CausesTongue Burningand the numb sensation in this important organ
You may have occasionally felt something unusual in your tongue. Sometimes people feel a tingling sensation in their tongue. This can also lead to a bit of numbness. Is this something to worry about? Generally, tongue burning is not a cause for concern and is likely to resolve soon.
There are many reasons for tongue burning. One of them is Raynaud’s syndrome. This syndrome is a disorder that usually affects blood flow to the fingers and toes, and in rare instances the blood flow to the lips and tongue.
When your tongue gets cold or you are under pressure andstressthe small vessels that carry blood narrow, leading to a temporary decrease in blood flow to these areas. As a result, the tongue may change color, turning blue, red, or pale, and during or after this process, a tingling sensation may arise for a short period.
Raynaud’s syndrome can be troublesome but is not dangerous. As we said earlier in the health section ofSelMagzthere is no specific known cause for it, but we are sure it does not indicate a serious problem in the body. If you experience these symptoms in your tongue, you can alleviate them by having warm drinks or relaxing your body.
If this occurs frequently, you should consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis to determine whether you are experiencing secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. Raynaud’s is a condition that produces similar symptoms and often leads to immune system issues such as lupus or scleroderma.
Minor Strokes
When should you see a doctor?
Sometimes, numbness and tingling in the tongue may indicate a type of attack in the body called a minor stroke. In such cases, if you experience the following symptoms, it is important to visit a doctor:
- Numbness in the arm, leg, face, and one side of the body
- Facial twitching
- Speech problems
- Feelings of confusion and disorientation
- Vision loss
- Dizzinessor loss of balance
- Severe headacheMinor stroke symptoms may last only a few minutes, but you should take them seriously and seek emergency medical attention.
Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction to a food, chemical, or medication can cause symptoms such as itching or burning in the tongue.
Food allergiesoccur when the immune system gets confused and believes a certain food is harmful to the body.The most common foods that trigger allergies include:
EggsPeanutsTree nuts
- Fish
- Milk
- WheatSoy
- Some teenagers who are allergic to substances or certain allergens may experience swelling and burning in the tongue, which is referred to as oral allergy syndrome. This allergy usually occurs from consuming certain raw vegetables and fruits like melon,
- Celery
- or
- Peach
This results in oral sensitivity, causing the tongue and lips to feel burning and swollen.If you notice this issue after eatingcertain foodsbe sure to avoid them.If you experience the following symptoms in allergic reactions, your health may be at risk, and you should contact emergency services immediately:
Ringing in the earsShortness of breathFeeling like your throat is closing
Swelling in the lips and mouth
- Itching
- Hives
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drug allergies can also be a factor in swelling, itching, and burning in the tongue. Since
- antibiotics
- often cause these reactions, any medication can exacerbate allergy symptoms. If you notice any unusual symptoms after taking a new medication, be sure to inform your doctor.
- Ulcers
Ulcers are usually small, oval lesions that form on the tongue, inside the cheeks, or on the gums. The exact cause of these ulcers is still unknown, but mouth injuries,hormonal changesviruses, poor nutrition, and food allergies can all play a role in their development.
These ulcers are painful but typically heal on their own within a week. If you encounter these ulcers, avoid spicy, sour, and fried foods as they will increase oral sensitivity.
To alleviate pain, rinse your mouth with a solution of warm water, one teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon ofBaking sodaas well.
You can also use over-the-counter pain medications like benzocaine and Kanka.
Low Blood SugarHypoglycemia occurs when a person’s blood sugar level drops below normal. People with diabetes may face this issue; especially if they skip meals or overuse insulin ordiabetes medications
While other individuals who are not diabetics may also experience this problem, its symptoms include:
Shaking in the bodyWeakness
FatigueSevere hungerExcessive sweating
Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Feelings of confusion and disorientation
- Eating or drinking sugary foods like a piece of
- Chocolate
- or a bit of natural fruit juice can help restore blood sugar to normal levels.
- Hypocalcemia
- Hypocalcemia refers to a condition where calcium levels in the blood drop below normal. Although this condition can lead to burning sensations in the tongue and lips, it is likely to accompany other symptoms, including:
- Muscle cramps or tightness
Burning sensation around the mouth and in the fingersDizzinessSeizures
Causes
of decreased calcium
- in the body include:
- Low levels of parathyroid hormones
- Low magnesium levels
- Low vitamin D levels
Kidney diseasesComplications after thyroid surgerySome cancer medications
- PancreatitisIf you have any of the above symptoms or conditions and also feel tongue burning, you should see a doctor. A
- simple blood testcan easily diagnose this problem. Symptoms of low blood calcium usually resolve on their own, provided the individual regularly takes calcium supplements.
- Vitamin Deficiency
- Low levels of
- vitamin B12
- and B9 can cause burning and swelling in the tongue. You may also feel this burning in your hands and feet. At the same time, a feeling of fatigue develops throughout the body, as both B vitamins are essential for producing healthy blood cells and maintaining the body’s nerves.
- Low levels of these vitamins can lead to
anemiaVitamin B12 deficiency occurs due to not having enough of these vitamins in one’s diet or the body’s inability to absorb them from food.As individuals age, their stomach acidity decreases, which impacts nutrient absorption. Therefore, age is an important factor in this issue.
Medications that interfere with the absorption of B vitamins include:Metformin
OmeprazoleEsomeprazoleFamotidine
RanitidineFoods like fish, red meat, eggs, and dairy are rich in vitamin B12.Vegetarians often face a deficiency of these vitamins, so it is highly recommended to take supplements.
Vitamin B9 is also found in foods like leafy green vegetables, most green vegetables,
Beans
- peanuts,
- tomatoes,
- and
- orange juice.
- Not treating a deficiency
of vitamin B12
can lead to permanent nerve damage, and this problem should be addressed as quickly as possible.
A simple blood test can indicate low levels of this vitamin. Usually, in these medical conditions, high-dose supplements are prescribed. In some cases, vitamin injections may be given weekly.MigrainesOne of the warning signsof migraine headaches is that they can cause burning sensations in the tongue, lips, face, and sometimes in the arms.Other symptoms of migraine headaches include dizziness and vision problems, where the person may face issues such as:Zigzag patternsFlashing lights
Blind spotsWhen migraine headaches occur, in addition to these symptoms, a very intense pain is typically felt on one side of the head, which is often accompanied byNausea
and vomiting.
Less common causes:
Generally, tongue burning occurs due to conditions that are easy to diagnose and treat, but some conditions happen very rarely and include:Burning Mouth SyndromeBurning Mouth Syndrome involves a persistent sensation of burning and discomfort in the tongue, lips, and mouth. Symptoms can vary among individuals but may include:
Changes in taste sensation
- Dry mouth
- A metallic taste in the mouth
- Sometimes, Burning Mouth Syndrome can be a sign of an illness in the body, and it may indicate symptoms like vitamin B12 deficiency, yeast infections, or diabetes, but often has no specific cause. Researchers believe Burning Mouth Syndrome could be related to nerve issues that control this area.
This syndrome affects about two out of a hundred people and is more commonly seen in women after menopause. There is no treatment for this syndrome, but symptoms can be reduced by avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and spicy foods.Additionally, numbing the tongue can also help, as some medications do this.Hypoparathyroidism
This is a rare condition that occurs when the parathyroid gland does not produce enough parathyroid hormone. There are four parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. The parathyroid glands regulate blood calcium levels.
When calcium levels drop too low, the following symptoms may occur:
Muscle cramps
Weakness
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Burning in the hands, feet, and face
In some individuals, the cause of this condition is unknown. Sometimes the cause is damage to the thyroid gland, which usually happens after surgery to remove it. Regardless of the cause, treatment is the same: using calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Multiple Sclerosis or MS
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system, and the inflammation present can disrupt message transmission between the brain and the body. As a result, a wide variety of symptoms occur, including:
Weakness
Fatigue
Difficulty walking
- Vision problems
- Other common symptoms include burning and numbness in the face, mouth, body, arms, and legs.
- MS
- is a rare disease that affects approximately 400,000 individuals in many countries. Typically, women aged 20 to 40 are most at risk for this disease. Young men are also more likely to face this issue than older men.
- MS is a type of immune attack on the nerves. Currently, there is no specific treatment for this problem, but various medications can help manage its symptoms.
Tongue Burning
Causes of Tongue Burning
Symptoms of Tongue Burning
- Causes of Tingling in the Tongue and Lips
- Dizziness
- Minor Stroke and Tongue Tingling
- Tongue Burning Allergy
Causes of Tingling in the Roof of the Mouth
Feeling of Throat Tightness
Throat Tightness and Tongue Burning Allergy
Mouth Ulcers
