Risk Factors And Causes Of Glossitis

Allergic Reactions

We've all heard horror stories about individuals struggling to breathe due to a swollen tongue after a bee sting or allergen exposure. This type of swelling comes on quickly and is known as acute glossitis. Fortunately, most allergic reactions are much less severe, but the tongue may still swell slightly. Medications, foods, and some kinds of toothpaste can all cause glossitis. An allergen doesn't have to have direct contact with the tongue to trigger swelling, as many allergies cause systemic reactions that affect the entire body. As such, a medicated lotion a patient rubs on their foot could cause their tongue to swell, even though these two parts of the body are nowhere near each other. If patients notice their tongue swelling frequently, they should try to look for a pattern or consult a doctor about an allergy test.

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