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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Brown Coloured Tongue In A HIV Positive Person?

My cousin is in his 70's. He is HIV positive and has been taking meds for quite awhile. He is now receiving dialysis. He went in for a hernia surgery today and has lost 20 lbs. in recent weeks. During today's exam for the surgery they saw that he has a brown tongue and told his sister to take him to an ENT tomorrow. What normally causes this?
Thu, 10 Sep 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern...
As per your complain and presentation of symptoms the brown coating of tongue is due to a condition known as BLACK HAIRY TONGUE due to which there is brown to black coating over the tongue..

It is a non-fatal condition and can be caused due to a number of common conditions like excessive bacterial and fungal growth in mouth, poor oral hygiene, excessive intake of antibiotics, over intake of tea and coffee, getting radiation for head and neck, taking bismuth containing medicines etc..

In case of HIV positive individuals it is commonly seen and especially HIV POSITIVE MALES..

You should consult an Oral Physician and get him evaluated and the treatment will depend on the cause..
In case of bacterial or fungal overgrowth antibiotics or antifungal medications will help..
In case of overgrown tongue papilla using a tongue cleaner for cleaning the tongue and using a soft brush to scrub the tongue will help..

Maintaining a good oral hygiene and taking raw fruits and vegetables will help in cleaning the tongue by frictional action and shedding off the overgrown papillae..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.
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What Causes Brown Coloured Tongue In A HIV Positive Person?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concern... As per your complain and presentation of symptoms the brown coating of tongue is due to a condition known as BLACK HAIRY TONGUE due to which there is brown to black coating over the tongue.. It is a non-fatal condition and can be caused due to a number of common conditions like excessive bacterial and fungal growth in mouth, poor oral hygiene, excessive intake of antibiotics, over intake of tea and coffee, getting radiation for head and neck, taking bismuth containing medicines etc.. In case of HIV positive individuals it is commonly seen and especially HIV POSITIVE MALES.. You should consult an Oral Physician and get him evaluated and the treatment will depend on the cause.. In case of bacterial or fungal overgrowth antibiotics or antifungal medications will help.. In case of overgrown tongue papilla using a tongue cleaner for cleaning the tongue and using a soft brush to scrub the tongue will help.. Maintaining a good oral hygiene and taking raw fruits and vegetables will help in cleaning the tongue by frictional action and shedding off the overgrown papillae.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards.. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.