What are the causes and associations of glossitis?

Inflammation of tongue (glossitis) can have following causes:

• Systemic:
  1. Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., B₁₂, folic acid)
  2. Anemia (pernicious, iron deficiency)
  3. Corticosteroids
  4. Broad-spectrum antibiotics
  5. HIV (opportunistic infections such as candidiasis, herpes simplex virus [HSV]; or HIV-associated changes such as loss of papillae)
  6. Various other medications (e.g., captopril, clarithromycin, enalapril, lansoprazole, lithium, metronidazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Local:
  1. Infections (e.g., HSV, Epstein-Barr virus, candidiasis)
  2. Trauma (ill-fitting dentures, piercings, burns, convulsive seizures)
  3. Primary irritants (alcohol, tobacco, hot foods, spices, excessive peppermint, citrus)
  4. Sensitization with chemical irritants (e.g., dyes, mouthwash, toothpaste, systemic drugs)
  5. Malignancy (95% are squamous cell)

Associated Conditions with glossitis can be:

1. Fissured tongue
2. HIV infection
3. Reiter syndrome
4. Down syndrome
5. Crohn disease
6. Celiac disease

By Doctor

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