I firmly believe that one reason why so many Americans go to the ER for trivial matters is that we haven’t been taught the basics of medicine. We don’t know what is trivial and what isn’t. And so then nothing is trivial. It’s all alarming. And then, being alarmed, we freak out. And we go to the ER, get reassured by the doctor, and often come home with advice to use over the counter remedies. Sometimes we’re given a prescription. And we’re always sent a hefty bill. Which, if we are lucky, is covered by insurance, another reason why so many Americans use the ER for their primary care. And which now forces the insurance companies to charge us more for using the ER as a doctor’s office. Life was better when we didn’t have medical insurance, doctor offices weren’t crowded, and bills for care were low. That was so long ago we can’t even see it in the rear-view mirror.
As I was researching glossitis earlier this month, I encountered descriptions of geographic tongue, along with a few notes reassuring the reader that the condition was not cancerous. Of course, that suggests to me that people who discover distinct patterns on their tongue reminiscent of a map start freaking out. That’s probably what I would do without resources or a doctor to reassure me. So naturally, it’s a topic we should cover.
Especially because, as experts estimate, it affects 3% of the population, and possibly many more. Armageddon Medicine contains half a paragraph on the topic, with no mention in any of the other off-grid references.
Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, presents with a distinctive pattern on the tongue and is so named because it sometimes resembles a map. The patterns may change day to day. The cause is unknown, and it usually doesn’t cause any pain. If uncomfortable, however, rinse with salt water or mouthwash. It eventually resolves on its own. As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, it is not cancerous, does not cause other health issues, and needs no treatment.[1]
RISK FACTORS
While geographic tongue can affect anyone from babies to adults, it is more common in the following groups of people:
- Those with eczema or psoriasis
- Those with allergies
- Women who take birth control pills
- Those with airborne allergies
- Those with diabetes, especially type-1
- Those with reactive arthritis
- Those with vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially zinc, iron, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12
- Those with fissured tongue (see post on glossitis)
- Those experiencing emotional stress
- Family history
SYMPTOMS
- Map-like pattern on the tongue. Those with geographic tongue do not have as many papillae on the tongue.
- Burning sensation triggered by eating spicy or acidic food, or drinking acidic juices like orange or grapefruit.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the lower jaw.
PREVENTION
Because it is not known what triggers geographic tongue, it’s difficult to prevent. We do know that vitamin and mineral deficiencies can trigger it. Food does not trigger geographic tongue.
TREATMENT
Nothing can make geographic tongue go away. It will resolve on its own in most cases. It may also recur. If it is uncomfortable, doctors usually recommend the following:
- NSAIDs
- Topical analgesics
- Mouthwash with an antihistamine (Magic Mouthwash)
Links to related posts:
Glossitis
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