What Causes Pain In The Tongue While Experiencing Stress?

Posted on Tue, 26 Sep 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 Answered on

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : hello, my husband has been complaining about his left side of his tongue and says he has no taste and it looks cracked on one side...his mom just died 3 weeks ago and we have been under a lot of stress

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Send an image of the tongue to me for review!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this query.

I have reviewed this information and will need more details to provide a personalized, comprehensive and helpful response to you. Most important, I will like that you upload an image for review.

However, stress often leads to tongue changes which can be accompanied by lack of sensory perception. Before concluding on this, I will like to review an image of the tongue to make sure there is no other issue I might miss out on.

To upload an image, simply click on the link to upload a file and follow the instructions. If this proves difficult, please send the image by mail to YYYY@YYYY and request that the image should be uploaded to your query.

I do promise to get back to you with more insights and helpful recommendations as soon as the requested information gets here.

Waiting...

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (13 minutes later)

I took the picture and attached it to upload new reports (hope that's correct...would hate for pics of his tongue to be floating on internet...lol) He says that he has no taste, when he eats spicy he doesn't realize it's spicy til it hits his throat, but he can tell the vinegar taste...this has been slowly progressing over about 4 wks now..started out to be just his lft side and that is where the cracks are too, he does have a bad tooth on that side also that needs to be taken out..over 2 years now..

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Does it hurt?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Am not sure it hurts. He will need to get the broken teeth needs removal to be done as soon as possible. This causes continuous irritation and can explain why the sulci on this side are thickened.

The lack of taste is stress related. This will return progressively. It appears the tongue has a whitish coating and would benefit from brushing. Let him ensure to do so each time he brushes the teeth.

I hope this guides and helps. Let me know if you have any further concerns.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (35 minutes later)

No it does not hurt him, but Thank you for taking the time to research this matter.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your kind words.

I wish you well.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar