Why Is My Tongue Itchy? Causes and Tips for Relief

Why is my tongue itchy?

An itchy tongue may be due to some common allergies to more serious medical conditions. The exact cause has to be identified for proper treatment. Some of the common reasons for an itchy tongue are as under:

Oral Allergy Syndrome

One of the most common causes of a tingling tongue is Oral Allergy Syndrome. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology(AAAI) 50-75% of adults with birch pollen allergies may develop Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) after eating raw fruits or vegetables. 

It is a type of immune system allergic reaction to certain fruits, vegetables, or nuts proteins, which cross-react with pollen allergens. Thus, upon ingesting these foods, your body mistakes such proteins for harmful allergens and triggers this itchy feeling in the mouth and on the tongue. Symptoms typically manifest within a restricted timeframe after food consumption and may vary from relatively mild to more severe manifestations. Common Triggers Include nuts, apples, carrots, and celery.

Cooking these foods can often reduce the allergenic proteins, making them safer to consume. However, if you frequently experience an itchy tongue after eating raw fruits or vegetables, consider consulting a doctor for advice.

Food Allergies

Another common cause of tongue itchiness is food allergy. According to 2021 data from the CDC, approximately 6% of both adults and children in the U.S. are affected by food allergies.

Unlike oral allergy syndrome, food allergy may burst into other parts of the body, such as the skin or respiratory system, apart from affecting just the mouth. Such allergic reactions can give way to anaphylaxis, a condition that may result in death. A study published in the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found that approximately 2% of the U.S. population, or 1 in 50 individuals, experiences anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

If you have additional symptoms such as swelling of your lips or difficulty breathing, you need to seek immediate medical attention.

The first symptoms of food allergy often are pruritic sensations of the tongue, mouth, or pharynx and may occur after nuts, dairy products, or seafood.

Tongue Injuries

Accidental injuries to the tongue, such as biting during eating, thermal burns due to hot foods, or irritation due to tongue piercing, can cause transient itch. Because of the rich vascularity of the tongue, even minor traumas may cause swelling, tenderness, and a tingling sensation. While these injuries usually heal spontaneously, the itch can persist for several days until full recovery of the tissues has taken place.

To avoid further irritation, it’s best to eat soft, non-acidic foods and avoid hot or spicy meals while the tongue heals.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is primarily caused by Candida fungal infection. Symptoms are indicated by white patches surrounding the top part of the tongue and inside the mouth, giving a feeling of discomfort or an itchy tongue. Most commons are noticed in people with suppressed immune systems, diabetes, or on medications that affect the normal levels of different types of chemicals within the body.

Symptomatic management is only possible with good oral hygiene, but chronic cases may need antifungal therapy. One may relate a white coating of the tongue with itching, hence prompting them to seek professional medical help for further evaluations.

Viral Infections

This feeling can sometimes be caused by viral infections such as flu and colds among other viruses, in which the body enters a tug of war with viruses of the upper respiratory area. There maybe inflammation that may affect your throat or the oral cavity, thus giving an itching or tingling sensation on the tongue.

Pain and discomfort should be somewhat relieved by symptomatic treatments, such as warm salt water gargles, although the natural course of most viral infections should occur with adequate hydration.

Other Causes: Diabetes, Hormonal Changes, and Medications

Aside from allergies and infection, there are systemic conditions that may also cause the tongue to itch. In the case of diabetes, an individual might be predisposed to dryness in their mouth, which can be irritating and, therefore, lead to fungal infections like oral candidiasis. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause may sometimes result in temporary itching or irritation of the mouth.

Certain medications, particularly those that impede saliva production, can lead to dryness of the mouth with heightened irritation of the tongue. Irritation of the tongue from some drugs may be often transient or persistent; you may want to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Symptoms Associated with an Itchy Tongue

Very frequently, an itchy tongue is accompanied by some other symptoms, which may be different depending on its cause. It is very important to be able to detect these symptoms so that you are sure whether you have a mild problem of oral allergy or something serious that requires medical attention. Common symptoms accompanying the problem include:

• Numbness or burning: Burning or tingling sensations usually are the first omen that something is wrong and might present as allergic reactions of the oral cavity or even small traumas to the tongue.
• Swelling in the lips, tongue, or throat: This may be an indication of a food allergy—or even anaphylaxis, a more serious reaction.
• Respiratory problems: A person may feel some kind of shortness of breath, constriction in the throat, or an itchy tongue. These signs necessitate calling for emergency medical help since this could be a life-threatening allergic reaction.
• White tongue patches: This comes with conditions such as thrush, which is an infection of the mouth due to yeast; it can also be irritating and itchy.

Watch for these symptoms: if you are experiencing any of them, an itchy tongue can have swelling and result in shortness of breath, times that you need to see a health professional right away.

For milder symptoms, using an online Symptom Checker can help you identify the potential causes of your discomfort. However, always remember to follow up with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

How to Treat an Itchy Tongue

Treating an itchy tongue depends largely on the underlying cause. While some cases can be resolved with simple home remedies, others may require medical attention. Here are some effective ways to manage and treat the discomfort caused by an itchy tongue.

Home Remedies and Self-Care

For mild cases of tongue itchiness, especially those caused by oral allergies or minor injuries, there are several home remedies you can try to alleviate the symptoms:

• Avoid triggering foods or allergens: If you suspect certain foods are causing the itchiness, try to eliminate them from your diet or cook them before consumption to reduce the allergenic proteins.
• Rinse with saltwater: A simple saltwater rinse can soothe irritation and reduce any inflammation in the mouth or throat.
• Use a cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth can help numb the area and provide relief from swelling and itchiness.
• Stay hydrated: Hydration can help prevent dry mouth, which can worsen the feeling of irritation or itchiness.

These remedies can help manage mild symptoms at home. However, it’s essential to monitor your condition and see if it improves with self-care.

When to Seek Medical Attention

In some cases, an itchy tongue may signal a more serious issue, especially when it’s accompanied by other alarming symptoms. You should seek medical attention if:

• Your tongue or throat swells significantly, making it difficult to breathe.
• The symptoms do not improve with home remedies and persist for more than a few days.
• You experience a combination of symptoms such as hives, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness.

These could be signs of a more serious allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, or a potential infection that needs professional treatment.