Overgrowth conditions such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and vascular anomalies of the tongue can lead to its enlargement. Other conditions such as Down syndrome, trauma, inflammatory conditions, primary amyloidosis, and congenital hypothyroidism may also be associated with a large tongue.
Summary. The causes of a swollen tongue can include allergies, infections, trauma, GERD, drug reactions, autoimmune diseases, or rare disorders. While it's less common, tongue cancer can also cause a swollen tongue. If you have a swollen tongue that isn't very bad, make an appointment to see your provider.
Information. Macroglossia is most often caused by an increase in the amount of tissue on the tongue, rather than by a growth, such as a tumor. This condition can be seen in certain inherited or congenital (existing at birth) disorders, including: Acromegaly (buildup of too much growth hormone in the body)
Most of the time, a puffy tongue or other symptoms may appear within a couple of hours. They usually go away within a few days. But a swollen tongue can affect your breathing, so get emergency help right away and get it checked.
Viral and Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections can create inflammation in various parts of the body, including the tongue. Conditions of the mouth and throat such as strep, syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, HPV and certain yeast infections irritate local tissues, resulting in swelling and soreness.
But what if that tongue has wavy edges that look like the edges of a pie crust? You could have a condition known as scalloped tongue. It's a known sign of hypothyroidism and other underlying health conditions. Ahead, we'll look at the ins and outs of scalloped tongue and the connection to hypothyroidism.
Oral symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency may also include a swollen, beefy tongue, as well as burning sensations, discolorations and lesions throughout the mouth.
Dehydration is known to cause a swollen tongue. Inadequate fluids can result in swelling or scalloping of the tongue or a salivary gland infection. Replenishing fluids can help relieve symptoms. Continued hydration and good oral care will help prevent tongue swelling from dehydration in the future.
In some cases, an enlarged tongue may be contributing to nighttime breathing problems. Coblation, use of radiofrequency energy and saline (salty water) may be used to shrink and tighten muscle and tissue near the back of the tongue. This surgery is also performed while the patient is under anesthesia.
The new study found you can trim down your fatty tongue as you lose overall body fat. “This study shows reducing excess fat in general can reduce tongue size,” said Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a sleep specialist at Keck Medicine at the University of Southern California, who was not involved in the study.
Like the outside parts of the nose and the ear but unlike most other organs, the tongue continues to grow at advanced age.
Anxiety has also been linked to tongue swelling and scalloped tongue, which is a condition that causes waves or ripples along the sides of the tongue.
Macroglossia may regress spontaneously. About 40% of children with BWS undergo a surgical tongue reduction.
When you're not hydrating properly, your body starts to conserve the fluid it has. That's why one of the first signs of dehydration shows up in the mouth as decreased saliva production. This is why your tongue might feel dry and even swollen.
Dehydration can also cause a physical symptom called the white tongue. This appears as a white coating on the tongue's surface caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells that become lodged and inflamed. This can occur for many reasons, but the primary causes are dehydration and dry mouth.
B12 deficiency will also make the tongue sore and beefy-red in color. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue, may also cause the tongue to appear smooth.
Medications. Many cases of a swollen tongue are the result of a reaction to a medication such as an ACE inhibitor, used to treat high blood pressure, or an NSAID, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin, ibuprofen [Advil, Motrin], or naproxen [Aleve, Naprosyn].
Deficiencies in B6 or B12 may lead to a swollen, sore or yellow tongue, along with teeth indentations and fissures on the surface of the tongue. Iron: An iron deficiency can lead to a swollen tongue and painful sores in the mouth. The tongue will also appear pale and smooth due to the lack of haemoglobin in the blood.
The appearance of your tongue may indicate whether or not your altered taste buds stem from a thyroid issue. A healthy tongue is slightly pink, moist, and mostly smooth. If your tongue is dry, discolored, coated, or painful, you may suffer from hypothyroidism.
Often, people with an underactive thyroid have facial puffiness, especially around the eyes. The skin may also become dry and scaly.
Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath with exercise, and decreased ability to exercise. Hypothyroidism can also lead to swelling of the tongue, hoarse voice, and sleep apnea.