Glossitis and Tongue Related Conditions

An acute or chronic inflammation of the tongue. Glossitis may be either a primary or secondary manifestation of disease. Systemic disorders that may cause the problem include: vitamin deficiency (esp. B vitamins), anemia (pernicious or iron deficiency) and a multitude of skin diseases (aphthous lesions, pemphigus, erythema multiform, lichen planus, etc.). Local problems that may give rise to glossitis include: mechanical trauma (poorly fitting dentures, jagged teeth), sensitization (toothpastes, candy/gum additives, mouthwashes), or direct oral irritants (alcohol, tobacco, spicy foods).

When the main reason for the glossitis is uncovered the condition may usually be quickly reversed. All ulcerated lesions that fail to heal after 1-2 weeks should be biopsied.

Symptoms

The manifestations of glossitis vary immensely depending on the cause and the patient's own response to the initiating factor. Often, the severity of the lesions does not correlate with the patient's report on symptom severity.

As the tongue is often a valuable mirror for disease in the body (particularly in Chinese medicine) a patient presenting with glossitis should be studied closely on a systemic level.

Suggested Nutritional Supplementation

Pellagra, pernicious anemia, smoking, mechanical irritation: Reddened edges and tip of tongue. Also heart disease

(Chinese medicine). In later states of pellagra the entire tongue is fiery red, ulcerated and swollen.