Sore Tongue and Throat

There innumerable causes which tend to lead to these symptoms, in fact, medical practitioners would list down about 108 causes of a sore tongue and 496 of sore throat (figures are subject to change, without notice). These symptoms are most of the time caused as a result of common ailments such as a common cough and cold or flu. But at the same time there are several other complex causes such as STDs, oral cancer and even loss of sense of taste. Some common causes of sore tongue and throat, symptoms and possible treatments have been elaborated in the following paragraphs.

1. Physical Injury and Trauma
One of the most common causes of these symptoms, is a physical injury on the tongue. A common physical injury, is caused as a result of tongue biting or a bruise. A physical injury is also caused on the tongue as a result of hot foods, and is commonly termed as 'loss of taste buds'. Disorders, such as anemia or diabetes lead to many different types of skin related disorders, that tend to affect the outer surface of the tongue, thereby causing the soreness.
Cure: Physical injury in such cases, is cured by saliva itself. If the problem persist, your physician may prescribe you some oral medication or some mild cream.

2. Microbe Infections
There are several varieties of bacteria and viruses that infect the oral cavity. The majority of microbes that cause cough, colds and flu are the miscreants causing the soreness. The human body is capable of producing antibodies, in order to get rid of viruses that plague the throat and tongue. The symptoms of sore throat and tongue, in such cases, are not grievous and dangerous. However, there is always a risk of bacterial infection, that follows the viral infection, as the immune system of the body is weakened due to the viral infection. The drawback of a bacterial infection is that, it not only results into a sore tongue and throat, but the infection often tends to spread into the respiratory system, ears and nose.
Cure: Trying home remedies such as ginger tea and cough syrup, for a few days is a good idea, however, if the soreness does not recede, then visiting a doctor for antibiotics is recommended.

3. Tonsillitis
Another very common cause of these painful and irritating symptoms is Tonsillitis. Tonsillitis, is inflammation of tonsils and throat. This condition is seen as a result of climate change or viral or bacterial infection. Constant changes in temperature or infection can adversely affect the tonsils. When a person repeatedly suffers from persistent sore throat and tongue as a result of Tonsillitis, removal of tonsils is a common practice.
Cure: Removal of tonsils by surgery is considered to be a good solution. However in circumstances where the problem is not acute and is mild and diminishing, doctors issue medication till the person's immunity boosts up or (in case of small children) or teenagers, the problem slowly gets curtailed and disappears as a result of age progression and growth.

4. Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is another cause, which is quite rare but dangerous. The oral cancer can affect a person in many places, within the oral cavity itself. The swelling of tissues in the oral cavity, often increases the agony of cancer patients, as it frequently causes the soreness. At times, oral cancer results into the growth of a tumor, which is extremely painful and further intensifies the pain and symptoms affecting the tongue and throat. The oral cancer also results into many different related ailments such as difficulty in swallowing, tongue related problems and mouth spores.
Cure: Remedies against oral cancer include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. There are also some oral and topical medication which might be prescribed by a cancer specialist.

5. Other Factors
There are several other external factors that may cause these symptoms. These may include:

• pollution and contamination
• poisonous gases
• allergies
• cigarette smoke
• climatic and temperature change
• overuse of vocal cords

There are several different medications that are available for every ailment mentioned above. Physical injury or common flu, that causes sore tongue and throat is curable with the help of simple medications and in some cases it gets cured on its own. However, for oral cancer, one would have to resort to chemotherapy or advanced treatments. If you find any abnormal, painful, persistent or chronic soreness, it's time that you visit your doctor. Please note that the aforementioned are simple guidelines and not medical advise.