Why do HIV patients feel a burning tongue sensation?

Question

Hello doctor,

I would like to know what happens biologically in the body, causing a burning sensation in the tongue when a person has HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you very well knew, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) lives in a body for a very long time. It causes significant damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems. The virus affects our nervous system and causes dysfunction of nerves and muscle cells.

The burning sensation is a symptom of peripheral nervous system dysfunction or disorder, and it is caused as the nerves that lead to and from the spinal cord and connect with all the various parts of the body are affected by HIV. The nerve root gets exposed, and the person feels a burning sensation or numbness, starting with hands, feet, and tongue.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.