Swollen tongue can have many causes. The swelling can be caused by allergies, irritating factors and traumas (alcohol, burns, bites), and a wide variety of diseases ranging from tongue infections to cancer.
Among the allergies that can leave the swollen tongue are allergies to insect bites, medications, food or even anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction).
Swelling in the tongue can also be caused by irritating factors and traumas, such as bites, burns from hot drinks or foods, dental appliances, cigarettes, or smoke and alcohol.
The swollen tongue can also be a sign of various diseases, such as syphilis, Down Syndrome, Herpes simplex virus infection, hypothyroidism, lymphangioma (malformations of lymphatic vessels, oral neurofibroma (benign tumor), vitamin B3 deficiency, pernicious anemia, pituitary gland and tongue cancer.
Other diseases that can cause swelling in the tongue include:
- Glossite: infection in the tongue caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, which causes swelling and color change of the tongue;
- Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: rare neurological disease whose main symptoms are swelling in the mouth and face, facial paralysis and fissured tongue;
- Acromegaly: type of hormonal disorder;
- Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome: genetic disease that causes over-normal growth, predisposition to tumors, and congenital malformations;
- Hereditary angioedema: severe genetic disease that causes swelling of the throat and other areas of the body;
- Sarcoma: cancer of certain tissues of the body, such as bones and muscles.
As there are many factors that can make the tongue swollen, some of them quite serious, it is important to check when the tongue has started to swell, how long the edema lasts, if the swelling comes and goes, if there is pain or even other symptoms.
If the swelling on the tongue is not properly treated, it may difficulty swallowing and breathing, as well as discomfort.
Consult an otolaryngologist, general practitioner, or family physician for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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