9. Tongue Swelling: The Oral Elephant in the Room
Picture your tongue, the silent workhorse of your oral cavity. It helps you talk, taste, and swallow. Now, imagine it swollen and cumbersome, each movement a chore. In Ludwig’s Angina, tongue swelling isn’t a symptom you can just sweep under the rug.
When the tongue swells, it’s often due to a build-up of fluid or tissue inflammation. With Ludwig’s Angina, the infected region isn’t confined to the throat or jaw; it encompasses the tongue as well. And a swollen tongue can be particularly hazardous because it could block your airway. That’s a life-threatening situation in any book.
The way your tongue feels when swollen may vary. Some describe it as a “heavy” sensation, almost like carrying an extra weight inside your mouth. Others report a tingling or even burning feeling, adding yet another layer of complexity to the symptomatic experience.
Here’s a curveball: the sense of taste may also be affected. Your taste buds are located on your tongue. So, when the tongue swells, taste distortion can occur. It’s like adding insult to injury; not only are you dealing with a serious medical condition, but now even the simple joys like savoring food are compromised. (9)
