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What Causes Swelling On The Left Side Of The Tongue?

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Posted on Tue, 27 Dec 2016
Question: Hello
I have been dealing with something called “burning mouth syndrome” for a while—I’ve seen several professionals for this and am learning to live with it.
Today, however, and perhaps a few times over the past week, I’m noticing that the left side of my tongue seems a bit swollen. I think. This area often aches and is the center of much of the burning sensation. I have been examined by dentist- twice now. There are no visible lesions of any sort. I’m attaching pictures as best I can. I’m not sure how well it will show anything.
I'm ashamed to admit this is making me a bit anxious. Is there any concern for something more nefarious- tongue cancer? No lesions, just an occasional ache and this bit of swelling.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nothing serious, not cancerous, anxiety is normal..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

As per your description and the images attached, I cannot see any visible changes or lesions over the tongue, so you need not to worry about Cancer at all..

As you already have Burning Mouth Syndrome, the pain and burning sensation can be due to it also, however swelling on tongue and pain or burning can be due to mild allergic reaction to any food or medicine..

However at present swelling is also not apparent on the tongue..

In case if you see visible swelling on tongue you can take anti allergic medication like Levocetrizine for relief..

Also please mention the treatment or remedies that you are taking for Burning Mouth Syndrome so that I can guide you accordingly..
Also what cause is ruled out for the same, please mention..

Hope this helps..

Regards..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (51 minutes later)
Thank you kindly for your reply.
I have been dealing with burning mouth syndrome for a year now. I have seen several specialists ranging from dentist, ENT to neurologist.
The origin in my case is felt to be very strange. I had a definite immediate reaction to taking a drug called diflucan in Aug/08 for a vaginal yeast infection. First one I ever had- at age 49. Within 48 hours, my tongue and lips started to burn terribly.
I never made the connection—who would. I thought it an allergic reaction perhaps to something I ate. No one could figure it out. I had started to improve somewhat when in November I developed a second yeast infection, again was prescribed the medication and had the same immediate reaction, but worse. This time I made the connection. I’ve seen a neurologist specializing in the condition and he tells me I am the third person he has seen who developed this after taking diflucan. It is rare, but known supposedly. Hypothesis—This strong antifungal upset the balance in the mouth and allowed the (latent) shingles virus to flourish, affecting the trigeminal nerve path to the tongue. Basically- a rashless case of shingles that left herpetic nerve damage in its wake. I’m not really sure I’m on board with this—but not much about this makes sense. No one else has any idea. It's been very frustrating and hard to deal with. I'm seeing a psychologist for help in learning to live with it, but the anxiety gets to me sometimes.
I have pretty severe drug sensitivities and know which ones to avoid. Antidepressants are not an option for me. I had tried at this point Neurontin, which was no help. Also valium, no effect and did not wish to be addicted. Right now, I am trying a very lo dose klonapin swish and spit—but sparingly and it doesn’t really help anyhow. I mostly get through the day with gum and xylimelts, which help the most. I avoid anything citric and very sugary as that has an effect as well.
The burn feels like black pepper on my tongue and will at times spread to my lips and upper palate. What concerns me now it this tendency for the tongue to ache (can this be nerve related as well?) and the swelling I see in the area that aches.

Thank you for your swift reply and looking at the photos
doctor
Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Seems to be allergic reaction only..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome back..

Well, the swelling on tongue and aching can be most probably due to allergies only, however nerve related disorders can be a cause but it will cause numbing of tongue and not commonly swelling..

For burning and swelling you can also such ice popsicles that will surely help..

Eat more of Probiotics like Yogurt as it will help in maintaining good bacteria and reduce the chances of fungal infection...

Hope this helps..

Regards..
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
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Answered by
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Dr. Honey Arora

Dentist

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 14089 Questions

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What Causes Swelling On The Left Side Of The Tongue?

Brief Answer: Nothing serious, not cancerous, anxiety is normal.. Detailed Answer: Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. As per your description and the images attached, I cannot see any visible changes or lesions over the tongue, so you need not to worry about Cancer at all.. As you already have Burning Mouth Syndrome, the pain and burning sensation can be due to it also, however swelling on tongue and pain or burning can be due to mild allergic reaction to any food or medicine.. However at present swelling is also not apparent on the tongue.. In case if you see visible swelling on tongue you can take anti allergic medication like Levocetrizine for relief.. Also please mention the treatment or remedies that you are taking for Burning Mouth Syndrome so that I can guide you accordingly.. Also what cause is ruled out for the same, please mention.. Hope this helps.. Regards..