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What Causes Swollen Tongue And Difficulty Swallowing?
My husband is 65 and has been suffering for approx 3 -4 weeks from what feels like to him a swollen tongue, difficulty swallowing, persistent headache, his facial skin and scalp are sensitive to the touch. He has been to an ENT, and GP and dentist. He has had a CT Scan with contrast ans is going in 2 days for a stress test. Some relief with an over the counter mouth guard, but still very difficult to swallow. In addition, on the right side of his face a neck he has been experiencing muscle spasms for about 9 - 10 months. he likens the pain to a charlie horse. He is tiring of the pain
Tue, 2 May 2023
Hi,
Here are several possible causes of a swollen tongue and difficulty swallowing, including:
* Allergic reaction: An allergic reaction to food or medication can cause swelling of the tongue and throat, making it difficult to swallow.
* Infection: A viral or bacterial infection can cause swelling of the tongue, throat, and lymph nodes, making it difficult to swallow.
* Injury: Injury to the tongue or throat can cause swelling and pain.
* Cancer: Although rare, cancer of the tongue, throat, or lymph nodes can cause swelling and difficulty swallowing.
* Neurological disorders: Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke can cause difficulty swallowing and muscle spasms.
* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD can cause inflammation and swelling of the throat and tongue, as well as difficulty swallowing.
* Medications: Certain medications can cause side effects such as tongue swelling and difficulty swallowing.
Since your husband has already been evaluated by an ENT, GP, and dentist, and has had a CT scan with contrast, his doctors have likely ruled out any serious conditions such as cancer or neurological disorders. His symptoms may be related to GERD or an allergic reaction, or possibly a combination of factors.
The fact that he has experienced some relief with an over-the-counter mouth guard suggests that his symptoms may be related to muscle tension or spasm. He may benefit from seeing a physical therapist or a specialist in TMJ disorders, as these conditions can cause muscle tension and pain in the face and neck.
In the meantime, he can try to manage his symptoms by avoiding foods that may trigger an allergic reaction, avoiding spicy or acidic foods that may aggravate GERD, and using over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. He needs to continue working with his doctors to determine the underlying cause of his symptoms and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Here are several possible causes of a swollen tongue and difficulty swallowing, including:
* Allergic reaction: An allergic reaction to food or medication can cause swelling of the tongue and throat, making it difficult to swallow.
* Infection: A viral or bacterial infection can cause swelling of the tongue, throat, and lymph nodes, making it difficult to swallow.
* Injury: Injury to the tongue or throat can cause swelling and pain.
* Cancer: Although rare, cancer of the tongue, throat, or lymph nodes can cause swelling and difficulty swallowing.
* Neurological disorders: Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke can cause difficulty swallowing and muscle spasms.
* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD can cause inflammation and swelling of the throat and tongue, as well as difficulty swallowing.
* Medications: Certain medications can cause side effects such as tongue swelling and difficulty swallowing.
Since your husband has already been evaluated by an ENT, GP, and dentist, and has had a CT scan with contrast, his doctors have likely ruled out any serious conditions such as cancer or neurological disorders. His symptoms may be related to GERD or an allergic reaction, or possibly a combination of factors.
The fact that he has experienced some relief with an over-the-counter mouth guard suggests that his symptoms may be related to muscle tension or spasm. He may benefit from seeing a physical therapist or a specialist in TMJ disorders, as these conditions can cause muscle tension and pain in the face and neck.
In the meantime, he can try to manage his symptoms by avoiding foods that may trigger an allergic reaction, avoiding spicy or acidic foods that may aggravate GERD, and using over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. He needs to continue working with his doctors to determine the underlying cause of his symptoms and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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