A case report on the management of lingual papilitis through Ayurveda

Transient lingual papilitis is a common inflammatory hyperplasia of one or multiple fungiform lingual papillae that has acute onset. It is painful and transient. Based on the clinical features, the condition can be compared with Pittaja jihvakantaka. In the present case report, a 35-year-old male patient presented with a chief complaint of nodular growth on the dorsal surface of his tongue for 4 months. The growth persisted even after intake of systemic steroids and even after avoiding possible mechanical stimuli. Considering the pathology and symptomatology, Triphala guggulu, Kamadudha rasa, Sutashekhara rasa, Ajamodadi churna, and Haridra khanda were prescribed. Anu taila and Yashtyadi taila were given for Pratimarsha nasya (~low-dose medication through nasal route). After about four months of treatment, the associated symptoms subsided to a significant level. No adverse events were noted during the treatment and follow-up period of about three months. This case report sets an example that Ayurveda has an effective and safe treatment for conditions such as lingual papilitis. This case also becomes evidence and base for further research works with a larger sample size.