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Glossitis

Parvathi Perumareddi, DO Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • An acute or chronic inflammation process of the tongue existing either alone or as a symptom of an underlying systemic disease

  • Common forms:

    • Atrophic glossitis (AG) or Hunter glossitis...

DIAGNOSIS

  • Clinical by a thorough history and physical examination (1)

  • Additional testing depending on etiology (including possible biopsy)

  • Imaging not routinely required unless malignancy or specific d...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Avoid any possible sensitizing irritants or agents

  • Discontinue offending agent if medication-induced.

  • Analgesics when needed

  • Meticulous oral hygiene; dental evaluation

MEDICATION

  • ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Revisit periodically when needed until healing occurs. 

DIET

Bland or liquid diet 

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoking and a...

REFERENCES

1
Picciani BLS, Santos LR, Teixeira-Souza T, et al. Geographic tongue severity index: a new and clinical scoring system. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2020;129(4):330–338.
2
...

SEE ALSO

HIV/AIDS; Vitamin Deficiency 

CODES

ICD10

  • K14.0 Glossitis

  • K14.4 Atrophy of tongue papillae

  • K14.1 Geographic tongue

  • K14.2 Median rhomboid glossitis

SNOMED

  • 45534005 Glossitis (disorder)

  • 9491003 Atrophy of tongue papillae (disorder)

  • 59032001...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • An acute or chronic inflammation of the tongue, either as primary disease or a symptom of systemic disease

  • Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoking and acidic (e.g., vinegars) or spicy...

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