Atrophic Glossitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Atrophic glossitis is a disorder in which the tongue becomes smooth and thin. This can lead to problems with speech. It is most commonly seen in people with vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, anaemia, or malnutrition. The tongue may also appear dry, red, and swollen. In severe cases, it can cause difficulty speaking and swallowing.

There are three main types of atrophic glossitis:

• Primary atrophic glossitis: This type is caused by nutritional deficiencies or other metabolic disorders such as diabetes or anaemia. It is characterised by a smooth, red tongue without any visible papillae.
• Secondary atrophic glossitis: This type is caused by certain medications or medical conditions that affect the tongue’s ability to produce papillae. These can include autoimmune diseases such as lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome, chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy to the head and neck area, and HIV/AIDS medications.
• Tertiary atrophic glossitis: This type is caused by chronic irritation from dental appliances such as dentures or braces that rub against the tongue for long periods of time. It causes pain and burning sensations on the tongue and can lead to permanent damage if left untreated for too long.

The Causes of Atrophic Glossitis include:

• Nutritional inadequacies, most notably shortages in iron and vitamin B12diseases of the immune system such as Sjogren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus
• Treatment with radiation aimed at the head or neck region
• Certain infections caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, including thrush and geographic tongue

• Symptoms of Atrophic Glossitis include:
• A smooth, thin, red tongue with a reduced number of papillae
• Loss of taste sensation
• Burning or soreness in the mouth
• Difficulty eating and speaking.

• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day to keep up with your oral hygiene.
• Stay away from irritants like smoke and other substances.
• Consume a diet that is well-rounded and contains a variety of foods that are high in vitamin B12, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
• Make an appointment with a medical professional if you suspect that you have an underlying ailment that can lead to atrophic glossitis (e.g., diabetes or celiac disease).
• Follow your doctor's orders about the use of any prescription drugs in treating any underlying problems.

• Physical Exam: Examining the tongue, mouth, and lips for signs of atrophy and discoloration.
• Blood Tests: Checking for deficiencies in vitamins and minerals that may contribute to glossitis.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays or CT scans to assess any underlying structural problems in the tongue or mouth.
• Biopsy: Removing a tiny piece of tissue from the afflicted region so that it may be examined under a microscope for any indications of infection or other abnormalities.

• Atrophic glossitis can lead to the following complications:
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing
• Loss of taste sensation
• Painful mouth ulcers
• Unpleasant breath odour
• Increased risk of dental caries.

• Taking a teaspoon of amla powder with honey every morning.
• Consuming turmeric powder mixed in warm milk twice daily.
• Chewing on sesame seeds and drinking the juice extracted from them.
• Consuming ginger juice mixed with honey on an empty stomach every morning.
• Eating a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals to improve digestion and reduce the inflammation of the tongue and mouth tissues due to atrophic glossitis.
• Drinking warm water mixed with fresh lemon juice several times during the day to help soothe symptoms associated with atrophic glossitis, such as dryness and burning sensations in the mouth and tongue area.
• Massaging your tongue gently with mustard oil twice daily, followed by rinsing your mouth well afterwards for relief from atrophic glossitis symptoms like pain, soreness, burning sensation, etc,.
• Applying a paste of sandalwood powder mixed in rosewater on your tongue before going to sleep for soothing relief from atrophic glossitis related pain and discomfort overnight

• Eat soft and easy to chew foods, such as yoghourt, smoothies, soups, eggs, cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes and oatmeal.
• Avoid acidic or spicy foods that may aggravate symptoms.
• Increase intake of iron rich foods like lean meats, beans, lentils and spinach.
• Include foods rich in Vitamin B12 such as fortified cereals and fish.
• Drink adequate fluids throughout the day.

• Avoid spicy, acidic, and high-salt foods that can irritate the tongue.
• Reduce your intake of coffee and alcohol because both of these substances can potentially cause irritation.
• Avoid dried or hard foods such as crackers and hard candies that can further abrade the tongue's surface.
• Soften rough or dry foods such as toast, sandwiches, cereal, and meats with butter, sour cream, gravy or sauces to reduce irritation to the tongue's surface.

Surgical treatments for Atrophic Glossitis include:

• Plastic Surgery: This involves the use of flaps to cover the atrophic area and restore the normal anatomy.
• Laser Surgery: In this operation, a laser is used to both eliminate damaged tissue and to stimulate the body's natural healing processes.
• Cryosurgery: This treatment makes use of temperatures that are extremely low in order to eradicate aberrant cells and stimulate skin regeneration in the afflicted region.
• Surgical Biopsy: In this step of the process, a sample of the afflicted area's tissue is removed and placed in a container for later examination under a microscope as part of the diagnostic and treatment planning process.

To diagnose and treat atrophic glossitis, you should consult an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist or a general practitioner.

In conclusion, an ENT specialist or general practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of atrophic glossitis since it can have multiple causes and require different types of treatments depending on its underlying cause.

• An antifungal medicine such as nystatin or clotrimazole is the primary form of treatment for atrophic glossitis.
• To alleviate symptoms, taking supplemental forms of vitamin B complex, zinc, and iron may be advised.
• Corticosteroid based medicines: Pain and inflammation caused by atrophic glossitis can sometimes be alleviated with the use of a corticosteroid mouthwash, topical ointment, or oral medicine.
• Additionally, a steroid injection in the affected area may provide relief from burning and pain.

• Recovery from Atrophic Glossitis depends on the severity of the condition and can take anywhere from weeks to months.
• The first step in recovery is to identify and treat any underlying cause, such as vitamin B12 deficiency or anaemia.
• Once the underlying cause is addressed, dietary changes may be necessary to ensure that proper nutrients are being absorbed.
• It's also important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Additionally, medications such as topical steroids or antifungal agents may be prescribed in order to reduce inflammation and help heal the tongue faster.
• Finally, it's essential to practise stress-reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation in order to support overall healing of the body and mind during this time of recovery from Atrophic Glossitis.

• Treatment for atrophic glossitis typically involves the use of topical medications such as antifungal creams or ointments, as well as nutritional supplements.
• The results of treatment for atrophic glossitis are generally not permanent and the condition can recur. However, with proper management and lifestyle changes, symptoms can often be managed successfully over the long term.

• Adequate nutrition should be provided to the patient, either orally or through a tube, in order to help the healing process.
• Pain medications should be prescribed as needed to ensure patient comfort during the healing process.
• Regular follow-up appointments should be scheduled with the doctor to monitor progress and ensure proper healing of the area.
• If necessary, surgery may also be performed in order to remove any remaining tissue that could cause further complications or impede proper healing of the affected area.

It is possible for the cost of therapy for atrophic glossitis in India to change based on the severity of the ailment as well as the treatment option that is being sought.

Generally, treatments such as medications and antifungal mouthwashes can cost between 300-500 INR (roughly $4-7 USD). If more advanced treatments such as laser therapy or surgery are needed, the cost can range between 5,000-20,000 INR (roughly $70-280 USD).

• Dryness and soreness of the tongue
• Elimination of the ability to taste
• On the tongue, there is a burning feeling
• Difficulty eating and speaking
• Swelling and inflammation of the tongue

If you are suffering from any complications relating to Atrophic Glossitis then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can have complications like ' infection in salivary glands, infection of gums' in which treatment courses can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.