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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
black tongue
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
black tongue
by yungyung, Jan 28, 2005 12:00AM
Gentlemen,
Friend of mine, she is 76 years old, suffering from emphysema
has to use oxygen all day.
She likes to drink French brandy Hennessy XO; Two years ago
she noticed he tongue went black after eating liver & brandy.
she was asked to stop eating liver but she like her drink.
She said the black color will go if she drinks canned orange juice.
She took a lot of medication ie:-
singulair, paxil CR, paroxetine HCI,premarin, aygestin,
advair & libax sometime.
Grateful if you can advise her what to do beside stop drinking.
any thanks.
yungyung
Friend of mine, she is 76 years old, suffering from emphysema
has to use oxygen all day.
She likes to drink French brandy Hennessy XO; Two years ago
she noticed he tongue went black after eating liver & brandy.
she was asked to stop eating liver but she like her drink.
She said the black color will go if she drinks canned orange juice.
She took a lot of medication ie:-
singulair, paxil CR, paroxetine HCI,premarin, aygestin,
advair & libax sometime.
Grateful if you can advise her what to do beside stop drinking.
any thanks.
yungyung
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 31, 2005 12:00AM
, Jan 31, 2005 12:00AM
Tough to say without examining the tongue myself. I am not aware of specific diseases that can lead to a black tongue, but various types of infectious and canker sores may lead to a darkening of the tongue.
If there continues to be concern, you can consider a referral to an oral surgeon. If there is suspicion of a lesion, this can be biopsied for a more definitive diagnosis.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
If there continues to be concern, you can consider a referral to an oral surgeon. If there is suspicion of a lesion, this can be biopsied for a more definitive diagnosis.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Member Comments
by nachtzeit, Feb 08, 2005 12:00AM
The black tongue is due to a chemical reaction. It is the liver responding to exposure to alcohol. That is most likely harmless.
by X pharmacist, Mar 06, 2005 12:00AM
the black tongue is usually indicitive of an allergic reaction to the one of the medications your friend was taking. Its not something to take lightly, especially at the age of 76. Just to be safe, she should seek a second opinion.
by pilarica, Apr 21, 2005 12:00AM
A friend wants to know what could cause few black spots in the tip of her tongue. She also has a bitter taste. She had them for few months. Her doctor ordered blood test to check her liver, pancrea, and more. All tests came back normal. She is not in any medication
