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What Causes Swollen Tongue And Difficulty Breathing?

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Posted on Fri, 20 May 2016
Question: I had a very swollen left side of
my tongue when I awoke this morning. It was red and big and made breathing, swallowing and speaking difficult. It is now less swollen but there is a light patch ( gland?) along the side of the tongue about 1" long.
What is this please ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Need more details and picture of tongue .

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX ,

Thanks for consulting Healthcare magic .
This is Dr. Priyanka tiwari answering yor query .

I have read your query and understand your concern . As far as unilateral swollen tongue and difficulty in breathing and swallowing is concerned this can be due to multiple causes like sharp edges posterior tooth , Allergic reaction , lipoma , fibroma , Hemangioma . Can you upload image of tongue that will be more helpful for me to give you proper diagnosis . I would like more details to guide you better :
- Do you have pain or ulcer on left side of tongue ?
- Do you have sharp edges of posterior tooth ?
- Any dental treatment you have taken recently ?
- Do you have any medical history or you are taking any medication ?

Kindly reply so that I can guide you better and give you proper diagnosis .
Awating for Pictures and answer to guide you better .

Thanks .


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (1 hour later)
I am sorry I cannot take photographs so this discussion is of no use
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Possible causes , Measures , consult oral surgeon for clinical examination.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX ,

Welcome again .

I have gone through your reply . Dont worry if you cannot take photograph . If possible answer the above questions that will be helpful for me to give you proper diagnosis . Based on details provided the possible causes for tongue swelling can be Allergic reaction , traumatic injury , fibroma , Vitamin deficiency , Ingesting irritants (Hot and spicy food ) . For this I will suggest you some measures:
-Do warm saline rinses 2 to 3 times a day .
-Maintain proper oral hygiene .
-Use tongue scraper to clean your tongue .
-Avoid hot and spicy food .
-Take Vitamin B supplements .
- Local application of Ointment containing lignocaine .
I recommend you to consult oral surgeon for clinical examination and assesment .

Hope I have answered your query.
If you have further query I will be happy to help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (5 hours later)
To answer some of your first questions:
I have a sharp edge on a back , left side tooth.
I have had recent dental treatment and have a new bridge ( held in by alloy of metals) at the top in the front. My bite is now not good and I have some gaps where I should be chewing.
I am on medicines for high BP, Hiatus hernia, low thyroid, leaky heart valve and a bit of asthma- but these are under control and do not worry me.
Today I had headaches, neck ache and some vertigo and slight diarrea when the swollen tongue was at it's biggest and reddest.
Thanks for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Perhaps it is due to the sharp edge

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX ,

I have gone through your answers . Swollen tongue is perhaps due to the sharp edge of posterior teeth. The yellow spot you noticed could be the effect of a trauma.
Alternatively, the tongue swelling, difficulty in swallowing and diarrohea could be due to an infection.

I am glad you are visiting a doctor tomorrow. You may continue the measures suggested above. You can be started on antibiotics like azithromycin and Metronidazole if necessary after discussing with the doctor tomorrow.

Hope I have answered your query .
If you have further query I will be happy to help.
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. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Priyanka Tiwari

Dentist

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1956 Questions

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What Causes Swollen Tongue And Difficulty Breathing?

Brief Answer: Need more details and picture of tongue . Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX , Thanks for consulting Healthcare magic . This is Dr. Priyanka tiwari answering yor query . I have read your query and understand your concern . As far as unilateral swollen tongue and difficulty in breathing and swallowing is concerned this can be due to multiple causes like sharp edges posterior tooth , Allergic reaction , lipoma , fibroma , Hemangioma . Can you upload image of tongue that will be more helpful for me to give you proper diagnosis . I would like more details to guide you better : - Do you have pain or ulcer on left side of tongue ? - Do you have sharp edges of posterior tooth ? - Any dental treatment you have taken recently ? - Do you have any medical history or you are taking any medication ? Kindly reply so that I can guide you better and give you proper diagnosis . Awating for Pictures and answer to guide you better . Thanks .