Changes in My Saliva
Alright, hear me out. I realize that this may sound rather odd, but my curiosity is driving me to explore this further. I'm a 31-year-old woman from Europe, and I've been a smoker since I turned 13. Standing at 172 cm and weighing 62 kg, I generally consider myself healthy aside from my struggle with depression, for which I take Welbutrin 150, Aripiprazole 7.5, and Viepax XR 300. As a smoker who uses self-rolling tobacco, I experienced something unusual during my last pregnancy. Around six months into it, I noticed a significant change in my saliva. Ever since then, the rolling papers I use just won't adhere; it's almost as if they lose their stickiness. I suspect that even postage stamps wouldn't work for me now. Interestingly, the rolling papers haven’t changed their quality, as my husband finds no difficulty with them. For me, however, it has become quite a challenge! 😅 I've attempted to discuss this matter with a few medical professionals I know, but unfortunately, they don't seem to show interest or even know the right questions to ask regarding my situation. All I genuinely want is to comprehend what transpired, how it happened, and the reason behind it—all stemming from my sheer curiosity. I suppose there's some intriguing research potential here, perhaps even deserving of a Shnobel!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 5:10:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
You've shared a very unique situation regarding changes in your saliva, especially related to your smoking and experiences during pregnancy. While it might seem unusual, changes in saliva can be influenced by various factors, including smoking habits, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and overall health.
Explanation
Saliva plays an essential role in oral health and the digestion of food. The consistency and composition of saliva can change due to several reasons:
- Hydration Levels: Smoking can lead to dehydration, which might cause a thicker or different saliva consistency.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy significantly impacts hormone levels, which can affect bodily functions, including saliva production.
- Health Conditions: Some medications, like those you mentioned, can also influence saliva production and consistency. Aripiprazole, in particular, is known to cause dry mouth in some individuals.
- Smoking Effects: Continuous smoking can lead to dental and oral health changes that might further alter how saliva behaves.
Your observation about the difficulty with rolling papers suggests that the stickiness of materials may be affected by your saliva's properties. This is likely tied to hormonal shifts and hydration levels impacted by your smoking history and current medications.
Next Steps
- Hydration: Ensure you're drinking enough water throughout the day to stay well-hydrated. This can help maintain saliva consistency.
- Oral Hygiene: Consider using an oral rinse formulated for dry mouth, which can help improve saliva quality.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any other changes you might notice in your mouth or throat and whether they correlate with changes in stress or medication adjustments.
- Consider a Doctor's Consultation: If this issue persists and continues to cause inconvenience, seek out a healthcare provider who specializes in oral health or a dentist. They may have specific insights or can run tests to check your salivary glands' function.
- Research Opportunities: If you're curious about the potential for research, consider reaching out to academic institutions or researchers interested in smoking-related health changes or pregnancy effects on saliva.
While it's understandable to be curious and seek answers, remember that many people experience similar unusual phenomena, and prioritizing your health and comfort is essential.
Related Questions
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.
Intense Pain in Left Thumb
Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.