How to Care for a Tongue With Angioedema

A person can have angioedema---non-surface tissue swelling with or without surface hives---of the tongue for a wide range of reasons, including allergic reaction to food, medicine, animal dander, pollen and insect bites. Other causes include infection, heat or cold exposure, autoimmune or other disorders, hereditary disease and dental procedures. The most common methods used to care for a tongue with angioedema focus on reduction of swelling, symptom management and identification of the trigger.

Things You'll Need

• Medications, prescribed and over-the-counter
• Oral hygiene supplies
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Water
• Liquid or creamy foods
• Epinephrine pen (if doctor-prescribed)

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Instructions

• 1

  Take any over-the-counter or prescribed medicines---such as anti-inflammatory medicine, pain medicine, antihistamines, heartburn or nausea medicine or medications specific to an illness or disorder---and follow any treatment methods as directed by your doctor to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying cause of the angioedema. Your doctor has based the treatment of your tongue angioedema on your specific situation.

• 2

  Brush your teeth and gum line gently, floss and swish a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide mouthwash (one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to three parts water) in your mouth at least twice a day to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of infection as bacteria or infection could exacerbate your symptoms.

• 3

  Eat lukewarm liquid or creamy foods only until the swelling has subsided. Hot foods can exacerbate angioedema and the swelling can make chewing difficult. Accidental biting or tearing of the tongue can result from teeth and sharp pieces of food. Attempting to swallow unchewed food can cause choking, sore throat or nausea.

• 4

  Drink cool water to help reduce swelling.

• 5

  Remove from your diet hot, spicy or acidic foods and beverages such as alcohol, any of which may irritate your mouth or cause inflammation. This is especially important if sores from broken-skin surface hives are present on your tongue.

• 6

  Avoid the cause of your angioedema---the trigger---if it is known. Avoid allergens, for example, and try to reduce or eliminate stress, which sometimes is the trigger for hives.