Anemia has many causes, including iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and cancer.
One of the manyconsequences of anemiais that it prevents an adequate blood supply and nutrients from reaching the tongue.
This causes the tongue to become inflamed, with signs and symptoms of anemia tongue.
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What Does Anemia Tongue Look and Feel Like?
Anemia tongue can have a distinct appearance.
Additionally, nutrient deficiency is often the root cause of anemiaand the lack of nutrients further contributes to glossitis.
Renewal of the cells and replacement of the older, damaged cells help keep your tongue healthy.
Other tongue changes that you might also notice include:
Do Tongue Changes Lead to Diagnosis?
Often, the symptoms of anemia are gradual and nonspecific, meaning they could be for many other conditions.
However, glossitis could be one of the first noticeablesigns of anemia.
You will need a physical examination, which can help narrow down the potential causes of your symptoms.
Blood tests will be used to make a definitivediagnosis of anemia.
Sometimes, other diagnostic tests are needed to help identify the causes of anemia.
This might include pain relievers, eating a soft diet, or treatment for an infection.
These therapies can help you feel more comfortable and relieve complications of glossitis.
Taking additional supplements is usually not beneficial if your vitamin levels are already in an optimum range.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
Usually, anemia tongue heals within several weeks or months.
Your tongue regenerates tissue frequently.
It can heal within a few weeks once the anemia is resolved and you get adequate nutrition.
What Shouldnt You Eat With Anemia?
The timing of supplements and foodcan be important if you have anemia.
Sometimes, glossitis causes pain and discomfort but can be too subtle to notice.
Anemia can cause other symptoms and serious health consequences.
Treatment can usually restore your red blood cells and help reverse glossitis and other effects of anemia.
2024;58(6):756-806. doi:10.33594/000000747
