The tongue will indicate if you’re sick or not. Here’s how to tell.
Appearance of tongue in some abnormal condition
- Movements of the tongue.
a. In one sided paralysis of the body (hemiplegia) tongue moves towards the paralyzed side when protruded.
b. Tremulus movement of the tongue is seen in diseases like thyrotoxicosis, delirium tremens and Parkinsonism. Tremor is also seen in nervous patients.
c. In progressive bulbar palsy there will be wasting and paralysis of the tongue with fibrillation. Eventually the tongue gets shriveled and lies functionless in the floor of the mouth. This condition is associated with dribbling of saliva and loss of speech.
d. In chorea(involuntary rhythmic movements) the patient may not be able to keep the protruded tongue in rest, it will be moving involuntarily.
- Moistness of the tongue. The moistness of the tongue gives some indication about the state of hydration of the body. Water volume depletion leads to peripheral circulatory failure characterized by weakness, thirst, restlessness, anorexia, nausea and vomiting , dry and parched tongue.
- Dryness of the tongue is seen in following conditions.
a. Diarrhea
b. Later stages of severe illness
c. Advanced uremia
d. Hypovolemic shock
e. Heat exhaustion
f. Hyponatremia
g. Acute intestinal obstruction
h. Starvation
i. Prolonged fasting