Glossitis
Glossitis is the condition when the tongue becomes inflamed and swollen. As a result, the tongue’s surface would appear smooth, and it can also signify various health concerns. Glossitis symptoms can develop over time, and they can also come quickly. People who suffer from glossitis can have problems chewing, swallowing, and speaking because of the bigger size of the tongue. The tongue is also more sensitive and may be tender, pale, or bright red.
Doctors believe that glossitis can be traced to folic acid deficiency. Iron deficiency anemia manifests in folic acid deficiency, wherein the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. People who have such type of anemia can present depapilled or atrophic glossitis. Meanwhile, pernicious anemia is also a possibility when there’s folate deficiency. When a person has pernicious anemia, their body destroys gastric parietal cells. Parietal cells produce intrinsic factors which are essential for folate absorption. If the body doesn’t have enough folate, it can develop megaloblastic anemia, which can present as glossitis.
Health experts recommend taking antibiotics or improving oral healthcare to treat glossitis. However, they can also recommend vitamin B-complex supplementation if they find out that the underlying condition is a folic acid deficiency.
