Definition
The swollen tongue is a symptom that recognizes various causes.
If the mucosa appears red with fringed edges and if the impressions of the teeth remain, an underlying inflammation of the tongue may be present ( glossitis ). This condition can be caused by infections (including herpes simplex, candidiasis, syphilis and scarlet fever), wounds caused by sharp teeth or prostheses, burns and nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamins B12, folic acid, niacin, iron or zinc).
In addition to redness and swelling of the tongue, glossitis can cause an annoying sense of dryness, burning and pain, which makes it even difficult to swallow; in some cases, this disorder can also alter the perception of taste.
When the tongue suddenly increases in volume, however, an allergy may be present, more easily caused by food or drugs.
Other causes include myxedema caused by thyroid dysfunction, acromegaly and pellagra. Furthermore, the swollen tongue is found in the presence of amyloidosis, vascular malformations (eg lymphangioma or hemangioma) and tumors (eg neoplasms of the tongue).
This symptom may also represent a reaction to the ingestion of very hot or spicy drinks or foods or derive from exposure to various irritants, such as tobacco and alcohol.
Possible Causes * of Swollen Tongue
- Acromegaly
- Alcoholism
- Food Allergy
- Contact allergy
- Amyloidosis
- Anaphylaxis
- Anemia
- Beriberi
- Candida
- Celiac disease
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Herpes simplex
- Hypothyroidism
- Lichen planus
- Measles
- Pellagra
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Rubella
- Scarlet fever
- Syphilis
- Sjögren syndrome
- Burns
