Tongue Numbness and Cracks: When to Seek Medical Advice

Tingling sensation in the tongue or feeling of thirst, with cracks appearing in the middle of the tongue?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing symptoms over the past few months, including a tingling sensation in my tongue or a feeling of thirst, as well as cracks appearing in the middle of my tongue that seem to be getting longer.
Sometimes my tongue coating is white, and other times it is yellow.
(I am unsure if the symptoms are related to tingling or thirst based on my online research.) I initially thought it was dry mouth, but even after drinking about 1200 ml of water a day, there is no significant improvement (I have normal saliva production).
The feeling of thirst becomes more pronounced at night.
I regularly take B vitamins, do not smoke or drink alcohol, and go to bed before midnight.
Currently, I am not using air conditioning while sleeping.
I read online that a tingling tongue could be a sign of a stroke, so I would like to know if my symptoms require a doctor's visit or if there are any vitamins I should supplement.
If I need to see a doctor, which specialty should I consult? Thank you.

Ms. Wu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/01

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, your symptoms are most likely indicative of glossitis.
In addition to medication treatment, please keep the following daily life precautions in mind: avoid lying down for two hours after eating.
Please refrain from coffee, tea, cigarettes, alcohol, fried foods, and spicy foods, as these can help improve your symptoms.
However, if symptoms persist, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic for a laryngoscopy (to rule out any masses) and appropriate medication treatment.
Wishing you peace and good health.

Reply Date: 2022/06/01

More Info

Tongue numbness and cracks can be concerning symptoms that may indicate underlying health issues. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of sensations and changes in your tongue, including numbness, a feeling of dryness, cracks in the middle of your tongue, and variations in the color of your tongue coating. These symptoms can be attributed to several factors, and it is essential to understand when to seek medical advice.

Firstly, the sensation of numbness in the tongue can be caused by various conditions, including nerve damage, vitamin deficiencies (particularly B vitamins), dehydration, or even anxiety. The presence of cracks on the tongue, known as fissured tongue, can be benign but may also indicate nutritional deficiencies or systemic conditions. The fluctuation in the color of the tongue coating (white or yellow) can be associated with oral hygiene, dehydration, or infections.

Given that you have been experiencing these symptoms for several months, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. While you mentioned that you are taking B vitamins and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it is possible that you may have an underlying condition that requires further evaluation.
When seeking medical advice, it is best to start with a primary care physician or a general practitioner. They can perform a thorough examination, take a detailed medical history, and possibly run some tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. If necessary, they may refer you to a specialist, such as an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) or a neurologist, depending on their findings.

In terms of dietary considerations, while you are already taking B vitamins, it might be beneficial to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of other essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc, and iron, which play a role in oral health. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial, especially if you are experiencing a sensation of dryness.
Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene can help alleviate some symptoms. This includes brushing your tongue gently, maintaining regular dental check-ups, and avoiding irritants such as spicy or acidic foods that may exacerbate tongue discomfort.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may not be immediately alarming, the persistence and combination of these symptoms warrant a medical evaluation. It is always better to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to changes in sensation or appearance in the mouth. Seeking medical advice will provide you with clarity and appropriate management for your symptoms.

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