Recession of the Tongue

Tongue retraction is a common medical problem that can seriously affect patients' breathing and quality of life. This condition occurs due to displacement of the root of the tongue, which leads to blockage of the airways. In the article, we will consider in more detail the causes of tongue retraction and its diagnosis, as well as possible methods of treatment and prevention of this pathology.

The causes of tongue retraction can be various diseases, injuries or medical procedures that lead to spasm or paralysis of the muscles that hold the tongue in the correct position. Among the most common causes of tongue retraction, the following should be noted:

- Surgeries on the pharynx - surgical interventions can cause temporary displacement of the tongue due to swelling. - Head and Neck Injuries – Head and neck injuries can cause tongue dislocation, imbalance, or bone damage.

Also, the reasons for tongue retraction are: - anesthesia; - coma; - deep shock; - colds, coughs and other ENT problems

Tongue retraction is a condition in which the lower part of the tongue moves toward the back wall of the pharynx. This closes the passage of air into the trachea, creating an obstacle to breathing. This condition leads to shortness of breath and circulatory disorders. This symptom is a threat to human life, so it is necessary to take all necessary measures to provide first aid and hospitalize the patient in a hospital.

Recession of the tongue occurs due to the fact that one of the muscles involved in the formation of correct speech and articulation - the linguohyoid muscle - is blocked. This occurs due to a spasm or sudden contraction of this muscle. Also, accumulation of saliva and excessive tension of the muscles involved in the formation of the correct position of the tongue can lead to tongue retraction.

The main causes of tongue retraction are diseases of the larynx, pharynx and vocal cords. Among such diseases are acute and chronic laryngitis and pharyngitis. The causative agent of the pathological process will be, for example, the herpes virus, which causes swelling and redness of the mucous membrane. The inflammatory process may also be associated with the Epstein-Barr virus and candidiasis.

In rare cases, retraction may be caused by foreign body trauma to the esophagus or larynx. The pathological process may be asymptomatic, or a person may experience the following symptoms:

- severe sore throat and frequent swallowing; - high body temperature; - increased sweating;

Another symptom of retraction may be loss of consciousness and fainting, the appearance of spots before the eyes, coughing, and severe headaches. If the tongue becomes swollen, people with epilepsy may experience seizures.

If the tongue is retracted, first aid can be provided by the patient’s relatives until emergency specialists arrive. To do this, the patient must be given painkillers immediately. It is not advisable to self-medicate with drugs. The patient needs to do the following: open his mouth - make a small crack between the upper and lower jaws of the patient with a finger or a broken branch; if the condition worsens, then it is better to open the mouth slightly and place the tongue on the lower jaw so that when the tongue touches the palate, the patient’s cheek is stretched over the entire surface. If the patient does not respond to his words and actions, does not open his eyes, does not respond to questions and suggestions, he is in a state of coma, this condition is considered very serious and cannot be done without medical help. In this case, you need to call an ambulance to deal with this problem. Before the ambulance arrives, you will have to sit the patient down and be sure to provide the patient with the opportunity to breathe. To relieve pharyngeal spasms, you can use a set of breathing exercises.