For a long time, doctors relied on signals from our bodies to figure out what disease they were dealing with. One of the red flags of our health was the language. Thanks to the visual analysis of this organ, doctors could identify the problem that afflicted us with relative precision. Today, this practice has been replaced by instrumental diagnostics. But the language can still tell us a lot about how we are. It is enough to know how to observe it.
A fit language
To recognize a sick language we need to know what a fit language looks like. It should be pink in color, with a lighter center, moist and smooth edges. Those with a fit tongue should be able to lift it from the palate effortlessly.
Beware of these tongue problems as they could be caused by serious illnesses
When our tongue is inflamed, we could have glossitis. Those who suffer from it have a red tongue, severe burning and sometimes have atrophied or thickened papillae. This condition can affect taste perception and, due to the pain it causes, chewing. But glossitis, in itself, is not a disease: it could instead indicate an ongoing pathology, be the effect of food shortages or the abuse of harmful substances. Recognizing it is important: if our language changes drastically, we contact a doctor.
Types
Glossitis can be of different types, depending on how and how quickly it occurs.
- Acute glossitis develops extremely rapidly and has severe symptoms.
- In migrant glossitis, the tongue has dark pink or red spots surrounded by yellow borders.
- Chronic glossitis recurs all the time.
- Hunter’s glossitis damages the muscles of the tongue and taste buds.
- Even those with atrophic glossitis suffer damage to the taste buds (they lose in large numbers). In these cases the tongue generally takes on a dark red color.
Cures and possible causes
The inflammation may go away on its own in a few days. If it persists, the doctor may prescribe analgesic, antimicrobial, or corticosteroid-based mouthwashes. He may also recommend specific vitamins.
Your doctor will pay particular attention to these tongue problems as they may be caused by serious illness. If he notices anything strange, he will tell us what further examination to take. Saliva or blood analysis of the inflamed areas, or a histological examination of the soft tissues and blisters, if any.
Glossitis can have several causes. The chronic one, for example, could tell us that our diet is wrong: B12, folic acid, iron or zinc deficiency. An acute glossitis could indicate an allergic reaction, drug intoxication or even be the symptom of diseases such as scarlet fever. Cirrhosis and oral infections (such as candidiasis) can also lead to glossitis, as can celiac disease and gastroesophageal reflux. If the tongue were pale, we could be suffering from anemia. It is always necessary to see a doctor and undergo thorough tests to ascertain what causes glossitis. Let’s just remember that lifestyle also affects the well-being of our language. If we abuse alcohol, smoke, antibiotics and if we eat a lot of spicy foods, she could suffer from them.