Tongue Conditions Flashcards
What is glossitis
Inflamed tongue, becoming red, swollen and sore
What happens to the papillae of the tongue in glossitis
They atrophy which give the tongue a smooth appearance
Causes of glossitis
Iron def anaemia, B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, coeliac disease, injury or irritant exposure
Management of glossitis
Correcting underlying cause
Top three causes of angioedema
Allergic reactions, ACEIs, C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency
What is oral candidiasis
Oral thrush - overgrowth of fungus in the mouth
Presentation of oral candidiasis
White spots or patches that coat the surface of the tongue and palate
Common factors which predispose someone to develop oral candidiasis
Inhaled corticosteroids, antibiotics, diabetes, immunodeficiency, smoking
Treatment options for oral candidiasis
Miconazole gel, Nystatin suspension, Fluconazole tablets
What is geographic tongue
Inflammatory condition where patches of the tongue’s surface lose the epithelium and papille
What can geographic tongue be associated with
Stress and mental illness, psoriasis, atopy, diabetes
Typical course of geographic tongue
Relapsing and remitting condition with abnormal tongue appearance lasting days to weeks before resolving or changing
Treatment of geographic tongue
Does not cause any harmful effects, usually not requiring treatment, symptoms such as burning or discomfort sometimes treated with topical steroids or antihistamines
What is strawberry tongue
Occurs when the tongue becomes swollen and red, and the papillae become enlarged, white and prominent
Two key causes of strawberry tongue
Scarlet fever and Kawasaki disease
