'Covid tongue': New coronavirus symptom you should not ignore

While India struggles from Covid-19, a new symptom, Covid tongue, has furthered concern. Dr Avinash Bhondwe, former President of the Indian Medical Association said that there is no need to panic, rather undergo testing, get treated in a timely manner.

Mumbai: Like the United States, Brazil and Britain, India also reported double mutant variant of Coronavirus. The double mutant Covid variant has been wreaking havoc in the country. Furthering concern, a new symptom, Covid tongue, has surfaced. Scientists termed the symptom Covid tongue for developing white, swollen tongue with no sensation for taste. Dr Avinash Bhondwe, former President of Indian Medical Association, Maharashtra during interaction with ETV Bharat said that such symptoms should not be ignored or else it would lead to grave implications.

One out of four Covid patients have 'Covid tongue'

The new mutant Covid variant is deadly as it is a super spreader and Maharashtra reports 60,000 Covid cases daily. The extreme shortage of oxygen, shortage of Remdesivir, unavailability of beds have further worsened the situation. Furthermore, patients have increasingly reported 'Covid tongue' symptom. It was reported in the US and UK earlier in January and it was included in the list of Covid symptoms. As per a study jointly conducted by researchers in the US and UK, one in four Covid patients has the symptom.

Changes in tongue

Common symptoms of corona include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches and headache. The symptoms have also fluctuated. Now, ‘Covid tongue’ is the new symptom reported in Covid patients, said Dr Bhondwe. The symptoms of Covid tongue include white colour tongue, trouble in moving tongue, swelling, difficulty while swallowing, mouth ulcers and dry throat. If any of these symptoms appear, Covid test should be done mandatorily.

In addition, double mutant Covid variant infection has also reported severe headache with fever and other common symptoms. Dr Bhondwe added that new symptoms include redness of eyes, conjunctivitis, hearing loss, acne, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Don't panic, undergo testing, get treatment

Dr Radhakrishna Londhe, President, IMA, Maharashtra has directed patients to immediately undergo testing in case of showing symptoms. In case of testing positive, one can recover in five to seven days with proper treatment. Tongue's colour, taste, appetite gets restored and the patient gets recuperated soon.