We can’t deny the truth that these are uncertain and unpredictable times. In this pandemic, if we have a small health complaint or issue, we think it is due to Coronavirus.
Fever, fatigue, and dry cough may be the most common symptoms of COVID-19, but now an uncommon and strange symptom – COVID Tongue has been established amongst some patients, which causes infection inside the mouth has been found in the latest UK study.
The expression “Covid Tongue” was coined recently after Mr. Tim Spector, a professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College, London tweeted about patients with COVID tongue and tongue ulcers.
Dental specialists have been known to analyze various diseases through the oral cavity which should be a mirror to general wellbeing. Perhaps the most recent manifestation that is being seen in relationship with Covid disease is COVID tongue where dental specialists may assume a significant part.
According to a research letter published in the British Journal of Dermatology, a significant number of COVID-19 patients are experiencing bumps on their tongue, along with inflammation and swelling. Surprisingly, Some COVID-positive individuals exhibit no other classical symptoms other than the dryness of the mouth.
In the COVID tongue, there is an inflammation that usually appears on the top and sides of the tongue.
In the COVID tongue, our body fails to produce saliva that protects our mouth from bad bacteria. This may lead to feeling dryness in our mouth. People with this symptom have difficulty in chewing and speaking.
What is the COVID tongue?
Dry and Itchy Tongue.
What does COVID Tongue look like?
- White and Patchy Tongue.
- Dry mouth and subsequent fungal infection.
Covid Tongue could also be accompanied by a change in taste sensation, as well as muscle pain while chewing and persistent ulcers.
What causes COVID tongue?
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, grabs and holds onto Our cells contain enzymes called ACE receptors. From there, the virus gets into our cells, replicates, and makes us sick.
There are a lot of ACE receptors present in the tongue, so the virus concentrates very heavily on this tongue surface. That can lead to symptoms like tongue bumps and tongue swelling.
The analytic worth of COVID Tongue is as yet unclear and it ought to be treated with alert.
According to the ZOE site, these progressions to the mouth or tongue may not be the single sign of COVID-19, or whether they will in everyday precede or later in the ailment.
While a report by NDTV moreover affirms that COVID Tongue could be one of the “non-model signs” that will overall get disregarded since not many out of each odd ulcer or fix in the mouth is connected with COVID. This may be an early sign in another finding.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Research confirmed COVID tongue is a non-classic symptom and rare entity.
- 1-2 in 500 infected patients in the UK have reported this as a symptom.
- Expert’s suggested If we do get small ulcers or patches on the tongue, get tested for COVID.
Not every ulcer or patch in the mouth is COVID, just like not every cough or fever isn’t. However, if you do get small ulcers or small patches, it is advisable to get tested for COVID in this Pandemic situation.
Dr. Shiva Sankar is the Clinical Director and Orthodontist at Sakti Dental Clinic, Tirunelveli with over 18+ years of experience in dentistry. He is also a Professor in the Department of Orthodontics, Rajas Dental College affiliated to, Dr.MGR Medical University. Dr. Shiva Sankar frequently publishes research papers in leading scientific national and international journals.