Is macroglossia serious?

Is macroglossia serious?

Macroglossia is the medical term for an unusually large tongue. Severe enlargement of the tongue can cause cosmetic and functional difficulties in speaking, eating, swallowing and sleeping. Macroglossia is uncommon, and usually occurs in children.

How do you fix macroglossia?

No medical treatments have been proven useful when the cause is unclear. Surgery to reduce the size of the tongue may be an option for people with macroglossia. Most studies have shown that surgical procedures for macroglossia lead to improved physical appearance, speech, chewing and feeding.

How do I know if I have macroglossia?

Symptoms of macroglossia include:

1. tongue sticking out of the mouth.
2. snoring.
3. difficulty talking, eating, or breathing.
4. high-pitched sound while breathing (stridor)
5. drooling.
6. abnormal growth of jaws and teeth.
7. frequently biting or injuring your tongue.

Can a person's tongue be too big for your mouth?

Over the long term, a large tongue can result in abnormal growth of the jaw and teeth. If the tongue is very large, it can be difficult to keep it inside the mouth, resulting in drying out or cracking and ulceration of the tongue itself.

What causes macroglossia?

Macroglossia is most often caused by an increase in the amount of tissue on the tongue, rather than by a growth, such as a tumor. This condition can be seen in certain inherited or congenital (existing at birth) disorders, including: Acromegaly (buildup of too much growth hormone in the body)

Does macroglossia affect speech?

Surprisingly, macroglossia has little impact on the development of speech unless it is extremely large. However, it does effect the way the child looks when he/she talks.

How can I reduce the thickness of my tongue?

At-Home Remedies Eat and drink something cool or suck on ice chips to soothe your mouth and possibly reduce swelling. Practice good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing, but avoid irritating mouthwashes, such as those containing alcohol.

What are the causes of Macroglossia?

Macroglossia is most often caused by an increase in the amount of tissue on the tongue, rather than by a growth, such as a tumor. This condition can be seen in certain inherited or congenital (existing at birth) disorders, including: Acromegaly (buildup of too much growth hormone in the body)

Who gets Macroglossia?

Macroglossia may be found in individuals affected by certain inherited or congenital disorders including Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, acromegaly, primary amyloidosis, congenital hypothyroidism, Down syndrome, Apert syndrome, and many others.

Does Macroglossia affect speech?

Surprisingly, macroglossia has little impact on the development of speech unless it is extremely large. However, it does effect the way the child looks when he/she talks.

What is macroglossia (large tongue)?

• If your tongue is larger than what is considered normal, the medical term for your condition is "macroglossia." Here's what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare disorder to keep you smiling. What Are the Causes of Macroglossia?

Can a person with macroglossia die?

• A person who has macroglossia can be at risk from dying because of the enlargement of the tongue. Macroglossia Symptoms. Macroglossia may be asymptomatic, which means no symptoms, but usually there is symptoms and the larger the enlargement of the tongue the more severe the symptoms can be.

Is macroglossia inherited or acquired?

• Inherited or congenital disorders associated with macroglossia include Down syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, primary amyloidosis, and congenital hypothyroidism. Acquired causes may include trauma, cancer, endocrine disorders, and inflammatory or infectious diseases.

What is the prognosis of congenital macroglossia?

• Isolated, congenital macroglossia can be genetic, inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. [1] Treatment depends upon the underlying cause and severity and may range from speech therapy in mild cases, to surgical reduction in more severe cases.