Question:

I've had the HIV virus going on 5 years now and not on any meds cause my counts are always good.

But recently starting in June, my tongue has been burning everytime I eat. I talked to my doc and he said it was just lack of vitamins. I don't agree. I went to my dentist she checked it out and I don't have thrush. Is it possible that i burned my tongue and it just hasn't healed? I get some tiny bumps sometimes on the tip and it will burn and it feels like its swollen.

What i can do or take?.. I started taking vitamins and it doesn't help.

Answer provided by:

Daniel Lee, M. D.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
UCSD Medical Center
Owen Clinic

In regards to your question, the cause of a burning sensation on the tongue known as glossitis includes several possibilities. Vitamin deficiencies are common causes, but infectious causes such as herpes simplex virus or candidiasis can also cause tongue pain. Oral hairy leukoplakia will sometimes cause pain on the sides of the tongue. Geographic tongue is a disorder that affects the top layer of the tongue making it look like a map and can cause pain. Drug reactions can sometimes cause pain (such as chemotherapeutic agents). Treatment usually is targeted at the underlying cause, but in my clinical experience, I have rarely found out the actual diagnosis and the pain usually disappears on its own. You can probably use tylenol, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, topical anesthetics (such as viscous lidocaine) for symptomatic relief. A tongue biopsy can be done if desired, but usually is a last option. Another option is to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist for another opinion.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

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