores.
- A hangover or an allergic reaction to food or medication can cause a swollen tongue.
- Heavy smoking will irritate the tongue and make it painful.
- A smooth and pale tongue surface suggest nutritional (vitamin B-12) deficiencies.
- A coated tongue may be caused by dehydration, oral sex, or antibiotic side effects (such as thrush).
- An allergic reaction to food or medication can cause tongue swelling.
- A "hairy" appearing tongue (hairy leukoplakia) is a complication of AIDS.
Possible causes of tongue pain: Possible causes of tongue tremor: Possible causes of white tongue: Possible causes of smooth tongue: Possible causes of red (ranging from pink to magenta) tongue: Possible causes of tongue swelling: Possible causes of a hairy tongue: Possible cause of tongue fissure (grooves in the tongue): - congenital defect (normally occurs in 10% of population)
Note: There may be other causes of tongue problems. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for tongue problems, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
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