Differential Diagnosis for Tongue Swelling without Injury
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Angioedema: This condition is characterized by the rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa, and submucosal tissues. It can be caused by allergic reactions, genetic conditions, or certain medications. The tongue is a common site for angioedema, and it can be life-threatening if not promptly treated, especially if it compromises the airway.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Allergic Reaction: An allergic reaction to food, medications, or other substances can cause tongue swelling. This is often accompanied by other symptoms such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
- Infection: Bacterial or viral infections, including abscesses, can cause swelling of the tongue. Symptoms may include fever, pain, and difficulty swallowing.
- Oral Cavity Conditions: Conditions like glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) or oral ulcers can cause swelling and discomfort.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause rapid tongue swelling, along with other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and a drop in blood pressure. Prompt recognition and treatment with epinephrine are crucial.
- Airway Obstruction: Any condition causing tongue swelling can potentially lead to airway obstruction, which is a medical emergency. Early recognition and securing of the airway are critical.
Rare Diagnoses
- Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A rare neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, often unilateral, facial paralysis or weakness, swelling of the face and lips (and sometimes the tongue), and the development of folds and furrows in the tongue (fissured tongue).
- Macroglossia: A condition characterized by an abnormally large tongue, which can be congenital or acquired due to various conditions such as hypothyroidism, lymphangioma, or Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic granulomatous disease that can rarely cause tongue swelling among its myriad manifestations.
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues, which can rarely cause tongue swelling due to amyloid deposits in the tongue tissue.