If you suddenly find yourself suffering from a swollen tongue, it should be considered an emergency situation and thus emergency care should be sought immediately. While tongue swelling may not always prove to be serious, it can be. Seek emergency medical treatment from a qualified health professional in an effort to avoid serious complications such as airway obstruction and other difficulties in breathing.
A swollen tongue may be caused by some type of allergic reaction. While the allergy itself may not be dangerous, difficulty in breathing caused by a swollen tongue can create a life-threatening situation. There are no recommended methods of avoiding tongue swelling, other than being cautious of known allergies. Unfortunately, people can suffer from unknown allergies and suddenly find themselves with a swollen tongue.
Other causes can include illnesses and medications, getting poison ivy or other irritants in the mouth, or infection. Sometimes, a swollen tongue will develop over time instead of immediate onset. This can still be serious and it is a good idea to inform your health care provider right away before it worsens.
In the case of sudden onset, keep calm but act fast. If you do not have immediate access to a doctor, or it is after hours and the doctor’s office is closed, seek out an urgent care clinic or your nearest emergency room. It is better to have someone else drive you if possible. Epinephrine and antibiotics are two of the most common treatments for a swollen tongue, although these do not always work. Appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the swelling, which is why a qualified medical provider should be consulted.
There are options for self-treatment, only under a physician’s care and advice, if the issue becomes prevalent. This generally includes carrying an “EpiPen,” or epinephrine injection tool, that can be self-administered or given by a caregiver. It should be used only as necessary in a medical emergency. Using such tools should not replace emergency medical treatment but may allow you more time to get to the doctor or hospital.
Keep in mind that only a qualified health care professional can offer medical advice. All other suggestions are purely informational and should not ever be construed as medical advice. Also, please report any side effects or other issues from medicines or treatments to the FDA or Food and Drug Administration in the US or a similar agency in your area.