Tongue conditions

Question 1

Tongue condition : Glossitis

Answer 1

1. Appearance : inflamed tongue, becomes red, sore and swollen.

• Smooth appearance : The papillae of the tongue atrophy (shrink), giving the tongue a smooth appearance.

2. Causes:
   * Iron deficiency anaemia
   * B12 deficiency
   * Folate deficiency

Question 2

Tongue condition : Angioedema

Answer 2

Def : Fluid accumulation and dwelling
Causes :
* Allergic reactions
* ACE inhibitors

Question 3

Tongue condition : Oral candidiasis

Answer 3

1. Definition : overgrowth of candida fungus,
   white patches that coat the surface of the tongue and palate.
2. Causes
   * Inhaled corticosteroids (particularly with poor technique, not using a spacer and not rinsing with water afterwards)
   * Antibiotics (disrupt the normal bacterial flora giving candida a chance to thrive)
   * Diabetes
   * Immunodeficiency (consider HIV)

Question 4

Tongue condition : Geographic tongue

Answer 4

1. Definition : inflammatory condition
   Patches with irregular shapes : due to tongue’s surface lose the epithelium and papillae
2. Causes
   * Stress and mental illness
   * Psoriasis
   * Atopy (asthma, hayfever and eczema)
   * Diabetes

Question 5

Tongue condition : Strawberry tongue

Answer 5

1. Definition: Swollen and red, and the papillae become enlarged, white and prominent.
2. Causes
   * Scarlet fever
   * Kawasaki disease

Question 6

Tongue condition : Black hairy tongue

Answer 6

1. Definition : ‘Hair appearance’ and papillae elongation - decreased exfoliation of certain from tongue surface
2. Causes
   * Dry mouth, dehydration
   Smoking