Seeking Advice for My Tongue Issues
Age: 16, height: 5'5", weight: approximately 150 pounds. For some time, I've been experiencing these symptoms. Yesterday morning, I woke to significant discomfort on my tongue, which was accompanied by red spots. They didn’t appear to be anything alarming, yet there was a resemblance to a cold sore or some irritation occurring. I rinsed my mouth with hydrogen peroxide, taking care not to swallow any. Additionally, I used an antibacterial mouthwash and salt water. However, when I woke up this morning, the pain had intensified. It looked almost like a blister, covered with a yellowish film. When I shone a flashlight on it, it seemed as though the skin on my tongue was deteriorating. I wish I could convey this more clearly with an image, but it's quite painful; nearly half of my tongue feels affected. I am wondering if I should consult a healthcare professional or if I should continue the current treatment and see if there’s any improvement.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 9:40:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning issue with your tongue that's causing both discomfort and distress. The symptoms you describe, including the red spots, pain, and yellowish film, suggest that there could be an inflamed irritation, infection, or possibly another underlying condition.
Explanation: Several factors can lead to similar tongue symptoms, including infections (like viral or bacterial), irritation from substances (like certain foods or medications), or even a condition like oral thrush, which is caused by an overgrowth of yeast. The blister-like appearance and pain you're describing could indicate a more serious issue, especially since it has worsened overnight.
Next Steps:
-
Stop Irritative Treatments: While rinsing with hydrogen peroxide and strong mouthwashes can sometimes help, they can also irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth further. Avoid using these products for now to prevent additional irritation.
-
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to use a gentle salt water rinse to soothe your tongue, but limit any abrasive treatment. Brush your teeth gently and remain hydrated.
-
Identify Possible Triggers: Consider any recent dietary changes, new oral products, or injuries to the tongue that may have caused this reaction.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to your symptoms over the next 24-48 hours. If you notice fever, ongoing pain, spreading of the symptoms, or difficulty eating or drinking, it would be wise to seek professional medical advice sooner.
-
Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given that your symptoms have intensified and are affecting a large area of your tongue, it's important to see a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper evaluation, possibly perform tests, and prescribe medications if necessary, especially if an infection is involved.
It's understandable to feel anxious about this situation, but taking the above steps will help you manage your discomfort while ensuring you seek the appropriate care as needed.
Related Questions
Unexpected Tingling Sensation in My Left Hand and Mouth
Today was quite unusual for me, and I’m still trying to figure it all out (23F). While I was unloading groceries from my garage, I suddenly noticed an odd feeling in my left index finger—it almost felt numb. Initially confused, I began tapping my finger because this sensation was entirely new to me. I then moved to the sink to run warm water over it, hoping it might help. To my surprise, the tingling sensation spread throughout my entire left hand and into my forearm, although it didn't fully extend to my whole arm. I’m certainly no expert in medical conditions, but it seems like it might be related to some kind of nerve issue? Perhaps I twisted my wrist awkwardly while carrying one of the bags, and it decided to respond dramatically, haha. Additionally, I’m on birth control, and I have heard that blood clots can be a concern, with side effects varying from person to person. My physician once mentioned that tingling could also be a symptom and recommended that I keep active instead of being sedentary all day. I have previously felt tingling in my feet when I first started the medication, and recently, it seems to manifest more in my arms if I’ve been resting on them for extended periods. While I didn’t want to jump to conclusions and think it could be a stroke—since I didn’t experience the majority of the typical symptoms—I did find the sensation in my teeth to be peculiar and rather intriguing 😭.
Experiencing Full-Body Numbness
At just 14 years old and standing at 173 cm tall with a weight of 89 kg, I find myself without any ongoing health problems or medication. Despite this, I frequently encounter a disconcerting numbness throughout my body. This sensation, notably felt in areas such as my scalp and legs, leaves me feeling detached, as if the typical pleasant tingling or sensory feedback I usually experience is absent. It’s as though my body is not responding as it should, leading to a perplexing and unsettling feeling.
Worries About Laboratory Results
Hello all. I'm a 32-year-old male weighing approximately 210 pounds and standing at 5 feet 11 inches with a muscular physique. Lately, I've been experiencing severe constipation. On the same day I performed a colon cleanse, I also underwent some blood tests. The results were mostly normal, but my AST level was reported at 38, and my Ferritin level was at 391. In addition to the constipation issues, I’ve been dealing with migraines, nausea, and a lightheaded sensation. Does anyone have insights on what might be causing this or what I should do next?
Inquiry About Childhood Chiropractic Experience
Hello Reddit! I’m reaching out to share something that occurred during my early teenage years, specifically when I was approximately 12 to 14 years old. I’m currently 25. (Female) To give you a brief overview, there was an incident when I was leaning down at my locker, and all of a sudden, my neck locked to one side. I was completely unable to move it back into its normal position, which caused me significant discomfort. My father decided it would be best to take me to a chiropractor, and while that did help somewhat, the pain was still quite severe. Additionally, I noticed a peculiar smell lingering for about a week post-visit. This episode repeated itself a few months later, with the same painful experience and that odd smell following the chiropractic adjustment. Since those occurrences, I've only encountered similar issues twice. On those occasions, instead of seeing a chiropractor, I opted for hospital treatment, where I received muscle relaxants that didn’t leave me with the strange odor or intense pain. However, I’ve been dealing with ongoing soreness in my right shoulder, and it seems to easily get strained. My head also tends to lean to one side quite noticeably. I’m curious to know what might have caused the neck stiffening, the severe pain, and that unusual smell following my chiropractic visits as a child. Could choosing chiropractic care over medical attention have led to any long-term repercussions?
Are Comprehensive Physical Examinations on the Decline?
Recently, I visited my primary care physician for my annual check-up. Upon arrival, the doctor briefly inquired about my health and conducted a quick assessment by listening to my heart and breathing. To my surprise, he concluded with a simple, "Everything looks good, see you next year!" What happened to the thorough physical examinations that once included a complete assessment, like the traditional checks of reflexes and other vital signs? This experience left me questioning the purpose of my primary care doctor. At 37 years of age, standing at 6 feet tall and residing in the United States, I find myself wondering if such brief consultations are becoming the norm. Why do we even maintain relationships with primary care physicians if such abbreviated visits are standard?