Glossitis that develops in hours or days, often associated with stomatitis. The tongue is painful, red, inflamed, and swollen. It may appear smooth or be covered with papular lesions. Fever may be present.

ETIOLOGY
It may be associated with diabetes mellitus, bacterial infections, candidal infections, adverse drug reactions, smoking, and trauma to the tongue. Surrounding structures may be swollen sufficiently to produce asphyxia. Tracheostomy may be necessary to maintain the airway.

TREATMENT
The underlying disorder must be treated. In order to maintain oral cleanliness, patients should rinse the mouth with an anesthetic oral solution, such as 2% xylocaine.

Main entry:
glossitis