• Allergic Reaction
• Allergies

Why is My Tongue Swollen?

Medically reviewed and edited by Payel Gupta, MD, FACAAI

Published: May 27, 2022
Updated: March 14, 2025
6 mins

Ever feel like your tongue is blowing up like a balloon inside your mouth? Does it feel like you’re talking funny? This is probably a sign your tongue is swelling.

A swollen tongue can be the result of several conditions or short-term reactions. The following explores some of the most common causes of a swollen tongue, and tips and tricks for reducing swelling.

Food allergies affecting your daily life?

Get relief with a personalized care plan. Schedule an online consultation to discuss your symptoms and find effective solutions.

Get Started

What are the Symptoms of Tongue Swelling?

Swelling is another term for inflammation — white blood cells protect the body in response to injury or condition.

A swollen tongue can feel and look different depending on the cause, but it often has the following symptoms:

• Pain

• Soreness

• Tenderness

• Difficulty chewing, swallowing

• Trouble speaking

• Changes in tongue color

• Smoothness on the surface of the tongue

In most circumstances, a swollen tongue feels uncomfortable and goes away in a short amount of time. However, having a swollen tongue for too long can block airways and lead to difficulty breathing.

Trouble breathing is one of the first signs of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. During anaphylaxis, the body goes into shock. This causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that may make blood pressure levels dip, airways narrow, and heart rates increase rapidly.

If you ever have trouble breathing or experience any of these symptoms, contact emergency medical assistance right away.

What are Common Causes of a Swollen Tongue?

There are many different reasons that your tongue might start swelling up. Let’s take a look at some of the most common.

Allergic reactions

One of the most common causes of a swollen tongue is an allergic reaction. Many people may experience swelling or a tingling sensation in their mouth after taking a bite out of mango or eating peanuts. This results from the immune system working to protect the body from what it perceives as a potential allergen.

Many people have antibodies in their blood known as immunoglobulin E or IgE. These react with proteins found in certain substances, leading to an allergic reaction. The more IgE in your bloodstream, the more intense the reaction might be.

The immune system also helps the body avoid bacterial infections and the common cold. Still, it can be frustrating when it makes you sneeze and wheeze because of something as simple as pollen or dust particles.

An allergic reaction releases a chemical called histamine. Histamines are responsible for many symptoms associated with allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and even a swollen tongue. The swelling is the body’s way of physically blocking other substances from being able to enter.

Swollen tongues can occur from any type of allergic reaction, though it’s more common with food allergies. The swelling generally goes away once you remove yourself from the allergy trigger in minor cases.

However, you might need to try using some antihistamine medications to block its effects.

If you suspect you may be having a severe allergic reaction to food, seek emergency medical attention right away. A healthcare provider may also suggest carrying an EpiPen (epinephrine injection) in case of emergency.

Angioedema

Angioedema is a condition that causes swelling underneath the skin. An allergic reaction often leads to this symptom. Angioedema can occur in any part of the body, but it’s most common in the face, nose, or throat. It's important to contact a healthcare provider as soon as you notice symptoms.

While allergies can cause it, this type of swelling tends to occur after taking certain medications or from a genetic condition called hereditary angioedema. This is a rare, lifelong condition that can be managed with the help of a healthcare provider. Some people may develop angioedema without a clear cause. This is known as idiopathic angioedema.

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is a gland located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It helps to control metabolism. Hypothyroidism occurs when there isn’t enough thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. This can cause the metabolism to slow.

Also known as underactive thyroid disease, hypothyroidism is a fairly common condition that can have full-body effects. Primary causes of hypothyroidism include thyroiditis (inflammation in the thyroid gland) and iodine deficiencies.

However, Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune disorder) is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism. Among other symptoms like fatigue, numbness in the hands, weight gain, and constipation, this condition can also lead to swelling in the throat or tongue.

Generally, Hashimoto's disease is a manageable disease that usually requires medication to replace the hormone that is no longer being created naturally. It's a chronic condition that will likely require medication throughout life.

Salivary duct stones

Salivary stones, also called sialolithiasis, are mineral deposits that have hardened in the salivary glands. They are most likely to affect people between 30-60 years old. They are also more common in men.

The direct cause is unknown, but dehydration, trauma to the inside of the mouth, smoking, and gum disease can all play a role. These deposits can cause pain or swelling in the salivary glands, which can make it appear as if the tongue itself is swollen. Symptoms might come and go over a few weeks. If stones are not removed promptly, they may grow and eventually become infected.

You can remove most stones by applying heat and gentle massages to the salivary glands. Staying well-hydrated can also help prevent damage. If need be, anti-inflammatory medications from a doctor or dentist might help reduce swelling and hopefully dislodge the stones to help reduce persistent symptoms.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis, also referred to as gum disease, is a common oral health condition. Gingivitis is typically the result of poor oral hygiene. However, other conditions like severe dry mouth may increase your risk of gingivitis.

Symptoms of gingivitis typically present as swollen or puffy gums, bad breath, bleeding when you brush or floss, receding gums, or tender gums. Gingivitis associated with vitamin deficiency can sometimes lead to inflammation of the tongue.

Sometimes, gum disease can cause the throat or lymph nodes to become swollen, which can feel like your tongue is swollen even when it isn’t.

Use of an ACE inhibitor

An ACE inhibitor is short for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. It's commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other heart problems. They help relax the veins and arteries by preventing an enzyme from creating angiotensin II, which can narrow blood vessels.

Common side effects of ACE inhibitors include:

• Fatigue

• Dry cough

• Increased potassium levels in the blood

• Blood pressure levels dropping

• Loss of taste

• Headaches

However, in rare cases, these medications can cause the tongue and throat to swell, which can affect breathing. If you experience swelling of any kind from using an ACE inhibitor, you should stop using it and speak to your doctor.

Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is a disorder of the immune system that is typically characterized by dry eyes and a dry mouth. With this disorder, the immune system attacks healthy cells that produce saliva and tears which increases dryness.

A common symptom is swelling in the salivary glands behind the jaw and in front of the ears. While this doesn’t necessarily affect the tongue, it might make you feel like your tongue is swollen if there is swelling in your glands.

Thrush

Thrush is a fungal or yeast infection that grows in the throat and mouth. Thrush appears in the mouth or on the tongue as white, raised lesions. It is often accompanied by mouth pain and redness.

The good news is that it's usually just a minor problem for healthy people, and it clears up with antifungal treatment. And while it can affect anyone, it is most common in children or older adults with weakened immune systems.

Ingesting Irritants

Your tongue might not have anything to do with a disease or a condition in the slightest – it might just be a little bit irritated. Alcohol, tobacco, and spicy foods can all irritate the tongue and cause it to become inflamed.

How is a Swollen Tongue Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can perform an oral exam to diagnose and evaluate a swollen tongue. In many cases, it’s immediately visible. However, a professional might also check for papillae (fingerlike projections found on the tongue's surface).

A healthcare provider will likely ask about your health history and recent trauma to the mouth or tongue. This will help them determine the underlying cause.

If there’s no obvious cause for the symptoms, they might order blood tests to decide on the best treatment option for you.

How Can You Ease a Swollen Tongue?

Treatment of a swollen tongue depends heavily on the cause. A healthcare provider may suggest one of the following medications to bring down the swelling.

Antihistamines

As we discussed a bit earlier, antihistamines are your number one defense against allergy triggers. They help reduce symptoms associated with allergies. They can also help stop itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, congestion, and many other common allergy symptoms.

Allergy Immunotherapy

Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) is a one-of-a-kind allergy treatment that builds up your immune system’s tolerance to help lessen, and eventually prevent, allergy symptoms.

Sublingual immunotherapy involves placing the medication underneath your tongue and allowing it to dissolve over time.

Anti-inflammatories

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as Advil, are often used to help alleviate pain. However, these over-the-counter remedies may also be able to help bring down the swelling in pretty much any part of the body.

They work by blocking the effects of COX enzymes. They create the chemicals that lead to inflammation. Reducing them can bring down swelling and help your body feel more comfortable.

Antibiotics, antifungals, antimicrobials

If your swollen tongue is due to a condition that’s caused by underlying bacteria, fungi, or another substance, a healthcare provider might immediately prescribe you medication to treat the cause. In many cases, if you can eliminate the foreign substance that is causing the inflammation, the swelling will go away on its own.

Lifestyle changes

Sometimes, swelling of the tongue or the throat is a result of smoking or drinking too much alcohol. As hard as it might be, a doctor might recommend that you ditch those habits for a while.

Consult your doctor if you think your swelling may be due to a vitamin deficiency. Health experts do not recommend starting a supplement regimen without approval of safety from a licensed healthcare provider.

Oral hygiene

Practicing good oral hygiene is another way to reduce symptoms of tongue inflammation, especially those caused by gingivitis. Be sure to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes and floss every day. Use fluoride mouthwash as well before brushing your teeth.

Additionally, swap out your toothbrush every three months, and attend your regular dental check-up every six months. If your symptoms worsen or you experience new symptoms, like canker sores or mouth ulcers, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider or dentist.

When Should I See a Doctor?

Most causes of tongue swelling are minor and go away within a few hours. If you’re able to breathe clearly and discomfort is minimal, you probably don’t need to go to the doctor right away. However, if your airway is obstructed or you’re feeling immense pain, seek medical attention right away to ensure you are not experiencing anaphylaxis.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not resolve themselves with time or medication after 10 days. If swallowing or chewing becomes difficult, you should also reach out to your doctor.

How LifeMD Can Help

Depending on the cause, a doctor can also give you the right treatment. Typically, a swollen tongue clears on its own, but you may be able to take antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, make lifestyle changes, or practice proper oral hygiene to speed up the process.

At LifeMD, you can speak with a licensed healthcare provider about what to do if you develop a swollen tongue. They can give you tips on how to reduce the swelling.

Book an appointment today to learn more about managing a swollen tongue and other allergy symptoms.

Payel Gupta, MD, FACAAI

Dr. Gupta holds certifications from the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, American Board of Internal Medicine, and American Board of Pediatrics. With a deep interest in global health, she’s volunteered her clinical skills across many continents.

Talk To A Doctor

How does LifeMD work?

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

Connect with a doctor now!

Join Now