$Unique_ID{BRK01610}
$Pretitle{Respiratory System}
$Title{Solution For Burning Tongue}
$Subject{tongue burning B-12}
$Volume{H-11}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Solution For Burning Tongue


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QUESTION:  When you wrote an answer to the woman who had a burning tongue you
made a mistake when you informed her that nothing could be done.  I had the
same thing and my doctor gave me B-12 injections, and cured me.  Don't you
think you should admit your error and give the woman correct information?

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ANSWER:  I would have been happy to give her your advice, if I thought it
would have helped.  However all tongues do not burn for the same reason.
Happily for you, your distress was a symptom of a type of anemia called
Pernicious Anemia, which is caused by a Vitamin B-12 deficiency.  There is
plenty of this vitamin in meats and other animal proteins, but it requires a
special secretion from cells in our stomach, called the "intrinsic factor", to
transport the vitamin through the intestines to the liver where it may be
stored.  When the tissue that forms the lining of our stomach changes so that
it can no longer produce this necessary secretion, then anemia, and it
symptoms, develops.  Some of the problems associated with pernicious anemia
include enlarged spleen and liver, loss of appetite and weight loss, abdominal
pain, and constipation or diarrhea.  When this diagnosis is made, B-12
injections can bring a dramatic improvement, though they must be given for the
rest of your life.  The woman you refer to, unfortunately, had a different
problem, for which there are no easy solutions.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
