ENT - Tongue Conditions Flashcards
What is glossitis?
Glossitis refers to an inflamed tongue that becomes red, sore, and swollen, with atrophy of the papillae, giving a smooth appearance
Can be called beefy
What causes glossitis?
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Coeliac disease
- Injury or irritant exposure
Management involves correcting underlying cause
What is angioedema?
Angioedema refers to fluid accumulating in the tissues, resulting in swelling that can affect areas such as limbs, face, lips, and tongue
Can cause tongue to swell if affected
What are the three top causes of angioedema?
- Allergic reactions
- ACE inhibitors
- C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency (hereditary angioedema)
What is oral candidiasis also known as?
Oral candidiasis is also called oral thrush, referring to an overgrowth of candida in the mouth, resulting in white spots or patches
Results in white spots or patches that coat the surface of the tongue and palate
What are the predisposing factors for oral candidiasis?
- Inhaled corticosteroids (with poor technique, not using spacer and not rinsing with water)
- Antibiotics
- Diabetes
- Immunodeficiency (consider HIV)
- Smoking
What are the treatment options for oral candidiasis?
- Miconazole gel
- Nystatin suspension
- Fluconazole tablets (in severe or recurrent cases)
What is geographic tongue?
Geographic tongue is an inflammatory condition where patches of the tongue’s surface lose epithelium and papillae, resembling a map
Patches form irregular shapes with countries and oceans
Benign condition that does not cause harmful effects
Usually does not need treatment
Symptoms e.g. discomfort or burning can be treated with topic steroids or antihistamines
What are the associations of geographic tongue?
- Stress and mental illness
- Psoriasis
- Atopy (asthma, hayfever, eczema)
- Diabetes
What characterizes a strawberry tongue?
A strawberry tongue appearance occurs when the tongue becomes swollen and red, with enlarged, white, and prominent papillae
What are the key causes of strawberry tongue?
- Scarlet fever
- Kawasaki disease
What is black hairy tongue?
Black hairy tongue results from decreased shedding of keratin, leading to elongated papillae that appear like hairs
Bacteria and food cause dark pigmentation
Patients can report sticky saliva and metallic taste
What may contribute to the development of black hairy tongue?
- Dehydration
- Dry mouth
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
What is the management for black hairy tongue?
- Ensuring adequate hydration
- Gentle brushing of the tongue
- Stopping smoking
