This document discusses glossitis, or inflammation of the tongue. Glossitis can be primary, caused by things like infections, mechanical irritation, or allergies. Or it can be secondary, caused by underlying conditions like iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B deficiency, oral lichen planus, or syphilis. Symptoms include tongue swelling, color changes, soreness, and difficulty speaking, swallowing, or chewing. Diagnosis involves examination and sometimes blood tests. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation with good oral hygiene, steroids, antibiotics/antifungals if an infection is present, and treating any underlying deficiencies. Resolution is usually rapid but complications can include discomfort, airway obstruction, difficulty swallowing or speaking

1. GLOSSITISInflammation of the TongueMay be PRIMARY or SECONDARY

2. CausesGlossitis may occur as a primary condition• Causes may include: – Bacterial / Viral Infections – Mechanical Irritation from teeth,denturesetc. – Tobacco, Hot Food, Alcohol – Allergy to toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.

3. Causes of secondary GlossitisIron Deficiency Anemia• Pernicious Anemia• Vitamin B Deficiency• Oral Lichen Planus• Syphilis • Aphthous Ulcers

4. SymptomsTongue Swelling• Tongue becomes smooth and loosespapillae (finger-like projections on surface)• Color change – Usually dark red, like uncooked beef. – Pale if pernicious anemia. – Fiery red if Vitamin B deficiency.

5. Symptoms ContinuedSore and tender tongueDifficulty swallowing, chewing & talkingDIAGNOSISDiagnosis is usually achieved by Examination of the clinical features Blood tests may be required to diagnose underlying systemic disease

7. TreatmentAim of treatment is to reduce inflammation• Good oral hygiene is essential• Steroids may be used to reduce the inflammation. An oral suspension ofPrednisolone may be used in mild cases to prevent the side effects associated with systemic steroids.• Systemic Steroids used in severe cases

8. Antibiotics, Antifungal medications may be prescribed for treatment of infectionTreatment of underlying anemia or nutritional deficiencies may be required Avoid irritants such as tobacco, hot, spicy food and alcohol

9. Prognosis and ComplicationsResolution is usually complete and rapid COMPLICATIONS MAY INCLUDEDiscomfortAirway ObstructionDysphagiaDysphonia