At home, you can independently conduct a quick he alth diagnosis. All that is needed for this is to examine the tongue with a mirror. A lot will tell about the work of internal organs, changing its color and shape. This simple method should not be neglected. With its help, you can prevent the development of dangerous pathologies in time. Rough tongue points to some of them.
Language is an indicator of he alth
It is recommended to examine the tongue in the morning, on an empty stomach. In a he althy person, its color is pale pink, and the taste buds are easily distinguishable. Normally, it has a slight whitish coating, which is easy to remove with a toothbrush or a special scraper. The complete absence of such cover should be no less alarming than its excessive amount.
Any changes that occur in the oral cavity should attract the attention of a person. They may indicate the formation of pathological processes in the body. Reducing the number orthe complete cessation of saliva production leads to the development of severe dry mouth. A rough tongue will instantly signal this to a person, because due to the lack of moisture on its surface, it will be difficult to swallow and chew food.
Dry tongue can occur with strong nervous excitement, stress. Physiologically, this is normal. As soon as the person calms down, saliva production returns to normal. In the event that there were no emotional upheavals, and dryness has been observed for a long time, other causes of a rough tongue should be looked for. An experienced doctor will help in this situation.
Causes of dry tongue can be as follows:
- dehydration and intoxication;
- pathology of the heart;
- tongue burn;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- glossy;
- chronic tonsillitis;
- liver pathology;
- stagnant food;
- blood diseases;
- HIV;
- kidney problems;
- long-term use of antibiotics;
- inflammation of the salivary glands, as well as their malignant and benign tumors;
- diabetes;
- infectious lesions.
Despite the impressive list of pathologies that cause roughness and dryness of the tongue, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pulmonary system, and infections are most often diagnosed. Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis after a thorough diagnosis. He will prescribe medication that will helpdefeat the underlying disease. After that, the rough tongue will definitely return to normal.
Pathologies of the digestive tract
Reflexes that can affect the motor and secretory function of the stomach and intestines produce tongue receptors. The opposite effect also takes place. That is, the internal organs affect the appearance of pathological reflexes on the surface of the tongue. For example, its rough root and white coating will tell the doctor that the patient suffers from gastritis with low acidity. Pain and burning sensations in the esophagus, heartburn can complement the clinical picture.
A rough tongue covered with a gray coating may indicate the development of an intestinal ulcer. An additional factor indicating this pathology is heartburn and a burning sensation in the mouth.
Colitis, in addition to roughness, is characterized by an increase in the size of the tongue, teeth marks can even remain along its edges. With duodenitis and biliary dyskinesia, the thickness of the plaque increases significantly. A slight roughness of the tongue rarely causes discomfort. But dense plaque can negatively affect taste sensations, reducing the sensitivity of the papillae.
Diseases of the pulmonary system
White rough tongue occurs in patients at an early stage in the development of diseases of this organ. Inflammation in the bronchi is indicated by a thick and dry plaque located at its tip. If it begins to thicken and acquire a yellow tint, this will tell the doctor that the pathology is progressing. In addition, the patient will have other symptoms. For example, weakness, unpleasantodor and dry mouth.
Characteristic changes in the state of the tongue are observed in pathologies such as scarlet fever. First, an extensive yellow or gray-white coating forms. It thickens daily. Fungiform papillae are well visible under the plaque. They are distinguished by a rich red color and are surrounded by a white border. After a week, the plaque disappears, and the tongue changes color to raspberry.
Infectious and other diseases
There are many pathogenic fungi and bacteria in the oral cavity. Their growth is inhibited by the body's immune system. As soon as there is a failure in its work, the infection begins its attack.
In humans, a rough tongue and white coating on the tonsils may indicate the development of follicular or catarrhal tonsillitis. The disease is accompanied by sore throat and fever. The causative agents of the disease are streptococci and staphylococci.
The culprit of oral thrush is the fungus Candida. A very dense white coating appears on the surface of the tongue. In the event that you try to remove it, the mucous membrane under it will begin to bleed. The development of this chronic pathology is observed in patients with HIV infection.
Dry tongue is accompanied by a malfunction of the thyroid gland. Symptoms include sweating, loss of appetite, diarrhea, irritability and anxiety.
Diabetes mellitus, characterized by the development of thirst, the patient's tongue becomes rough and dry.
In the event that a dense white bloom focuses on its sideparts and tip, this may indicate the development of latent renal failure. This is a very serious problem that can be fatal. Therefore, having noticed such formations in the tongue, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia affects the mucous membranes. Often it is she who is the reason that the tongue has become rough. This pathology is easily confused with thrush. A white coating also appears on the tongue, but it has clearly defined edges. Its surface is rough and dry. It is impossible to remove plaque with a spatula.
The reasons for the development of this pathology have not been fully identified. It is believed that the main role is played by provoking factors: thermal, physical and chemical irritation. Of particular danger is the influence of several agents at once. For example, irritation with galvanic current, which is formed as a result of the use of dissimilar metal prostheses. As well as mechanical damage to the mucosa with dental instruments. In smokers, leukoplakia can occur as a result of exposure to smoke and high temperatures.
Internal factors in the development of the disease play an important role. These are hormonal abnormalities, gastroenterological diseases, lack of vitamin A. The danger of the disease is that it can gradually transform into cancer.
Diagnosis and treatment
The doctor can prescribe treatment only after he determines exactly why the tongue is rough. Sometimes the cause can be identified immediately and the need fornumerous diagnostic procedures do not arise. But in some cases it may be required:
- complete blood count;
- bacteriological examination of the microflora of the oral cavity;
- gastroscopy;
- ultrasound;
- bronchoscopy;
- acid reflux test.
After the underlying disease is identified, the doctor will be able to prescribe treatment for the patient. The tongue will return to normal as soon as the patient's condition begins to improve. To eliminate dry mouth and reduce pain, the doctor additionally prescribes rinsing with various antiseptics.
Treatment by folk methods
There are several effective traditional medicine recipes that help alleviate the patient's condition. It is recommended to rinse the rough tongue with infusions of such medicinal plants:
- sage;
- chamomile;
- calendula;
- oak bark;
- mint;
- sea buckthorn.
To prepare the infusion, pour a teaspoon of the selected ingredient with a glass of boiling water and insist for several minutes. After the liquid has cooled, it is filtered and used for rinsing. You can add a drop of iodine, aloe juice or honey to the finished infusion.
In addition, a cotton pad soaked in rosehip oil, propolis tincture or a mixture of carrot and potato juices can be put on the tongue for a few minutes. This procedure will relieve pain, moisturize, soothe and disinfect the mucous membrane. After 3-5 minutes, the cotton pad should be removed,and rinse your mouth with warm water.
Treatment reviews
Patients often leave feedback on how they managed to cure a rough tongue. In some cases, therapy does not take long. Improvement occurs quickly after the use of conventional rinses with medicinal herbs. Good results are obtained by lubricating the surface of the tongue with sea buckthorn oil.
In the event that dryness, plaque and roughness of the tongue is associated with the development of serious pathologies, it is impossible to get by with antiseptic rinses alone. It is not uncommon for patients to write that they have come a long way before a correct diagnosis was made. Only after a full recovery did they manage to forget about the problem of dryness and roughness of the tongue.
