Chapped tongue

introduction

Many people occasionally suffer from one cracked tongue. Although most assume that changes in the tongue are often pathological, in many cases the cracked tongue is completely harmless. Most of the changes in the tongue are of no medical importance. A cracked train usually results in large longitudinal and transverse ones Notches. It can also come from these small ones Mucosal injuries bleed easily.

A cracked tongue can have a variety of causes. For example, people have the little liquid typically take a rather dry, cracked tongue on. In addition, it can be in the wake of bacterial and or viral Infections, with fever go hand in hand, lead to the formation of a cracked tongue. The reason for this, however, is not the infection itself, but the progressive dehydration. Affected people often state that the consumption of acidic or spicy foods and drinks is particularly unpleasant. Even eating apples, lemonade, or chilli can be extreme for a person with a cracked tongue painful become.

Though the tongue cracked itself in most cases no morbid character a look inside the oral cavity can help diagnose long-term illnesses. People who suffer from a cracked tongue over a long period of time and / or recurrently should consult a doctor. Just by one targeted treatment the symptoms associated with the tongue change can be effectively alleviated and complications prevented.

Symptoms

Patients with persistent or recurring chapped tongues often describe a variety of other complaints. In general, it can be assumed that cracks in the area of ​​the tongue and the oral mucosa are associated with further symptoms. However, a cracked tongue can occur without any other symptoms. The most common complaints that can be observed in connection with a cracked tongue include easy bleeding and whitish discoloration. In addition, the injuries to the tongue can occur Taste perception affect first. Many of the affected patients also state that the consumption of acidic foods and beverages is great unpleasant be.

causes

Transverse and / or longitudinal cracks in the area of ​​the tongue will in most cases by bites evoked on the tongue. Also include congenital malfunctions (Anomalies) of Mucosal reliefs (Technical term: Lingua plicata) one of the most common causes of recurring or long-term chapped tongue. This faulty system is a harmless, relatively common one Deviation from the normal fine structure of the mucous membrane. An impairment of the normal tongue function (for example when chewing or speaking) cannot be observed in the affected persons. The cracks in the tongue area can cause Lingua plicata Patient (synonym: Pleated tongue) occur both asymmetrically and symmetrically. In a few cases, the tongue can be cracked Burning tongue (Glossodynia) cause. Another cause of the repeated occurrence of a cracked tongue and inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the oral mucosa can be a chronic biotin deficiency (vitamin H) be. Typically, affected people also develop infections of the mucous membranes, Anemia (anemia) and Hair loss. To avoid serious complications, the missing vitamin should be provided immediately in the form of Vitamin supplements are fed.

Furthermore can Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract come with a cracked tongue. With infectious Diarrheal diseases the changes on the tongue arise primarily through the progressive Dehydration. For this reason, affected patients should make sure that enough fluids are supplied. In the case of severe diarrhea, this can mean that a infusion becomes necessary. Even in patients suffering from chronic gastrointestinal diseases (for example Crohn's disease), changes in the oral mucosa and tongue can often be observed. If there are pathological changes in the liver (for example a Hepatic insufficiency) typically results in reddish-shiny changes in the tongue. In these cases one speaks of a so-called "Lacquer tongue". Another cause of the development of a cracked tongue can be acute Fungal infection be. In the affected patients, the tongue is special cracked, rough and reddened. In addition, when a fungal infection is present, whitish coatings and or Contact bleeding.

diagnosis

People who occasionally suffer from a cracked tongue and have no other symptoms do not necessarily need to see a doctor. As a rule, the cracked tongue itself does not have a pathological character. However, changes in the oral mucosa and tongue can provide important clues to a possible underlying disease.

therapy

A cracked tongue should come through in the first place simple home remedies be treated. In general, people who drink too little fluids should keep this in mind daily drinking amount clearly too increase. Tears in the tongue are, in most cases, associated with a pronounced one Dehydration. Even with this simple measure, the changes in the oral mucosa and tongue are usually completely reduced.

In addition, a cracked tongue should be used consistently Oral hygiene be respected. Even the smallest injuries on the tongue surface can bacterial pathogens otherwise serve as a portal of entry into the organism and cause infections.
If the cracked tongue is accompanied by pain, few can Drops of glycerin help to relieve the symptoms effectively. In addition, the regular Chewing hard foods (e.g. raw vegetables or hard bread) help to prevent further cracks. The reason for this is the fact that hard foods are the Stimulate saliva production and thus to Humidification serve the mucous membranes in the oral cavity.
In addition, should special mouthwashes With Lemon juice or Sage tea help treat the cracked tongue. In this context, however, it must be noted that mouth rinsing solutions that are too aggressive can further attack the mucous membranes and cause severe pain. For this reason, rinsing solutions should be diluted with a little tap water before use.

Patients who suffer from a cracked tongue should not manipulate the tongue too much. In particular, contact between the tongue and the toothbrush can make the situation worse and cause bleeding. In addition, strongly irritating substances must be avoided until the cracked tongue has healed completely. This is especially true for hot food and drinks. Also the enjoyment of alcohol and or nicotine can promote the changes in the mucous membrane and the healing of the cracked tongue influence negatively.

Prognosis and prevention

In most cases, a cracked tongue will heal easily within a few days. However, if the changes within the oral cavity persist over a longer period of time, a doctor must be consulted immediately. Since a cracked tongue is in most cases an indication of a pronounced Dehydration drinking enough fluids can help prevent such tongue changes.