Swollen Tongue

Glossitis has numerous possible causes, while macroglossia describes enlargement of the tongue. Angioedema can cause sudden swelling, sometimes with an itchy raised rash when an allergic reaction is involved.

Mild angioedema affecting a small area may not need treatment, but swelling of the lips, tongue or throat can need emergency hospital treatment. Do not wait at home if breathing is affected.

Assessment includes a careful history and physical examination of the tongue, including colour, consistency and masses. Further laboratory or imaging tests are chosen when a specific condition is suspected.

Treatment follows the cause. Angioedema may be treated by avoiding the cause, antihistamines or steroid tablets; severe or widespread swelling affecting the tongue or throat is treated urgently in hospital.

When a medicine causes angioedema, identifying it and using a different medicine may prevent another episode. Recurrent hereditary angioedema may need medicine to prevent attacks.

Angioedema commonly affects the face, lips and eyelids, and may cause hives. Severe tongue or throat swelling can cause breathing difficulty; macroglossia with chronic airway obstruction can affect breathing.

Throat swelling that causes breathing difficulty is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment. Severe or widespread swelling of the lips, tongue or throat also needs emergency hospital care.