GLOSSITIS. 79 
very great, generally in the course of a few hours the tongue is double its nat- 
ural size, if not swollen sufficiently to threaten suffocation. Of deep red color 
and glistening at first, ere long it becomes purplish, and in time its covering is 
likely cracked and ulcerated. The lining membrane of the mouth shares in the 
inflammation, during the first stages of which it is very dry, and consequently 
the suffering greatly intensified ; but soon the salivary glands begin to pour out 
their secretion in generous qnantities ; and indeed, the salivation may be so pro- 
fuse that swallowing and even breathing are rendered difficult and distressing. 
The inflammation may reach its height in the course of three or four days 
and the swelling begin to subside, in which event it will have generally all dis- 
appeared by the end of a week; or suppuration may occur and abscesses form. 
These are usually located in the lower part of the tongue; and owing to its 
peculiar structure, they are never clearly defined, and except the persisting swell- 
ing, often there is no indication of their presence up to the time that they burst 
and discharge. 
Acute glossitis is generally caused by the stings or bites of insects, by wounds 
on the tongue produced by sharp slivers of bone, or by the action of corrosives. 
It is reasonable to assume that it may follow even slight injuries and lacerations 
of the tongue if through the latter there happen to be introduced inflammatory 
poisons or microbes. 
Where the swelling is great and consequently swallowing is difficult, it will 
generally be necessary to employ a rubber tube in feeding and administering 
medicines, the same being passed in over the tongue and down into the gullet. 
By this means, if not possible in the ordinary way, a brisk purge should be given 
as soon as the nature of the attack is evident. The mouth should then be con- 
stantly drenched with ice-water for several hours at least; and it would be advi- 
sable always to persist in this treatment if possible until the swelling begins to 
subside. 
If the suffering be very great or suffocation threatened, blood must be drawn 
from the tongue, the services of a professional being sought, who should be 
advised to “stab” it in several places with a knife having quite a narrow blade, 
if deep scarifications do not appear necessary. 
The swelling on the wane, the only treatment required will probably be the 
use of some soothing mouth-wash, as borax and water. 
Abscesses are serious complications. They should be opened early and 
washed out with some antiseptic solution. 
Milk and raw eggs must be mainly relied upon in feeding. 
The tongue is sometimes bitten during an attack of convulsions. Such in- 
juries and others of comparatively trifling character scarcely require treatment 
if inflammation does not set in, because repair goes on quickly in the mouth, 
but it may be advisable to paint the wounds a few times with the compound 
tincture of benzoin. 
