Swollen Tongue: Common & Serious Causes & Treatment

Your tongue can swell up for a variety of reasons, including if it gets injured, in response to infection or an environmental irritant, or as an allergic reaction. Swelling of your tongue can make it harder to eat and talk normally. In extreme cases, it can make it more difficult to breathe.

A severe allergic reaction or acute swelling of the tongue can become a medical emergency and require prompt professional treatment. Less significant swelling of the tongue can often be treated at home with cold packs, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Preventing your tongue from swelling often means knowing what caused the reaction and avoiding it in the future.

Causes for a Swollen Tongue

A swollen tongue can be minor and the result of a small injury, such as a cut on the tongue. Or, it can be more significant, such as if it is the result of an allergic reaction, infection, or underlying disease. It is important to know what the cause of your swollen tongue is to better treat it and keep it from becoming a life-threatening condition.

These are common causes of a swollen tongue:

Symptoms of a Swollen Tongue

The tongue can swell slowly as the result of an underlying condition, or it can swell up quickly and become an acute issue. When your tongue is swollen, it can be difficult to talk normally, or swallow or chew correctly. You may also have tongue pain.

Depending on the cause of your swollen tongue, you may have other symptoms that accompany the swelling, such as these:

• Ulcers
• Headache
• Fever
• Changes in the texture of your tongue
• Flu-like symptoms
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the face
• Tongue color changes
• A burning sensation
• Mouth pain or sensitivity

When a Swollen Tongue Is a Medical Emergency

If your tongue swells suddenly, makes it hard to breathe, and/or you are experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, this can become life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. These are signs of anaphylaxis:

• Hives
• Trouble breathing and respiratory distress
• Swollen tongue
• Itching

One of the most common causes of a swollen tongue due to an allergic reaction is hypersensitivity to medications or food. Acute tongue swelling can block your airway and make it difficult to breathe, which can become a life-threatening emergency.

Some of the most common symptoms of a serious swollen tongue include problems speaking and swallowing. A sudden or acute swollen tongue is a medical emergency.

Chronic or unexplained swelling of the tongue should also be checked by a medical professional, as it can be the sign of an underlying condition that is causing the swollen tongue. Treating the condition will usually help to reduce the swelling in the tongue.

Treatment Methods

Identifying the cause of a swollen tongue will dictate the treatment method. For example, a minor cut or injury to the tongue can be treated with the following:

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
• Gargling with a warm saltwater rinse
• Sucking on ice chips
• Ice packs on the face
• Avoiding alcohol, tobacco products, and spicy foods

If an infection is the cause of a swollen tongue, medications like antibiotics, antifungals, or corticosteroids may be needed to clear it up. More serious conditions can require additional treatment methods for the underlying cause or lifesaving techniques to clear the airway so you can breathe properly.

Preventing a Swollen Tongue

To prevent your tongue from swelling up, pay attention to how and what you eat and put in your mouth. You can prevent issues by avoiding any foods you are sensitive to. Call your doctor immediately if you experience a reaction to any prescribed medication. Refrain from using tobacco products, and stick to a balanced diet.

Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing your tongue carefully, can help to prevent many issues in the mouth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush twice a day with a fluoride and non-abrasive toothpaste.

If you have dental appliances, make sure they do not have any sharp edges or wires that irritate your tongue. If they do, have your orthodontist adjust them to keep them from cutting your tongue. You can use dental wax in the meantime.

Many times, a swollen tongue is due to a disease or condition, which can be congenital, genetic, or the result of other factors out of your control. It can help to stick to a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, lowering stress, minimizing environmental irritants, eating nutritious foods, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep.

Regular visits to your doctor and dentist can help to catch oral and medical issues before they progress as well.

References

Allergic Hemoglossitis as a Unique Case of Food Allergy: Case Report. (March 2008). Journal of Medical Case Reports. Date Fetched: August 1, 2021.

Management of Acute Tongue Swelling. (July 2020). Heighpubs Otolaryngology and Rhinology. Date Fetched: August 1, 2021.

Swollen Tongue. (December 2020). Healthgrades. Date Fetched: August 1, 2021.

Should I Worry About A Sudden Swollen Tongue? (November 2020). Harvard Health. Date Fetched: August 1, 2021.