Swollen Tounge

[Carolforeman]

Has anyone else experienced a sore mouth or swollen tounge? If so, any tips on how to resolve?

[Benjessop]

I will look into this.

[Runrig01]

Hi my situation is a little unusual. I do have a swollen tongue, and have vascular lesions on my tongue. I have pmr, 18 months after I developed GCA symptoms. Tongue claudication and swelling, and it has baffled specialists.

I recently was referred to an oral medicine specialist in Leeds, who confirmed my tongue symptoms are due to vasculitis. He suggested a bite guard to cushion my tongue at night, as he feels friction at night is opening the sore areas up. I have a dry mouth and he has suggested special mouthwashes which help. He is also organising ultrasound if my salivary glands to rule out other causes for dry mouth. I do feel it is due to my medication.

Unfortunately there is no quick solution to the tongue swelling. I use anbesol anaesthetic solution on sore areas, which helps for a little while. A few nights ago my tongue pain on the left side was so severe it resulted in trouble speaking. I will be very interested if anyone else finds anything helpful. Good luck, Runrig 😃

[alexamarie in reply to Runrig01]

Make sure you have enough magnesium.... but vitamins and c

[Runrig01 in reply to alexamarie]

Since before diagnosis I have always taken magnesium supplements for muscle spasms. I also take Vit b complex and Vit c. As you will notice from my post I have vasculitis affecting the tongue.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Other than runrig's post - using pred predisposes you to thrush and that can cause a sore mouth.

I get a sore mouth every so often too and it FEELS as if my tongue is swollen - not sure it is though.

[Judigardener]

I get tongue tingling but sometimes wonder if it's a reaction to the Ad Cal chewables?

[Runrig01 in reply to Judigardener]

The oral medicine specialist said that burning tingling sensation can be due to dry mouth syndrome. Since trying a mouth wash for dry mouth my burning has improved

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Carol, are you by any chance taking Methotrexate alongside the steroids? If so, this can aggravate the mouth and you need to ensure you are taking a sufficient dose of Folic Acid to avoid this side effect.

Otherwise, if you are using any toothpastes containing the ingredient Tricolosan, this is known to cause problems in the mouth, such as mouth ulcers, so is best avoided. Sensodyne is one of the best toothpastes to use. Also, if you don't already eat it, a good serving of 'live' yoghurt daily should help.

[Hidden]

I experienced this recently and it seemed related to the mouthwash I'd been using after teeth brushing. Never had it before with this or any similar product so assumed it's all part of the fun and I use less of it now, use it more quickly and a quick rinse with water afterwards.

[alexamarie]

Yes, I have. No clue why? I used salt water rinses....

[alexamarie]

I have and had no clue why, Dr said just autoimmune ...everything they don't know is labeled autoimmune.