Sore Tongue and Throat

Tap to Read ➤ Scholasticus K

A sore throat coupled with sore tongue can be severely bothersome. Let us know about the underlying causes of these conditions, and about their treatment as well.

The majority of cases reporting soreness in the throat and tongue are associated with mild causes which are absolutely curable. In fact, many a time, the condition subsides on its own without any medical attention.

Causes and Treatment

Viral and/or Bacterial Infection

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Common Cold Mononucleosis Strep Throat Tonsillitis Influenza Viral Pharyngitis

Mumps Laryngitis Measles / Chickenpox Scarlet Fever Treatment: All these conditions are caused by a bacterial or viral infection. In cases of common cold, strep throat, mono, and flu; home remedies like intake of warm fluids, salt water gargle, and bed rest is enough for the infection to heal. Over-the-counter-medications can be taken for pain relief.

If there are other causes behind these symptoms; like scarlet fever, mumps, tonsillitis, etc., then it is always advisable to consult a trusted doctor for appropriate treatment and medications. Bed rest and home remedies, of course, are essentially required.

Physical Injury and Strain

Another reason could be a physical injury on the tongue accompanied by a muscle strain in the throat. A common tongue injury is caused by accidental biting (while talking or eating), or a burn caused while sipping hot liquids.

Disorders, such as anemia or diabetes lead to many different types of skin related disorders, that tend to affect the outer surface of the tongue, thereby causing the soreness.

Treatment : Physical injuries, like the ones discussed above, are cured by the saliva itself. If the problem persists, your physician may prescribe you some oral medication or some mild cream.

Cancer

Oral cancer is another cause, which is quite rare, but dangerous. This can affect a person in many places, within the oral cavity itself. The swelling of tissues in the oral cavity, often increases the agony of patients, as it frequently causes the soreness.

At times, it results into the growth of a tumor, which further intensifies the pain and other symptoms affecting the tongue and throat, including soreness. The oral cancer also results into many ailments such as difficulty in swallowing, tongue related problems, and mouth spores. Thyroid cancer can also cause similar symptoms.

Treatment: Remedies against cancer include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. There are also some oral and topical medications which might be prescribed by a cancer specialist.

HIV

The early symptoms that occur after a person has been affected by HIV, are quite similar to that of influenza. During the initial stage of this condition, symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes on the neck, soreness in the throat, pain, and ulcers in the mouth, lesions on the tongue, etc., are likely to appear.

Treatment : As we all know, there is no cure for HIV. However, an early detection can always allow the health care specialists to slow down the progression of the disease, by controlling the virus. This is done by using various combinations of anti-HIV drugs and medications.

Other Causes

There are several other external factors that may cause these symptoms. These may include: Dust allergies Pollution Allergies from medications Cigarette smoke Climatic and temperature change Overuse of vocal cords Usage of tobacco

Though these are just some of the many causes of experiencing soreness in the throat and tongue, the main point to be noted is that, all these conditions can be prevented with the help of some cautions and remedies. Our first priority should be to strengthen our immune system.

As mentioned earlier, majority of the cases reported for the topic discussed, are associated with viral or bacterial infections that can be handled by a strong immune system. For this, taking necessary steps like eating right, drinking fluids, exercising, and sleeping adequately; can make your immunity stronger.

Certain preventive measures like - avoiding smoking tobacco, staying away from pollutants, maintaining basic hygiene, using protection while engaging in sexual activities, etc., can reduce your risks of being a part of the aforementioned diseases and infections.

If you have been experiencing soreness and pain in your mouth and throat, accompanied with swelling and pain in the tongue, then you can try some effective home remedies which include: drinking plenty of warm liquids, salt water (warm) gargle, and complete bed rest.

If the condition doesn't improve in the first 2 - 3 days, it would be advisable to get in touch with your doctor and get yourself completely checked for proper diagnosis and treatment. Take care.

Disclaimer : The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert .