Does anyone else have this? I am wondering if it is GERD? Throughout the day, different parts of my tongue feel as if they are burning. Very uncomfortable. Sucking on ice helps, until the ice melts and then it is just more pain. Have also tried an oral rinse, but that does nothing. I am tempted to put ORAJEL on my tongue, but that would probably be overkill.
Any ideas? Thanks, Dave
Hmm.. I hope someone with similar symptoms can chime in and help you out...
In the meantime, I found this article on BMS (Burning Tongue Syndrome) that may be of help:
http://www.dentaldean.com/dental-care-arti...ue-syndrome.htmWhat other symptoms are you having? Are you using a CPAP machine - if so, do you use a humidifier?
How long have you had this problem? What changed in your life that may possibly be causing it - new medications? New foods? Do you smoke?
Thanks for replying Supersleeper. I have been using a cpap machine for about 5 years, with a humidifier. The burning sensation on my tongue began almost a year ago. I had been a smoker for a long time, so I was concerned about maybe mouth cancer? I just quit smoking about two months ago, and the pain is still present. Sometimes it is on one side of my tongue, somtimes the other side, sometimes both sides. I even bought one of those bite guards just in case I was biting my tongue while I was sleeping, but it is very uncomfortable. I mentioned to my doctor a while back and she just said it was part of GERD.
If it's GERD, usually your symptoms will be more prominent right after you wake in the morning (acid from stomach goes to your mouth easier after you've been horizontal for some time). Check out this website for symptoms of GERD:
http://www.gerd.com/consumer/gerd-symptoms.aspxBut if it's consistent throughout the day, or not only at one time of the day, I'd look at other causes as well... keep in mind that I'm not a doctor and this is not really sound medical advice...
Mouth/tongue cancer is definitely possible, especially since you've smoked for some time. Found this on the symptoms of mouth cancer:
| QUOTE |
The commonest symptoms of mouth cancer are
* A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal
* Discomfort or pain in the mouth that does not go away
It can also cause
* White patches anywhere in your mouth (leukoplakia)
* Red patches anywhere in your mouth (erythroplakia)
* A lump on the lip, tongue or in the mouth or throat
* Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth
* Pain when chewing or swallowing
* A feeling that something is caught in the throat
* Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth
* Loose teeth or dentures feeling uncomfortable and not fitting properly
* A change in your voice or speech problems
* Weight loss
* A lump in the neck
White or red patches can be signs of pre-malignancy. Pre-malignant cells are abnormal, but they are not yet cancer. If left untreated, pre-malignancy can go on to develop into cancer. But if you get the condition treated, you can prevent a cancer from developing.
There is no official screening program, but checking for mouth cancer should be part of your 6 monthly routine dental check up. Make sure it is done next time you go to the dentist – ask. |
That is worth checking out. Simply taking a doctor's word for it (with no detailed explanation) as to why it's GERD would not be good enough for me. I would also ask the doctor "Are you sure it's GERD? If you're positive, please explain why you think this". Unless he/she can convince you completely that is without a doubt GERD, I would insist on a cancer test.
Maybe others can chime in, but you don't want to play around with cancer.
Thanks again for all the info. I will be talking with my doctor soon.
I think I have dried the tip of my tounge two times since using CPAP.
I imagine what I look like sticking out my asleep!