HARRISBURG (TNS) — We’ve come a long way from the first days of COVID.
Even though the severity of the virus and its effects have changed, the reality that it’s important to stay current regarding the potential signs, symptoms and side effects of the virus.
“We have gone from pandemic COVID to endemic COVID, which means it will be with us for a long time to come,” Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, the director of infection prevention at the Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, told Parade. “It is going to be important to understand all the possible presentations of the virus.”
One possible effect is the so-called “COVID tongue,” which is not a clinical diagnosis. If you experience sore tongue and throat and a white coating on your tongue it could be caused by COVID.
The condition is clinically known as “glossitis.”
“COVID tongue refers to a rare but well-described condition in acute infection where the taste buds are attacked and temporarily damaged by the virus,” Dr. Yancey went on to explain.
Even though symptoms might vary, they can include discomfort, swelling, burning, change or loss of taste, ulcers, redness and plaque-like smooth areas that signify loss of taste buds.
White COVID tongue photos have been making rounds all over social media and that’s a common symptom of benign glossitis, which is noticeable around the papillae or tastebuds.
So, what causes COVID tongue? Well, COVID spreads through droplets and through the mouth is a major access point.
According to Dr. Thomas Gut, associate chair of medicine at Staten Island University Hospital, scientists have theorized that, once there, COVID-19 begins to attack the bumps on the tongue by using what’s known as angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor (ACE-2).
The theory is due to the “increased presence of ACE2-receptors in areas of the mouth where COVID has been known to affect,” Gut explained to Parade.
As a result, this gives way to COVID tongue symptoms, which can include inflammation and swelling.
“COVID tongue may represent loss of taste buds or papillae on the lining of the tongue,” Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh an otolaryngologist (ENT) and laryngologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, mentioned to Parade.
Fortunately, according to Yancey, when it comes to COVID tongue, it’s temporary and resolves on its own.
“There is no consensus on formal treatments,” Mehdizadeh said to Parade. “Remedies utilized in the literature include multivitamins and minerals, anti-septic oral rinses and antifungals if indicated—perhaps topical steroids if recommended by a provider.”
Mehdizadeh also added that COVID tongue symptoms tends to clear up within “days to weeks,” even though its rare and uncomfortable, but not life-threatening.
