Itchy tongue and its causes, from mild to dangerous

The tongue is an organ that helps the body digest food, swallow, speak, and others. Rarely do people know that the function of the tongue can also reflect the general health of the body. For example, a yellow tongue which might indicate you have jaundice or just a dry mouth and rarely brush your teeth. Then, what about an itchy, sore, dry, and pale tongue? What is the cause and how to solve it? Check out the answer below.

Various things cause itchy tongue and how to overcome them

Itchy tongue is one of the most common gum and mouth problems. Generally, this condition is nothing to worry about and can go away on its own, especially if you routinely carry out oral care properly. However, there are also some conditions that need special attention and treatment from a doctor.

Here are some of the causes of an itchy tongue ranging from minor to serious problems that you need to be aware of.

1. Allergic reactions

Allergies are one of the health conditions that cause an itchy tongue, especially food allergic reactions. Some of the most common types of food allergies are nuts and seeds (almonds, hazelnuts, soybeans, or wheat), seafood (shellfish, fish, shrimp, and crab), and milk and eggs.

In addition, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology also shows that the protein found in some fruits and vegetables has an allergy-triggering effect similar to that of the proteins in the above food groups. This type of fruit allergy is commonly referred to as oral allergy syndrome or pollen-food allergy syndrome.

Some fruits and vegetables that contain these proteins can cause an itchy tongue, including:

• Birch pollen protein, found in apples, cherries, kiwi, peaches, pears, and plums.
• Grass pollen protein, found in melons, oranges, peaches, and tomatoes
• Ragweed pollen protein, found in bananas, cucumbers, melons, sunflower seeds, and zukini.

The way to deal with an itchy tongue due to an allergic reaction that comes from this food is of course avoid it. However, if you accidentally consume it, causing an itching sensation in the mouth, red spots, and swelling, you should immediately take food allergy medicine without a prescription or antihistamine.

2. Complications of diabetes

A weakened immune system accompanied by diabetes that you have can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection in the mouth (oral thrush) and a number of other infections. This infection can cause the tongue to feel itchy, numb, or even hairy.

The reason is, high blood sugar in diabetics that are not handled and controlled properly, can also make saliva contain a high amount of sugar. This condition will be food and an abundant source of energy for fungi and bacteria. As a result, bacteria and fungi multiply and cause infection.

However, this one diabetes complication is relatively mild and can be prevented easily. You only need to regularly maintain oral and dental hygiene and always keep sugar levels within the normal range as recommended by your doctor.

3. Lack of blood sugar and calcium

The reason why an itchy tongue can also be a sign that your body is in need of certain compounds, for example the body is deficient in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and lack of calcium (hypocalcemia) in the blood. Although rare, both of these conditions can cause the tongue and mouth area to feel itchy or tingling.

In addition, low blood sugar or hypoglycemia can show other symptoms, such as:

• Irregular heart rhythm / heart palpitations
• Lethargy
• Sleepy
• Feeling hungry
• Pale skin
• Kliyengan
• Body shaking
• Difficulty concentrating

While low blood calcium or hypocalcemia can also cause symptoms:

• Muscle cramps in the back and legs
• Muscle spasms
• Tingling sensation
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing

Eating certain foods can relieve these symptoms, for example consuming warm sweet tea, candy, or fruit juice containing sugar to raise blood sugar levels. Then the consumption of calcium supplements can also increase the level of calcium in the blood.

4. Vitamin B12 deficiency

One of the signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in the body is inflammation of the tongue (glossitis) and canker sores can also cause an itching sensation on the tongue and mouth.

Quoted through the National Health Service, vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause other symptoms, such as:

• Pale skin
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• The body is like being pricked by a needle
• The balance decreases
• Hard to breathe
• Blurred vision
• Depression/mood unstable

This can be overcome by consuming food sources of vitamin B12 or additional supplements. However, you should consult your doctor to get the best solution and advice according to your condition.

5. Consuming alcohol or smoking

Smoking habits and consuming alcoholic drinks can cause an itchy tongue due to irritation from the chemicals in its composition. In addition, smoking tends to increase the risk of developing mouth sores and dry mouth (xerostomia) which causes itching. Limiting or even avoiding cigarette and alcohol consumption is certainly the main preventive step.

6. Tongue burns due to hot food or drink

Rushing into hot food can cause a burning or traumatic tongue which is characterized by a burning and itchy tongue. These two irritating sensations can also occur in other areas of the mouth, such as the inside of the cheeks, gums, lips, or roof of the mouth.

Other symptoms that may accompany it include thirst and dry mouth. You don't need to worry about this condition, which will generally recover back to normal over time.

7. Yeast infection

Yeast infection of the mouth (oral thrush) can cause an itchy, pale tongue, and sometimes can cause mouth sores. Quoted through the Mayo Clinic, this condition which is also known as oral thrush is caused by a fungus Candida albicans, which in severe cases can spread to the inside of your cheeks and throat.

This condition is more likely to occur in infants and older adults because of their low immunity. But if you have a weakened immune system, symptoms may be more severe and yeast development becomes difficult to control.

Treatment of itchy tongue as a symptom of a yeast infection can be done by using topical medications in the form of an antifungal gel or liquid that is applied to the infected area.

Doctors also recommend that you always brush your teeth regularly and use an antiseptic mouthwash. Avoid smoking and limit intake of sugar and leavened foods, such as bread, beer, or wine can also prevent the growth of candida fungus in the mouth.

When do you need to watch out for an itchy tongue?

Itchy and sore tongue that occurs only occasionally and is associated with minor problems, such as food allergies, mouth sores, burning tongue, or smoking will go away on its own. If it persists for several days and interferes with activities, you should immediately consult a doctor.

This could be because an itchy tongue is a symptom of other health problems, such as diabetes, yeast infection, or a deficiency in certain vitamins that require special treatment.

However, if this sensation appears suddenly and is accompanied by a tingling, numbness, and numbness that spreads to the face, tongue, to one leg or arm, you need to be aware of minor strokes or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Quoted from the American Stroke Association, some of the symptoms of a mild stroke that you need to be aware of, such as:

• Fatigue and tingling sensation in one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking and swallowing
• Confusion and memory loss
• Blindness in one or both eyes
• Dizzy
• Severe headache with no apparent cause

If you or someone around you experiences the symptoms above, immediately call 118 or 119 to call an ambulance for immediate treatment at the hospital.