Ever since the COVID pandemic hit the world, we have seen it evolve as new symptoms get documented. One of the latest symptom group documented by British physicians is now known as “COVID tongue”.
Mucocutaneous lesions i.e. the lesions of skin and mucosal membranes are common in various viral diseases. When these lesions were identified in known COVID patients the term COVID tongue was coined.
Findings of COVID tongue:
- White patches
- Ulcers
- Fissures
- Burning sensation
- Swelling
- Redness
Common symptoms of COVID-19:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Breathlessness
- Loss of smell
- Change in taste
- Loose stools
- Body ache and malaise
COVID tongue in isolation is found in less than 1 in 500 positive patients. However, it is much more common up to 25%, when seen in combination with other symptoms.
It is likely that a patient will seek medical attention for the more common symptoms than tongue symptoms.
How long does it last and what is its treatment?
The lesions in COVID tongue will last for almost a week. Its treatment is mainly symptomatic, maintaining adequate food and water intake. If the ulcers are painful then local analgesic ointments. Antibiotics or antifungals are advised for superimposed bacterial or fungal infection.
If you are suffering from oral ulcers along with other symptoms suggestive of COVID then you should get tested for COVID-19. Other uncommon symptoms of COVID include skin rashes, for which treatment remains symptomatic management.
COVID tongue is a possibility any ENT doctor should keep in mind when seeing patients with complaints of oral ulcers, and test the patient to rule out the presence of COVID-19.
If you suspect that you are suffering for COVID tongue then maintain all precautions such as isolation, social distancing, wear masks and wash hands frequently.
Vaccination for COVID-19
Vaccination drives have started all over the country for individuals above 60 years of age and for those above 45 years with comorbidities. Enroll yourself or your loved ones on the Co-WIN 2.0, AarogyaSetu app or log on to www.cowin.gov.in for vaccination. With adequate vaccination we are on the road to put this pandemic behind us.
