COVID-19 and Its Impact on Tongue Health: A Case Report on COVID Tongue
Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: COVID tongue
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Shikha Sharma, Amit Bhardwaj
Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:
(A bimonthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: COVID tongue
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_437
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to millions of infections worldwide and has been associated with a range of symptoms beyond respiratory distress, including various mucocutaneous manifestations. Among these, “COVID tongue,” characterized by depapillation of the tongue surface, has been noted as a significant oral symptom. Despite extensive research, a definitive link between COVID-19 and these oral manifestations is still unclear due to the lack of long-term studies. This case report focuses on the clinical presentation of COVID tongue and emphasizes the need for further research to establish the underlying etiology of such systemic manifestations.
The Impact of COVID on Oral Health
The case report presents a 58-year-old male patient who developed COVID tongue symptoms shortly after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. He reported a unique appearance of his tongue, along with respiratory symptoms and loss of taste and smell. Despite vaccination and medical treatment, the patient experienced these oral manifestations, raising concerns regarding the virus’s effects on the oral cavity. While the exact etiology of COVID tongue is not definitively established, it is suggested that the virus may bind to oral epithelial cells, leading to cellular changes, or result in opportunistic infections due to a compromised immune system. Given the increasing prevalence of oral symptoms among COVID-19 patients, this highlights the importance of dental follow-up and monitoring post-infection.
Conclusion
To elucidate the relationship between oral manifestations and COVID-19, comprehensive research is essential. As the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 evolves, recognizing the virus's potential to induce diverse oral infections can lead to better clinical management and prevent further spread in healthcare settings. The current case underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and increased awareness of the implications of COVID-19 beyond respiratory symptoms, advocating for a more integrated approach to patient care in the aftermath of the pandemic.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the mucocutaneous manifestations of COVID-19?
Mucocutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 include tongue depapillation, lesions on alveolar mucosa, gingiva, and buccal mucosa. Patients may also experience dysgeusia, dry mouth, and other oral symptoms, highlighting the virus's effect beyond respiratory issues.
What is 'COVID tongue' and its characteristics?
'COVID tongue' is characterized by depapillation, resulting in bald, red areas on the tongue surface. This condition may also present with loss of taste, ulceration, burning sensations, and white patches, linking it to the systemic effects of COVID-19.
How does COVID-19 affect oral health specifically?
COVID-19 can lead to oral health issues like dry mouth, tongue lesions, and taste disturbances. The virus's interaction with ACE2 receptors may cause inflammation in the oral cavity and could allow opportunistic infections due to an impaired immune response.
What was the treatment for the patient with COVID tongue?
The patient with COVID tongue received multivitamins, multiminerals, and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Additionally, lifestyle and dietary improvements were advised, leading to recovery observed upon examination after one month following treatment.
Is there a proven link between COVID-19 and tongue depapillation?
While several oral manifestations, including tongue depapillation, have been reported in COVID-19 patients, a clear causal relationship remains unestablished. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these symptoms.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “COVID-19 and Its Impact on Tongue Health: A Case Report on COVID Tongue”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Viru:
The term 'viru' is likely a reference to 'virus,' emphasizing the nature of the pathogen responsible for COVID-19, specifically SARS-CoV-2. Understanding this virus is crucial, as it provides insights into its transmission, symptoms, and the systemic effects it can have on human health, including various oral and dermatological manifestations.
2) Study (Studying):
'Study' refers to systematic research aimed at understanding the manifestations and effects of COVID-19, particularly focusing on oral conditions like COVID tongue. Such investigations are essential to establish relationships between the virus and its clinical outcomes, helping develop better diagnostic measures and treatment protocols.
3) Surface:
'Surface' primarily pertains to the external layer of the tongue where depapillation occurs in affected patients. This term highlights the visibility of symptoms and signifies the direct impact COVID-19 can have on oral anatomy, drawing attention to changes in appearance and function within this specific region.
4) Nature:
'Nature' refers to the inherent characteristics and behaviors of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as its pathological effects on the human body. Understanding the nature of the virus aids in recognizing its mode of action, transmission routes, and the types of symptoms it may produce, facilitating effective treatment.
5) Burning sensation:
'Burning sensation' describes a subjective symptom experienced by some COVID-19 patients, particularly in the oral cavity. This uncomfortable feeling may indicate irritation or inflammation and is relevant for diagnosing conditions like COVID tongue, thereby providing critical insight into the virus's effects on mucous membranes.
6) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
'Burning' serves as a descriptor for a specific type of discomfort that patients may experience. This term is important for clinicians as it helps in identifying inflammatory processes within the oral cavity, aiding in differential diagnosis and ensuring the provision of appropriate treatment for symptomatic relief.
7) Fever:
'Fever' is a common systematic symptom associated with COVID-19, reflecting the body’s response to infection. It serves as a vital sign of illness that helps clinicians assess the severity of a patient's condition, guiding decisions for treatment and monitoring during the course of the disease.
8) Transmission:
'Transmission' describes the spread of SARS-CoV-2 from one individual to another, crucial for public health understanding. Knowledge about transmission methods informs preventive measures, such as social distancing, wearing masks, and hygiene practices, which are essential to curb the spread of COVID-19 and protect populations.
9) Disease:
'Disease' in this context refers to COVID-19 as caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this disease helps in recognizing its wide-ranging impacts on respiratory and systemic health and underscores the importance of comprehensive approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
10) Ulcer:
'Ulcer' pertains to lesions that can manifest in the oral cavity of COVID-19 patients, representing tissue damage or inflammation. Identifying such ulcers is important for diagnosis and treatment, as they can significantly affect a patient’s oral comfort and overall health during and after infection.
11) Table:
'Table' refers to a potential representation of data or findings within scientific literature. In medical contexts, tables often summarize key information, such as patient demographics or symptomatology, facilitating easier interpretation of research results and helping to convey complex information in a clear manner.
12) Post:
'Post' often signifies a time frame related to the aftermath of an event or condition, such as post-COVID symptoms that persist after the initial infection period. Understanding these ongoing issues is critical for patient care, as it informs long-term treatment strategies and supports recovery.
13) Observation:
'Observation' refers to the method of monitoring and assessing patient symptoms and conditions over time. It is a crucial aspect of clinical practice, enabling healthcare providers to track the progression of symptoms like tongue depapillation and inform appropriate interventions based on real-time patient data.
14) Discussion:
'Discussion' in scientific literature involves the examination and interpretation of research findings. This section is vital for contextualizing results, linking them to existing knowledge, and suggesting implications for clinical practice or further research on COVID-19 and its diverse manifestations in patients.
15) Food:
'Food' relates to the dietary intake of patients, which can be affected by symptoms like loss of taste or burning sensation in the mouth. Understanding the role of nutrition is essential for recovery during and after COVID-19, as proper dietary habits can promote healing and overall health.
16) Diet:
'Diet' refers to the overall nutritional regimen followed by patients. A well-balanced diet is important for supporting immune function, particularly in those recovering from COVID-19. Clinicians may consider dietary advice as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to enhance recovery and maintain health.
17) Sign:
'Sign' refers to objective indicators of disease present in a patient, such as lesions or changes in oral appearance. Recognizing these signs is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with COVID-19, such as COVID tongue, aiding healthcare providers in patient management.
18) Pose:
'Pose' may refer to the challenges or risks associated with COVID-19, both from a clinical and public health perspective. Identifying how the disease poses threats aids in informing preventive measures and interventions, ensuring that healthcare systems can adequately respond to outbreaks and patient needs.
19) Pain:
'Pain' is a subjective symptom that can greatly affect a patient's quality of life. Its recognition in conditions associated with COVID-19, such as oral manifestations, enables healthcare providers to better understand a patient's experience, guiding symptom management and treatment strategies aimed at alleviating discomfort.
20) Drug:
'Drug' refers to any medication administered for the treatment of COVID-19 and its symptoms. Understanding the various drugs and their effects is essential for healthcare providers to optimize treatment regimens and effectively manage patient care, especially in relation to potential side effects and drug interactions.
21) Male:
'Male' denotes the gender of the patient described in the case report. Gender-related differences may influence the clinical presentation and outcomes of COVID-19, highlighting the importance of considering demographic factors in research and clinical practices to ensure personalized and effective healthcare.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘COVID-19 and Its Impact on Tongue Health: A Case Report on COVID Tongue’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Loss of taste, Cutaneous manifestations, Sore throat, Clinical evaluation, Research Studies, Oral mucosa, Coronavirus disease, Systemic infection, Pulmonary function, Immunosuppression, COVID-19 Infection, Home quarantine, Oral manifestation.