Glossitis

Glossitis is a catarrhal or purulent inflammation of the tissues of the tongue. This term also denotes symptomatic (pernicious anemia, beriberi, certain dermatoses, acute infections) changes in language and anomalies of the structure (rhomboid, folded tongue, etc.).

Etiology. Locally irritating factors, a stab injection, bite and other injuries.

Symptoms, course. With a catarrhal glossitis, a burning sensation in the tongue, a pain when ingesting spicy food. The tongue is hyped, swollen, the papillae of the tongue are preserved. With abscess of the tongue, the growing pain, aggravated from contact; Speech is indistinct, drooling, the tongue is enlarged unevenly, the borders of the swelling are indistinct, the development is slow. With phlegmon of the tongue - pain, violation of swallowing, speech, breathing, salivation. Edema of the bottom of the mouth and neck, intoxication, fever.

Treatment of catarrhal glossitis - elimination of irritating factors (tartar, sharp edge of the tooth, dentures), irrigation of the oral cavity with 2% sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. Abscess and phlegmon require surgical treatment, with phlegmon-urgent.

Prognosis: catarrhal glossitis occurs in a few days; With purulent - a radical dissection and active antibiotic therapy predetermine a favorable outcome.