Macroglossia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Macroglossia is a medical condition that causes a large tongue which is not considered normal. The medical condition is both a sign and a disease on its own. This abnormal enlargement can be a result of anything. The disease can be either congenital, genetic, or acquired during any time of life.

Macroglossia can cause various physical discomforts and other conditions. It can make it hard for you to speak, swallow, clean, or do other oral activities. It can also create discomfort as the tongue will constantly come between your teeth.

Summary: Macroglossia is a medical condition where the patient experiences enlargement of the tongue. The illness can be either congenital, genetic, or acquired.

The first and foremost sign of Macroglossia is the large tongue, one may feel it as it will not be sitting well in the oral space. Since there are no identifiable causes of this condition, the symptoms can have different variations.

In case of a congenital or genetic disorder, the size of the mouth, shape of teeth, and jaw will also get affected. For the infant, it will be difficult to feed, close mouth, or conduct basic oral actions.

In the case of acquired, the only signs are mouth discomfort and difficulty in conducting basic oral activities.

Summary: Symptoms of Macroglossia basically include unusual oral discomfort. But if it is associated with genetic deformities, it can also affect the shape of your mouth, teeth, and jaw.

As mentioned earlier, Macroglossia can be due to different reasons. Genetic or congenital reasons may include genetic disorders like:

• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
• acromegaly
• Primary amyloidosis
• Down syndrome
• Apert syndrome

These diseases are an autosomal dominant trait which means only one active/deactivated deformed gene is sufficient to develop genetic abnormalities in the child.

The second category of causes is acquired, which means enlargement of the tongue can happen due to certain contagious or non-contagious medical conditions like malignancies, metabolic/endocrine disorders, and inflammatory or infectious diseases.

Summary: Enlargement of the tongue can happen due to either genetic or acquired medical conditions. Under Macroglossia, genetic disorders can be or cannot be congenital.

Macroglossia diagnosis starts with examining the symptoms. Your medical expert will also diagnose your family history and medical history. On that note, they will prescribe you different forms of tests to determine the root cause of the disease. This is because there are many reasons behind the usual enlargement of the tongue.

Summary: Diagnosis of Macroglossia is different in every case, so it is not possible to put it in a confirmed structure.

Medical conditions causing Macroglossia that are genetic in nature cannot be prevented. The nature of such diseases is irreversible in nature and cannot be prevented. The only thing that can prevent the development of this disease in future generations is to avoid reproduction.

On the contrary, the acquired disease can be prevented with the help of better oral hygiene and a better immunity system. Basic oral hygiene practices like:

• Use mouthwash, floss, and tongue cleaner with brushing.
• Brush post-meal or at least twice a day.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
• Keep it in a dry place, away from dust, debris, or another household toothbrush.

Summary: Preventive techniques of Macroglossia depends on its root cause. No preventive technique will work if it is genetic in nature.

Tongue enlargement or Macroglossia can be very discomforting for the patient. It is important to address the situation ASAP to avoid any further complications. So when you feel like your tongue is going out of shape, consult your nearest medical practitioner as soon as possible.

Summary: If you or any newborn is experiencing unusual growth of the tongue, in that case, one needs to consult the medical practitioner on an urgent basis.

No, in both genetic and acquired causes, Macroglossia cannot go away on its own. The disease needs medical attention as it can be a sign of a critical medical illness. So it is important to consult your doctor to have proper treatment.

Summary: Diseases like Macroglossia do not go away on their own. Even though some cases of tongue swelling are not genetic, it still needs medical aid to get resolved.

Treatment of Macroglossia concentrates on its cause. If the disease is related to any form of acquired infection, then therapeutics can help deal with it. Some oral hygiene would also be helpful to maintain health. But in case it is genetic, surgery is the only plan that can help you reduce the size. This is because medical science is still looking for a cure for genetic disorders like Macroglossia.

Summary: Macroglossia, due to genetic disorder cannot be treated, it can only be managed by surgical procedures. On the other hand, infection-related causes can be treated with the help of medications.

For infants, breastmilk is the only food suitable. If the infant is not able to feed properly via breast, the child needs to be fed through any suitable method (as per the doctor’s consultation). For adults, switch to semi-liquid and liquid foods that do not need chewing. Consult your doctor to know more about diet during Macroglossia.

Summary: Food that does not need much oral movement is ideal to eat for patients with Macroglossia.

Food does not have a direct impact on Macroglossia recovery. However, it can help you maintain your physical health, strength, and immunity. Do not eat food that is hard, solid, spicy, fried, contains artificial flavourings that would be better for the patient. Foods like this need more chewing which can be difficult with the enlarged tongue.

Summary: Foods that are hard, solid, spicy, fried, contains artificial flavourings should be avoided by the patient with Macroglossia.

Side effects of the treatment depend on the methodology and nature of the disease. Therapeutics prescribed under Macroglossia can have mild to moderate side effects if you are not allergic to the medication. On the other hand, if the treatment includes surgery there are certain things one might experience:

• Pain
• Deity restrictions
• Bleeding
• Movement restriction

Summary: Side effects of Macroglossia treatment are mild to moderate discomfort. Consult your medical professional if you notice any allergic reaction or are out of the ordinary.

Yes, in both genetic and acquired causes, Macroglossia can’t be ignored. The disease needs immediate medical attention as it can be a sign of something serious. So it is important to consult your doctor to have proper treatment.

Summary: Diseases like Macroglossia needs immediate medical attention. Even though some cases of tongue swelling are not genetic, it still needs medical aid to get resolved.

Macroglossia does or does not have a recovery period! Genetic Macroglossia cannot be recovered due it its inheritance in the human body. So there is no recovery period in that case. On the contrary, acquired Macroglossia is curable. Depending on the infection. It can take one or two weeks to attain full recovery.

Summary: Genetic Macroglossia does not have a cure, so lost its possibility to be recovered. Acquired Macroglossia on the contrary can be recovered within 10-15 days.

The price of Macroglossia treatment varies as per the disease and therapeutics. While consultation and medication can come around 5000 rs a month, surgery can cost up to 2-5 rs lacks per session. The average cost of non-genetic Macroglossia is around 50-70 thousand a year, and for the genetic Macroglossia, it can be 10-17 lakhs a year.

Summary: The average cost of Macroglossia can lay between 30 thousand to 15 lakhs per year as per the nature of the disease.

There is no physical exercise that can help you with the recovery of tongue enlargement. Rather adequate rest and minimal movement would be helpful for better recovery.

Summary: No physical exercise is advised under any form of Macroglossia.

There are several non-genetic, infectious illnesses that can lead to Macroglossia. So there is no specific medicine that can cure the disease. Medication will be prescribed as per the patient’s requirements.

Summary: There is no specific medication that can be prescribed under Macroglossia.

Genetic Macroglossia cannot be recovered due it its inheritance in the human body. So the result of treatment cannot be permanent. On the contrary, acquired Macroglossia is curable. Depending on the infection, It can take one or two weeks to achieve permanent results of recovery.

Summary: Genetic Macroglossia does not have a cure, so there is no permanent recovery. Acquired Macroglossia on the contrary can be fully cured. A person suffering from Acquired Macroglossia can be recovered within 10-15 days.

Macroglossia treatment does not have any alternative. Especially under genetic Macroglossia, the only thing that can keep the tongue in its place is surgery. Also, medications used under specific disease does not have an alternative. But if you are allergic to any compound, you can always ask for different medications.

Summary: There is no alternative present at the movement for the cure of Macroglossia.

Individuals with unusual enlargement of the tongue are eligible for the treatment. Both genetic and non-genetic Macroglossia falls under this category.

Summary: People with enlarged tongues can choose a Macroglossia treatment plan.

Individuals with no unusual enlargement of the tongue are not eligible for the treatment.

Summary: People with no enlarged tongue are not suitable for the Macroglossia treatment plan.

Genetic Macroglossia cannot be cured hence it does not have any post guidance treatment. The nature of such diseases is irreversible so the treatment will be a lifetime course. On the contrary, the acquired disease can be prevented in the future with the help of better oral hygiene and a better immunity system.

• Use mouthwash, floss, and tongue cleaner with brushing.
• Brush post-meal or at least twice a day.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
• Keep it in a dry place, away from dust, debris, or another household toothbrush.

Summary: Post-treatment techniques of Macroglossia depend on its root cause. No preventive technique will work if it is genetic in nature.

Summary: Macroglossia is defined as an abnormally large tongue. The medical condition is both a sign and a disease on its own. The disease can be either congenital, genetic, or acquired during any time of life. Under Macroglossia, genetic disorders can be or cannot be congenital. Symptoms of Macroglossia basically include unusual oral discomfort caused by a large tongue. Treatment of Macroglossia depends on its root cause. If the disease is related to any form of acquired infection, then therapeutics can help deal with it. But in case it is genetic, surgery is the only plan that can help you reduce the size.