Seeking Answers: Ongoing Oral Issues for Three Months
I’m a 30-year-old woman facing some challenging mouth issues that have lasted for three months. Initially, I started experiencing a sensitivity to cold items such as ice cream and cold water. Upon inspecting my throat, I observed that it was inflamed, red, and raw; however, it wasn't sore. Cold substances would render my throat numb, and as time progressed, swallowing became increasingly difficult, eventually leading to the point where eating was a struggle. I lost 6 pounds within five days, as I could only tolerate room temperature beverages. I sought medical advice, but the physicians were perplexed by my symptoms. They prescribed antibiotics, suspecting an infection, yet there was no improvement. Following this, a steroid was recommended, but it too yielded no results, leading the doctors to refer me to an ear, nose, and throat specialist who attributed my condition to acid reflux. However, my gastrointestinal specialist conducted an endoscopy and ruled out acid reflux as the cause. On the day of the endoscopy, I noticed that my tongue appeared white and felt rough, akin to sandpaper. Though the doctor dismissed the possibility of thrush based on its appearance (not resembling cottage cheese), I continued on steroids, which eventually resulted in severe diarrhea. When I contacted the on-call physician, she advised stopping the steroid immediately and prescribed a medication for thrush, as she suspected that might be the issue. I began the thrush treatment and experienced some alleviation, but my throat remains red and inflamed. Tonight, after taking my last dose of oral nystatin, I still observe a white coating on my tongue, small red spots, and my throat is persistently red while my tongue continues to feel abrasive. It’s worth noting that I have tested negative for strep throat on three separate occasions during this period. I am genuinely seeking assistance, as I am at my wit's end. I have a significant fear of eating anything because I worry it will trigger another painful flare, making swallowing nearly impossible. If possible, I will share images in the comments for further insight.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 4:30:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such a challenging and painful experience with your mouth and throat symptoms. It’s understandable that you feel anxious about eating and swallowing given your situation.
Main Points
Your ongoing symptoms, including throat inflammation, sensitivity, and a white coating on the tongue, may stem from several potential causes. While you've been receptive to treatments for infections and acid reflux, and the diagnosis is still unclear, some common issues could be contributing to your discomfort.
Explanation
- Mouth and Throat Pain: Your symptoms can arise from various issues such as oral thrush, which you are currently being treated for, or other considerations like allergies, a delayed immune response, or even irritation from medication.
- Weight Loss and Eating Concerns: The fear of eating due to pain can lead to a cycle of worsening symptoms and weight loss, affecting your overall health. It's crucial to find ways to manage your pain while ensuring you get adequate nutrition.
Next Steps
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Dietary Adjustments: Since you've had trouble with cold and abrasive foods, start consuming soft, bland foods and warm liquids that don’t irritate your throat. Options could include:
- Smoothies (without irritating acids like citrus)
- Mashed potatoes or soft cooked grains
- Soups (preferably not too hot to avoid irritation)
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting any changes in color, texture of your tongue, swallowing difficulties, and any adjustments in pain levels after eating specific foods. This could be useful information for your healthcare provider.
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Hydration: Ensure that you are staying well-hydrated, which may help with the healing process and alleviate dryness in your throat. Try room temperature water or herbal teas to reduce irritation.
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Oral Hygiene Care: Continue with good oral hygiene practices, including gentle brushing of your tongue. You may also consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash to maintain oral health without causing irritation.
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Follow-Up with Specialists: If your symptoms persist despite current treatments, advocate for a follow-up with both your ENT and gastrointestinal specialist. Request further evaluations or consider looking into conditions like oral lichen planus, autoimmune issues, or other less common causes.
Please remember to prioritize your comfort and nutritional intake above all. It’s important to address both the physical symptoms and your anxiety surrounding eating. If your situation worsens or you develop new symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical advice. You are not alone in this, and the appropriate treatment is often a process of elimination and careful observation.
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