What is inflammation of the tongue called?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 2018

Explanation

Glossitis is the specific medical term for inflammation of the tongue.
The root word "glosso-" pertains to the tongue, and the suffix "-itis" signifies inflammation.
This condition is characterized by a swollen, discolored tongue that may appear smooth due to the loss of its papillae.
It can be an indicator of underlying issues such as nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folic acid), infections, or allergic reactions.

Option A: Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums (gingiva), not the tongue.
Option C: Parotitis is the inflammation of the parotid salivary glands, which are located near the ears.
Option D: Stomatitis is a general term for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the entire mouth. While the tongue is in the mouth, glossitis is the more specific term.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical Terminology for Oral Inflammation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A thorough oral assessment is a fundamental nursing skill. Identifying glossitis can be a crucial clue to systemic conditions like pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency), iron-deficiency anemia, or celiac disease, prompting further investigation.
Patient education is vital. For a patient with glossitis, a nurse might provide dietary counseling regarding foods rich in B vitamins and iron. For gingivitis, the focus would be on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
What if? If a patient presented with inflammation and white, curd-like patches on the tongue and oral mucosa that could be scraped off, the diagnosis would more likely be Oral Candidiasis (thrush), requiring antifungal treatment, rather than simple glossitis.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology.
First, identify the key components of the question: 'inflammation' and 'tongue'.
Recall the medical suffix for 'inflammation,' which is '-itis'.
Recall the medical root word for 'tongue,' which is 'glosso-'.
Combine the root and suffix: 'glosso-' + '-itis' = 'Glossitis'.
Evaluate the given options to confirm your answer and rule out the distractors. Gingivitis (gums), Parotitis (parotid gland), and Stomatitis (mouth) all refer to inflammation in different locations.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 542-544

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 306-308

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 2 p. 54-55

Practise the full UP CHO - 2018

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