Yellow Tongue

Overview

Yellow tongue is a yellow discoloration of your tongue. In most cases, this condition is harmless and temporary. It usually happens when dead skin cells become trapped in your papillae (tiny, hair-like projections on your tongue). The dead skin cells accumulate on your papillae and become stained by things like food and tobacco.

Most people recover completely from yellow tongue. Self-care and better attention to oral hygiene usually resolve the issue.

What does a yellowish tongue mean?

A variety of factors may cause tongue discoloration. As mentioned above, it’s usually the result of dead skin cells that accumulate on your tongue. Rarely, a yellow coating on your tongue indicates underlying conditions, such as jaundice or certain autoimmune diseases.

Who does yellow tongue affect?

Anyone can develop yellow tongue. People who use tobacco products or take certain medications are more likely to have tongue discoloration.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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