Glossitis

Glossitis

Halogenosis (bad breath) caused by the activity of pathogens.
Some forms of glossitis affect taste and can cause burning or tenderness when people eat or talk. These manifestations can significantly impair quality of life.

It is important to remember that in rare cases glossitis is accompanied by general symptoms, such as fever and swollen lymph nodes, which may indicate a systemic inflammatory process. In some cases, medical attention and appropriate treatment are necessary to prevent complications and alleviate the patient's condition.
In clinical practice, there are several forms of glossitis, each of which is determined by specific changes and symptoms:

Catarrhal glossitis

Description: Swelling, redness and plaque on the tongue are characteristic.

Causes: The inflammation is usually caused by exposure to traumatic factors such as chemical or thermal injuries, toxins from bacteria or fungi. In some cases, catarrhal glossitis may be associated with anemia, deficiencies, metabolic disorders, or digestive disorders.

Ulcerative glossitis (aphthous glossitis)
Description:
One or more ulcers (aphtha) appear on the tongue, causing bleeding, swelling, pain, and a general feeling of illness.
Manifestations: Pain in the tongue and mouth makes eating difficult. Ulcerative glossitis may result from a complication of catarrhal glossitis or from diseases of the oral cavity or internal organs.

Phlegmonous glossitis suppurative

It is a severe disease in which the inflammatory process affects the deep tissues of the tongue and the bottom of the mouth. Patients experience significant deterioration in overall health and symptoms of intoxication: fever, headache, weakness, chills, and others. Severe pain and changes in the structure of the tongue make it impossible to eat or even drink. Treatment is carried out in the hospital using surgical methods.

In addition to purulent-phlegmonous glossitis, in clinical practice there are other forms of this disease characterized by specific changes:

Desquamative glossitis (geographic language)

It is also known as migratory glossitis. The tongue appears pink-red and discolored on the surface, resembling a map. These spots can change their position and shape. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but it is usually associated with disorders of internal organs or allergic reactions.

Midline glossitis rhomboid

A rhomboid-shaped thickening area, which may be red or blue, forms on the back of the tongue in the middle. There are several types of the disorder: flat, bumpy, and papillomatous.

Atrophic glossitis

The entire surface of the tongue is smooth and bright red. This area lasts for a long time without change, but sometimes people may feel that the tongue has contracted. Blood vessels are characteristically dilated and there are no signs of inflammation in the superficial layers.

Gunter's glossitis

It is also known as the Crimson Tongue and is one of the signs of vitamin B12 and B9 hypovitaminosis. The surface of the tongue becomes as smooth and shiny as varnished.

Mycotic (fungal, candidal) glossitis

It manifests as swelling and a dense white patch on the surface of the tongue. When examined in detail, wrinkles and grooves can be seen. It is most common among children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people.

Fold glossitis

This is a congenital anomaly characterized by the folds and grooves on the back of the tongue, which can have different directions. There are no complaints in patients.

Tongue black hairy

This form is also called villous glossitis. The filiform papillae grow and devour on the surface of the tongue and turn dark. The exact cause of this condition is unclear, but, apart from the visible symptoms, patients have no complaints.

Causes of Tongue Inflammation
Inflammation of the tongue can be caused by many factors, either alone or in combination. Sometimes the exact cause is difficult to establish.

Common causes of glossitis include

Allergy.
Acute inflammation is often associated with an allergic reaction to foods, hygiene products, prosthetic materials, or medicines. Patients complain of swelling and pain.

Injury.
Cuts, burns, or persistent irritation from the sharp edges of carious cavities, crowns, or braces can lead to chronic inflammation. Long-term exposure to injuries can cause serious complications, including cancer.

Diseases of internal organs.

Geographic language is common among people with psoriasis. Glossitis may also be associated with deficiencies of vitamins B and iron, as well as diseases of the digestive system and blood.

Infections.

Helicobacter pylori (Helicobacter pylori) may contribute to the development of atrophic glossitis. However, there are other infectious agents, such as Candida and herpes viruses, which can also cause inflammation of the tongue.