Ask a doctor on the topic of Otorhinolaryngology

Problem with the tongue

December 5, 2013 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Good evening,

I need help with a problem with my tongue.
Image attached.

For the past 3-4 days, I have been experiencing pain in the area of the front edge of my tongue, increasing in intensity. I feel slight pain when speaking and eating due to friction against my tooth. At first, I thought it might be an aphthous ulcer, but the medication Pyralvex, which I usually use for that and burns like hell, does not cause any pain when used.
I cannot recall biting my tongue. No known allergies.

I noticed that the area around the small white spot on my tongue has changed. There is a slight swelling.

What could this be, and what can I do for the pain and healing? I am flying to a country with poor medical care on Saturday, and I want to know if I should possibly have it checked by a doctor before I go?

Thank you for your help.

Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Good evening,

This could be a fungal infection, which is quite easy to treat. However, please have a doctor look at it tomorrow. Because it could also be a neurological problem or even a progressing inflammation of the tongue (glossitis) behind it. But as you describe it, the fungal infection is likely.

Please have it checked, especially considering the upcoming trip.

I am happy to help.

Kind regards,
Dr. K. Hamann