Inflammation of the tongue is known as?

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2017

Explanation

Glossitis is the specific medical term for inflammation of the tongue.
The term is a combination of the Greek root 'glossa' (meaning tongue) and the suffix '-itis' (meaning inflammation).
This condition can cause the tongue to swell, change color, and develop a smooth surface due to the loss of papillae.
It is often a sign of an underlying issue, such as a nutritional deficiency, infection, or allergic reaction.

Option A: Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gingiva, which are the gums surrounding the teeth, not the tongue itself.
Option C: Parotitis refers to the inflammation of the parotid glands, the largest salivary glands located on the sides of the face, in front of the ears. Mumps is a classic example of a disease causing parotitis.
Option D: Stomatitis is a general term for inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the mouth. While this can include the tongue, glossitis is the more specific term solely for tongue inflammation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical Terminology for Oral Inflammatory Conditions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing for glossitis is a key part of a comprehensive oral assessment, as it can be an early sign of systemic issues like nutritional deficiencies (Vitamin B12, iron, folic acid), infections, or allergic reactions.
Nurses should educate patients on proper oral hygiene and advise them to report any changes in their tongue's appearance, such as swelling, pain, or a 'bald' smooth texture.
What if? If the inflammation and cracking were specifically at the corners of the mouth, the condition would be called angular cheilitis, which is also often linked to nutritional deficiencies or fungal infections.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests knowledge of medical terminology.
First, identify the key terms in the question: 'inflammation' and 'tongue'.
Recall or deduce the medical root words. The suffix '-itis' universally means inflammation.
The root word for tongue is 'glossa' (from Greek).
Combine the root and suffix: 'Gloss-' + '-itis' = Glossitis.
Evaluate the other options to confirm they refer to different anatomical parts: 'gingiva' (gums), 'parotid' (salivary gland), and 'stoma' (mouth/opening).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 542-544

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.