hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco) may minimize the discomfort. In some cases, tongue swelling may threaten the airway, a medical emergency that needs immediate attention. Epidemiology One review reported overall prevalence ranges of 0.1–14.3% for geographic tongue, 1.3–9.0% for "atrophy tongue" (atrophic glossitis), and 0.0–3.35% for median rhomboid glossitis. References External links Inflammations Tongue disorders Pain Conditions of the mucous membranes Oral mucosal pathology