The presence of interference or decreased function of the tongue can greatly interfere with daily activities. When the function of the tongue is problematic, you may experience complaints of difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, or pain in the tongue. Let's find out more about the causes of tongue dysfunction and its effects.
Decreased tongue function can occur when the sense of taste is experiencing a problem or disorder. Symptoms of tongue disorders are varied, ranging from tongue pain and swelling, tongue numbness, patches or bumps appear on the tongue, until the tongue changes in texture or color.
Various Signs and Symptoms and Causes of Impaired Tongue Function
To find out the cause of impaired tongue function, usually the doctor will first examine the symptoms experienced by the patient. Below are some signs of decreased tongue function and their causes that you need to know:
1. Swollen tongue
Swelling of the tongue can be caused by many things, ranging from sore throat, injury or infection of the tongue, malnutrition, anemia, inflammation of the tongue, to tongue cancer. In addition, sometimes swelling of the tongue can also occur due to allergic reactions, especially severe allergies or anaphylaxis.
2. The texture of the tongue changes
Changes in the texture of the tongue, for example the tongue becomes slightly harder, are generally influenced by consumption of foods or drinks that are too hot, smoking, or drinking excessive coffee.
In addition, these changes in texture can also be triggered by long-term use of antibiotics or radiation therapy to the head and neck. Meanwhile, the appearance of a lump on the tongue may be caused by a tumor or tongue cancer.
3. Tongue changes color
The causes of tongue discoloration vary, depending on the color change. For example, a reddish discoloration of the tongue can be caused by a deficiency in certain nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B3, and vitamin B12.
Meanwhile, a change in the color of the tongue to white is usually caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, dehydration or lack of body fluid intake, smoking or drinking alcohol habits, lack of hygiene of the tongue and mouth, and certain diseases, such as leukoplakia or lichen planus on the tongue.
4. Tongue hurts
Pain or stinging in the tongue is generally caused by injury, for example due to a bump or bite, thrush, infection, or due to poor oral hygiene.
In addition, this condition can also arise due to allergic reactions or irritation of the tongue, consumption of foods or drinks that are too hot, menopause, to certain diseases, such as glossitis, herpes, anemia, neuralgia, and cancer.
5. Tongue tingling or numbness
This is one of the symptoms of interference with the tongue which is quite disturbing. The appearance of this complaint is usually caused by problems with the nerves in the tongue or brain that play a role in the tasting process.
This disorder can be triggered by many things, ranging from stroke, migraine, epilepsy multiple sclerosis, side effects of anesthesia on the teeth and tongue, vitamin B12 deficiency, or injury to the tongue.
Impacts that Occur if Tongue Function Decreases
The following are some of the problems that can arise when the function of the tongue is decreased or impaired:
Difficulty speaking
When the function of the tongue as a communication aid decreases, you will have difficulty speaking with other people. This is because the ability to speak is influenced by the cooperation of the tongue, teeth, and lips to process the sound that comes out of the throat, so that it becomes letters, words, and sentences that can be understood.
Difficulty chewing and swallowing
When the function of the tongue as a chewing and swallowing tool is disturbed, you can lack nutrition and body fluids.
You may also become reluctant to eat because the tongue can be painful. If that happens, your general health condition will also be disturbed.
Difficulty tasting a taste
The impact of decreased tongue function is the loss of the ability to taste. This condition is more common in the elderly.
Apart from aging, abnormalities in the sense of perception can also be caused by side effects of drugs, such as anesthetics and chemotherapy, damage to the nerves of the tongue, or certain diseases, such as COVID-19.
Disturbance or decreased function of the tongue is annoying and often causes discomfort during activities. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult a doctor if you experience symptoms, especially if they have been going on for a long time and do not go away.