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Suggest Treatment For A Swollen Tongue Causing Difficulty In Enunciating And Speaking Properly

Posted on Mon, 27 Jul 2015

Question: Hello doctors, I hope you folks are doing well!
For almost a year now, I have had problems with a swollen tongue. The outer edge of my tongue has teeth marks because it sits right behind my front teeth. The part underneath my tongue, which I think is called the duct of submandibular gland, seems bigger than normal and sticks out a little. And the sides of my tongue sit on top of my side teeth.

Because of this problem, I am having difficulty enunciating and speaking properly, and it is really beginning to affect the quality of my social and work life.

I have tried supplementing with multivitamins and B12, but the swelling still has not subsided. What else should I try? Do you doctors have any suggestions? I'd really appreciate it!

Also, it's worth noting that I had minor hypothyroidism about a year ago or so, though that is no longer a problem. I visited an endocrinologist several months ago, got my TSH and T levels tested, and the results turned out just fine. I hear that thyroid issues can cause a swollen or enlarged tongue, but since I don't have that issue anymore, I would've hoped for the tongue swelling to subside, not get worse!

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Inflammation of the submandibular duct opening...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I have gone through the query and examined the images thoroughly. I am of the opinion that the opening of the right submandibular duct is slightly swollen compared to that of the left. The reason, inflammation of the opening of the duct causing blockage.

The swelling does restrict the movements of the tongue. Otherwise, the tongue is perfectly normal.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water. This helps in increasing the hydration thus causing flushing of the sludge or small stones which are blocking the duct.
2. Try taking sour items such as citrus fruits, tamarind, etc. which can increase the salivation and flush the blocked duct.
3. Avoid chilled food and beverages, fizzy drinks, coffee and smoking

Do not worry! You will get better with the above measures.

Hope I have answered the query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (50 minutes later)

Dr. XXXXXXX thanks for your response. I just have a few follow up questions.

The first is: What is a duct? And can you supply a picture or diagram that points to the duct that you are referring to? If you could, that would be very much appreciated.

Second: I have had this issue for close to a year now, and it has gotten progressively worse. What sort of time frame should I give to trying your suggested protocol? 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, more?

I have been worrying about this issue for the past several months, as the swollen tongue has impacted my capacity to communicate with both peers and prospective clients. I will be following your recommended course of action rigorously. Hopefully it works!

Thanks again, doctor, and if you have any other suggestions or recommendations, I'd really appreciate that.

Hope you have a wonderful day.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Duct is a tube connecting the gland and the mouth.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

1. Duct is a tube connecting the gland and the mouth. This is like a channel transporting the saliva from the production site (salivary gland) into the oral cavity (http://www.parotidmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/parotid-gland-info.jpg).

2. It is very difficult to tell the time frame as I have not examined you physically and the diagnosis is not established. My suggestion to you is to try the measures as suggested in my previous response and if you are not getting better, you would require a sialendoscopy and further neurological examination.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (19 hours later)

Thanks for the clarifying response, doctor.

Have a good day - and wish me luck!

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wish you good luck and good health...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

I wish you good health and good luck.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E