What's going on with my tongue?

Question

Sometimes, my tongue looks like it has blotches where taste buds are missing and it's irritated and hurts, and sometimes it's fine. It's been going on for a year now. Haven't seen the doctor yet. Could this be an allergic reaction? Help!

Answer 1

Registered Nurse here; Could be a number of things, however the first thing that comes to my mind, is your diet. If you have a tendency to eat a diet high in acid, like tomatos, tomatoe soup, pizza, Italian foods, Mexican foods, etc. Your likely to get mouth ulcers at intervals. Doesn't sound like an allergic reaction, sounds more like an irration. One can take 30cc of Maalox, with Benedryl exlier, read on container and see the correct dosage of Benedryle mix the Benedryl and Maalox together, swiss in mouth for about 30 seconds and swallow, this will coat the lesions in the mouth and offer you relieve. Strongly advise you to make an appointment and see your health care professional ASAP! If something is amidst your catching it early. Thanks for the opportunity to address your question.

Answer 2

Well this could be that you have yeast on the tongue! witch causes the taste buds to go away! and u really have to see your Doctor about this they can give you something for it.

Answer 3

<>That's a long time for an allergic reaction. Are you noticing any other symptoms? Changes in taste? "Funny" tastes? I would make that appointment, for your comfort, if nothing else.

Answer 4

First I would see you doctor, BUt it could be Thrush which is an yeast infection of the mouth

Answer 5

It could be glossitus, anemia, geographic tongue, actually after reading up on my advice or opinion, it more than likely is glossitus, that isthe term, but what causes it if for your doctor to determine. Below I will copy and paste the definition. I have this, that is why I chose to answer..

Tongue inflammation; Tongue infection
Definition Return to top

Glossitis is an abnormality of the tongue that results from inflammation.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Changes in the appearance of the tongue may be a primary tongue disorder, or it may be a symptom of other disorders. Glossitis occurs when there is acute or chronic inflammation of the tongue. It causes the tongue to swell and change color. Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue (papillae) are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth. Also see geographic tongue.

The causes of glossitis include:

Bacterial or viral infections (including oral herpes simplex)
Mechanical irritation or injury from burns, rough edges of teeth or dental appliances, or other trauma
Exposure to irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, hot foods, or spices
Allergic reaction to toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners, dyes in candy, plastic in dentures or retainers, or certain blood-pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)
Disorders such as iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia and other B-vitamin deficiencies, oral lichen planus, erythema multiform, aphthous ulcers, pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and others
Occasionally, glossitis can be inherited.

Symptoms Return to top

Tongue swelling
Smooth appearance to the tongue
Tongue color usually dark "beefy" red
Pale, if caused by pernicious anemia
Fiery red, if caused by deficiency of B vitamins
Sore and tender tongue
Difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking
Signs and tests Return to top

An examination by a dentist or health care provider shows a swollen tongue (or patches of swelling). The nodules on the surface of the tongue (papillae) may be absent. Detailed questions may be asked to determine the possible source of tongue inflammation, if injury or other local cause is not readily apparent. Blood tests may confirm systemic causes of the disorder.

Treatment Return to top

The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation. Treatment usually does not require hospitalization unless tongue swelling is severe.

Good oral hygiene is necessary, including thorough tooth brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least daily.

Corticosteroids such as prednisone may be given to reduce the inflammation of glossitis. For mild cases, topical applications (such as a prednisone mouth rinse that is not swallowed) may be recommended to avoid the side effects of swallowed or injected corticosteroids.

Antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other antimicrobials may be prescribed if the cause of glossitis is an infection. Anemia and nutritional deficiencies must be treated, often by dietary changes or other supplements. Avoid irritants (such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco) to minimize the discomfort.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Glossitis usually responds well to treatment if the cause of inflammation is removed or treated. This disorder may be painless, or it may cause tongue and mouth discomfort. In some cases, glossitis may result in severe tongue swelling that blocks the airway.

Complications Return to top

Discomfort
Airway blockage
Difficulties with speaking, chewing, or swallowing
Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of glossitis persist for longer than 10 days.

Call your health care provider if tongue swelling is severe and breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing difficulties are present. Blockage of the airway is an emergency situation that needs immediate attention.

Prevention Return to top

Good oral hygiene (thorough tooth brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning and examination) may be helpful to prevent these disorders. Minimize irritants or injury in the mouth when possible. Avoid excessive use of any food or substance that irritates the mouth or tongue.


Update Date: 1/23/2005

Answer 6

could be burning it, cancer is white and hurts, go see the docterrrrrrr