5. Enlarged and Swollen Tongue: The Silent Swell
One of the more shocking manifestations of angioedema can be waking up with a noticeably enlarged tongue. This can be not only alarming but also potentially dangerous. The tongue’s sudden expansion can feel foreign, making speaking, eating, or even just keeping the mouth closed, challenging.
Beyond the evident discomfort and inconvenience, a swollen tongue can pose a significant risk. If the swelling becomes severe, it can obstruct the airways, much like the swelling in the throat, leading to potential suffocation if not treated immediately.
The swelling of the tongue in angioedema is due to the same immune responses causing other symptoms. Fluid builds up in the layers of the tongue, making it expand rapidly. Triggers can be diverse, from medications to certain foods, or even stress.(5)
