MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
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TONGUE DIAGNOSTICS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ITS
APPLICATIONS IN CLINICAL AND TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Marufkhanov Xamid Makhmudovich
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of
Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases No. 2, Tashkent Medical Academy.
Contact details: +998 90 128 25 12 marufkhanov61@gmail.com
Israilov Azizjon G'ayrat o'g'li
3rd-year student at Tashkent Medical Academy.
Contact details: +99890 296 29 79 isroilovazizjon145@gmail.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14981255
Introduction.
The tongue is a multifunctional organ that acts as an
essential pathophysiological diagnostic tool across ancient and modern
medicine. The surface of the tongue, characterized by papillae and taste buds,
exhibits visibly changing patterns in the face of certain systemic health
conditions. Traditionally, ancient forms of medicine, such as TCM, have mapped
special parts of the tongue to internal organs and have clinically evaluated
changes in color, texture, or coating for the diagnosis of diseases. In modern
clinical medicine, examination of the tongue provides noninvasive insights into
conditions such as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, deficiencies of nutrients,
rheumatic diseases, and chronic kidney disease.
The purpose of this study
. This study aims at the analysis of the tongue
color, coating, and morphology with regard to their accordance with modern
diagnostics and their ability in early disease detection. Bridging the gap between
the two paradigms, the aim is to integrate tongue diagnostics into clinical care
for better patient outcomes.
Materials and methods.
A total of 50 patients (24 male and 26 female),
aged 18 to 77 years, were randomly selected from the Rheumatology (21),
Cardiology (9), Vascular Surgery (10), and Nephrology (10) departments. Two
female patients opted out, which left 48 patients for analysis. Tongue images
were photographed via devices during clinical examination and interview.
Observed changes in tongue color, coating, and morphology were analyzed
alongside reported symptoms and preliminary diagnoses. These findings were
compared with definitive diagnoses obtained through modern laboratory and
instrumental tests documented in medical records. The data were further
pooled and subjected to statistical analysis to allow meaning to be drawn.
The results of the study.
Within the study, results were divided into three
categories: matched, partially matched, and no match. 14 patients in
Rheumatology out of 19 showed consistent tongue manifestations while 5 did
MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
174
not. In Cardiology, only 8 patients were able to match, whereas 1 failed. From
Vascular Surgery, 6 were fully matched, 2 matched partially, and 2 showed no
connection. In Nephrology, 9 patients matched, and 1 did not. 36 patients out of
the larger cohort (75%) exhibited precise matching between tongue changes
and organ involvement; of these, 2 (4%) had, at best, partial match, while 10
(21%) showed no match at all. The results referenced set the verification for
tongue examination for organ pathology diagnosis potential.
Conclusion.
Tongue diagnosis has, for centuries, mirrored the general
health of the individual on such parameters as inflammation, metabolic
processes, and pathological alterations. While there have been advances in
modern diagnostic procedures, tongue examination has its worth, particularly in
an emergency setting, whereby the necessary tests could be identified and
unwanted examinations avoided. This study supports that tongue diagnostics
provide a preliminary insight into the condition of the patient and can be a good
adjunct in clinical practice.
