Red Spots on Tongue

According to medical practitioners, almost any ailment, right from physical injury to cancer can cause such spots. The occurrence of such spots on the tongue can be associated with almost any ailment or disease. For example, red spots on the tongue and throat may be a result of respiratory ailments or even disorders of the digestive system. In some cases, excessive consumption of alcohol and prolonged smoking may also be the cause of such spots. The tongue is affected by a number of diseases. The reason that doctors examine a patient's tongue is that the tongue is that part of the body which is affected by most physical ailments.

Causes and Remedies

There are about 2,000 to 8,000 or more taste buds on the surface of every person's tongue. Many diseases have a significant effect on the tongue. The following are some of the diseases and disorders, due to which red spots tend to appear on the tongue.

• Vitamin Deficiency: Red spots on tongue are observed in cases where the body suffers from an acute shortage of vitamin B12. The best remedy for this is including vitamin rich foods such as citrus fruits in the daily diet.
• Scarlet Fever: A strawberry tongue is also a very prominent scarlet fever symptom. The spots appear as a result of Streptococcus pyogenes, which are the bacteria which cause scarlet fever. A vaccine and accompanying medications are used to cure scarlet fever. The vaccine however, is often tested before actual administration as it may not suit everyone.
• Kawasaki Syndrome: Red spots are also observed when an individual is suffering from Kawasaki syndrome. This syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease, is observed in small children. The exact cause of the syndrome is not known and is believed to be genetic. Children who are affected by the syndrome generally need to be hospitalized. The syndrome is quickly cured with the help of Salicylate therapy.
• Eczema: Such spots sometimes also occur as a result of allergies. Eczema is the result of loss of moisture and oil from the skin, resulting in skin inflammation and irritation. Usually, these spots appear as a result of excessive irritation on the tongue's surface, which permits oral bacteria to attack the taste buds. Oral medications to curb the pain are prescribed in such cases. However, the best way to reduce the red spots that appear as a result of eczema is to bring about the necessary dietary changes and to increase the intake of water. Eczema is curable with the help of medications that are classified as Corticosteroids.
• Asthma: Asthma is another very important cause of the occurrence of such spots. These spots that occur as a result of asthma are caused as a reaction by the respiratory system, to the allergens. There is no concrete cure for asthma. The best way to curb the allergy is to avoid contact with allergens and use an inhaler. The chronic inflation of lungs that results from asthma is the reason behind red spots appearing on the tongue. There are medications which help control the effects of an asthma bout.

Infections, acne and cancer are some of the other causes. In addition to that, physicians have reported many other causes such as STDs and digestive disorders. The tongue becomes red in most of the respiratory and digestive ailments due to its proximity to both organ systems. Red spots are often also caused as a result of physical trauma, bleeding or excess heat generation in the body. Red spots can appear as a result of the disorders of skin and taste buds. In fact, you might also notice red dots on the tongue after you drink too much of alcohol or consume very hot and spicy food. The remedy depends on the factor causing them. It is best to consult a doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment.