Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Bunring And Inflammation On Tongue?
Question: My tongue burns, is very red and irritated, feels like bumps in my tongue. EVERYTHING I eat seems to cause more of a burning sensation. This has been happening for over two to three weeks. Loss of taste. Just plain hurts and burns constantly.My throat is just now beginning to feel swelling. I am a former smoker.Could I have cancer of my mouth and throat?
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This seems to be a glossitis or a transient lingual papillitis along with burning mouth syndrome. These are harmless conditions. Cancer of the throat and mouth does not present like this.
2. Inflammation or mild infection of the taste buds leads to the loss of taste and the burning sensation.
3. Some of the possible causes are:
a. Overuse of mouthwashes,
b. Infections, including fungal (Thrush). Rule out daibetes with a blood sugar test.
c. Dehydration, decreased Salivary flow,
d. Nutritional and mineral deficiencies (including B Complex and Folic Acid),
e. Low hemoglobin (Anemia),
f. Acid reflux, Gastrointestinal upset, Stress,
g. Dental problems,
h. Food allergy or Intolerance,
i. Hormonal changes such as after Menopause,
j. Many rare causes which will require direct examination and tests.
4. Treatment is based on the most likely cause. Get adirect examination done and the above investigations done. Topical pain relief may be obtained by the use of Mucaine Gel or an anesthetic gel/mouthwash. 5% Amlexanox ointment and Rebamipide tablets will help.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This seems to be a glossitis or a transient lingual papillitis along with burning mouth syndrome. These are harmless conditions. Cancer of the throat and mouth does not present like this.
2. Inflammation or mild infection of the taste buds leads to the loss of taste and the burning sensation.
3. Some of the possible causes are:
a. Overuse of mouthwashes,
b. Infections, including fungal (Thrush). Rule out daibetes with a blood sugar test.
c. Dehydration, decreased Salivary flow,
d. Nutritional and mineral deficiencies (including B Complex and Folic Acid),
e. Low hemoglobin (Anemia),
f. Acid reflux, Gastrointestinal upset, Stress,
g. Dental problems,
h. Food allergy or Intolerance,
i. Hormonal changes such as after Menopause,
j. Many rare causes which will require direct examination and tests.
4. Treatment is based on the most likely cause. Get adirect examination done and the above investigations done. Topical pain relief may be obtained by the use of Mucaine Gel or an anesthetic gel/mouthwash. 5% Amlexanox ointment and Rebamipide tablets will help.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Doc, Your response makes perfect sense to me. I am diabetic.In March of this year I broke my shoulder (Humorous bone). I developed a yeast infection in the crook of my arm where the sling was holding it in a bent position. I then got thrush in my mouth and was treated with a liquid medicine called Magic Mary's. Since then I have battled the recurrence of this mouth thrush it seems every week or so. My mouth is now constantly burning and constantly painful. Is there any other treatment I can or should consider that will make this clear up for good?
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. The treatment should include:
a. Direct examination.
b. Strict control of blood sugar levels.
c. A throat swab for bacterial and fungal culture and sensitivity.
d. Medication based on the above report
2. The Magic Mary's mouthwash may be changed to a fungal mouth paint containing clotrimazole, also depending upon the culture report. Oral anti-fungal medication may be required.
3. Intravenous (I.V.) anti-fungal medication and antibiotics may be of help if the above fails. Follow the guidelines above for a long term cure.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. The treatment should include:
a. Direct examination.
b. Strict control of blood sugar levels.
c. A throat swab for bacterial and fungal culture and sensitivity.
d. Medication based on the above report
2. The Magic Mary's mouthwash may be changed to a fungal mouth paint containing clotrimazole, also depending upon the culture report. Oral anti-fungal medication may be required.
3. Intravenous (I.V.) anti-fungal medication and antibiotics may be of help if the above fails. Follow the guidelines above for a long term cure.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
