What is this condition
Glossalgia is classified as a chronic pain syndrome of the oral cavity. It is believed that the cause is a disruption in the functioning of the thin sensory fibers of the tongue and the central mechanisms for processing pain: the nervous system begins to perceive ordinary signals from the mucous membrane as burning. Therefore, the mucous membrane looks healthy, and the sensations are real and sometimes exhausting. There is a primary form, when no other cause can be found, and a secondary form, when the burning sensation is caused by anemia, diabetes, candidiasis or injury from a prosthesis. Separation is important: the secondary form goes away after the underlying cause is treated.
- The primary form is an independent pain syndrome
- Secondary - a consequence of another disease or injury
- The mucous membrane is usually unchanged on examination
- Women over 50 years of age are more likely to suffer
- The sensations are real and require treatment.
Possible reasons
Secondary burning is most often associated with a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid and zinc, as well as diabetes mellitus, which affects small nerve fibers. Dry mouth plays a significant role: it occurs when taking diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines, with Sjogren's syndrome and after radiation therapy. Candidiasis, which occurs without a pronounced plaque, is often to blame. For wearers of removable dentures, a burning sensation can be caused by mechanical injury or a reaction to the material. The symptoms are aggravated by anxiety, depression and the habit of constantly feeling the tongue with your teeth.
- Deficiency of iron, B12, folic acid, zinc
- Diabetes mellitus and other causes of polyneuropathy
- Dry mouth, medications, Sjögren's syndrome
- Oral candidiasis
- Removable dentures, galvanism of dissimilar metals
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Anxiety disorder and depression
- Hormonal changes during menopause
How it manifests itself
A typical picture: in the morning there is almost no burning sensation, by the middle of the day it increases, and by the evening it becomes maximum. While eating and drinking, the symptom weakens or disappears completely - this is a characteristic sign. The burning sensation is usually bilateral, on the tip and edges of the tongue, often spreading to the lips and palate. Many people note dry mouth and a change in taste: a metallic, bitter or salty taste appears. Symptoms often last for months, which causes anxiety and fear of cancer, although glossalgia does not lead to tumors.
- Burning on the tip and edges of the tongue
- Worse in the evening, relieved with eating
- Dry mouth and thirst
- Metallic or bitter taste
- Tingling of lips and palate
- Sleep disturbance and anxiety due to symptom
What examinations are needed
First, the dentist examines the oral cavity and dentures, looks for sharp edges, signs of candidiasis and lichen planus, and evaluates saliva production. Then they take tests to exclude secondary causes: complete blood count, ferritin, vitamin B12 and folic acid, glucose and glycated hemoglobin, and, if indicated, thyroid hormones. They take a smear from the mucous membrane to test for mushrooms. If the tests are normal and the burning sensation persists, the patient is referred to a neurologist to evaluate sensory disorders and select therapy.
- Dentist examination, denture check
- Complete blood count, ferritin, iron
- Vitamin B12 and folic acid
- Blood glucose and HbA1c
- Smear for fungal flora
- Salivation assessment
- Consultation with a neurologist and, if indicated, an endocrinologist
Treatment and self-help
In case of secondary glossalgia, the cause is treated: they compensate for deficiencies, correct sugar levels, treat candidiasis, remake the traumatic prosthesis, and review with the doctor medications that cause dryness. In the primary form, local agents, oral moisturizers, and drugs that act on neuropathic pain are used, which are selected by a neurologist. Psychotherapy and work with anxiety are useful because the symptom intensifies under stress. It is important to avoid self-medication with cauterizing solutions and alcohol rinses: they intensify the burning sensation and damage the mucous membrane.
- Filling gaps in analysis
- Diabetes control
- Treatment of candidiasis and dry mouth
- Correction or replacement of prosthesis
- Drugs for neuropathic pain as prescribed by a neurologist
- Psychotherapy, work with anxiety and sleep
- Refusal of spicy, sour, alcohol and smoking
- Drink water frequently in small sips