^

Health

Pain in the tongue

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

There is a saying, "My tongue is my enemy!" I want to rephrase it and say "My language is my friend!", Since it is really able to signal us about hidden problems in the health of our body with pain in the language. Even in ancient times, alternative healers, healers and other guides believed that the human language can tell a lot about the state of his health. And the ancient Indian healthcare system "ayurveda" believes that different zones of the language respond directly and translate the work of each internal organ separately.

Pain in the tongue

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]

Why does it hurt

Since the pain in the tongue is a very unpleasant feeling, people who feel it tend to rush to the doctor. Such pain can occur as a consequence of injuries (biting, burn, scratching with a tooth enamel, poorly installed denture, etc.). It can also be caused by painful viral sores. The reason for their occurrence is not fully known. But, such sores can appear not only in the tongue, but in the entire oral cavity. Today, more and more doctors are inclined to conclude that such sores arise as a result of nervous overstrain, stress and other nervous disorders. Often the pain in the tongue causes various allergic reactions and iron deficiency in the body. Therefore, it can be a symptom of anemia (anemia). 

But most often doctors put two diagnoses of pain in the language: 

  1. Glossitis is an inflammation of the tissues of the tongue, which can be superficial or deep. Deep glossitis is treated surgically, as it causes complex inflammation in the chin and neck. Superficial inflammation of the mucous membrane is called "catarrhal glossitis". It can rarely be regarded as an independent disease. In most cases, such a catarrhal inflammation of the tongue is a consequence of diseases in the gastrointestinal tract. It can also be provoked by causes such as tooth decay, difficulties with teething, tartar, mechanical trauma with germs and even excessive smoking. 
  2. Glossalgia - this term means pain in the language, the cause of which can not be clearly established. This disease is the result of some disorders in the central nervous system and in particular the hypothalamus. Pain in the tongue with glossalgia can arise spontaneously and just as suddenly disappear, but it can last a rather long time. Characteristics of pain are different - pulling, pulsating, increasing and ceasing. In any case, even the most insignificant glossalgia gives a person great discomfort.

Where and how to cure pain in the tongue

In the event that the pain in the tongue is caused by mechanical damage or a viral sore, then after a while they can pass. But, if the pain does not go away, and even more so, then a medical consultation is needed. In the first place, you should contact a dentist. You may also need to have an examination with an otolaryngologist and a neurologist. If the diagnosis is "deep glossitis", then in this case, it will not be possible to avoid surgical intervention. If glossitis is catarrhal, then a different combination of medications, oral sanation and antiviral medicines can soon get rid of the pain in the tongue. In the case when the patient is determined by a glossalgia, a complex examination and treatment is prescribed for the dentist (correction of taste, removal of metal parts, cleansing of tartar, etc.) and additionally neurologic therapy with preparations of valerian, hawthorn, motherwort, euphilin.

Perhaps the pain in the language does give us a certain signal and it is necessary to be able to recognize it in time. Listening to your own body, we can avoid many complex diseases and incurable diagnoses. The main thing is to understand what our language tells us.

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.