Frustrating Battle with Persistent Canker Sores
Hello everyone, I’m a 27-year-old male who has been struggling with a seemingly endless barrage of canker sores for the last seven months, and I am truly at my breaking point. These sores can become quite large and take an unacceptably long time to heal. Just recently, I recovered from a sore that lingered in the back of my throat for three months. My primary care physician has conducted various blood tests, and while most results fall within the normal limits, there are two concerning findings: 1. Hematocrit levels at 53.3%, which is higher than average. 2. MCHC readings at 30.4 g/dl, indicating a lower than normal concentration of hemoglobin in my red blood cells. I have undergone an extensive anemia profile including tests for vitamin B12, iron, ferritin, and more, in addition to checks for celiac antibodies, vitamin D levels, a complete blood count with differential platelet count, metabolic and lipid panels, and assessments for Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid factor, sedimentation rate, and others. Almost all of these tests returned normal results, aside from the two previously mentioned. Family medical history includes my mother, who suffers from Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid complications, and has also experienced a brain aneurysm, while my sister has been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. Currently, I do not have any known allergies. To manage my condition, I have removed sodium lauryl sulfate from my toothpaste and am taking L-Lysine. I maintain a clean diet, avoid alcohol, and limit my sugar intake, plus I do not consume coffee. Could it be possible that I am dealing with a food allergy?
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 1:20:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a very frustrating situation regarding your persistent canker sores, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. Let's break down what you're experiencing and explore potential avenues for management.
Main Points:
- Canker sores can be triggered by various factors, including stress, certain dietary components, and underlying health conditions.
- Your blood test findings, particularly the elevated hematocrit and lower MCHC, may suggest some underlying conditions but are not standard indicators specifically connected to canker sores.
- Assessing food allergies could be a viable step, but more common causes should also be considered.
Explanation: Canker sores, also known as aphtous ulcers, are painful lesions that appear in the mouth and can be influenced by several factors such as nutritional deficiencies, stress, hormonal changes, and sometimes autoimmune conditions. Given your lengthy history with these sores and your family medical history, it's worth investigating further.
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Food Allergies or Sensitivities: While food allergies can cause oral lesions, more commonly, certain foods like citrus fruits, chocolate, or nuts are known to trigger canker sores in sensitive individuals. Keeping a food diary might help you identify any potential triggers.
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Nutritional Deficiencies: Despite normal test results, sometimes mild deficiencies can still contribute to canker sore formation. Ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12, iron, folate, and zinc, as deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to increased occurrences of sores.
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Stress and Hormonal Factors: Stress and hormonal imbalances can exacerbate or trigger canker sores. Consider managing stress through relaxation techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or exercise.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Diet: Keep a detailed food diary for at least two weeks, noting any canker sore occurrences to see if there's a food relation.
- Nutritional Review: Consider consulting with a dietician to ensure you're meeting all your nutritional needs, focusing on key vitamins and minerals.
- Stress Management: Implement stress-reducing activities into your routine. Mindfulness apps or stress management programs may help.
- Topical Treatments: Continue using L-Lysine and consider over-the-counter topical treatments like benzocaine or a protective oral rinse to ease discomfort during flare-ups.
If canker sores persist or worsen, further evaluation with either a specialist in oral medicine or an allergist may be needed. Keep track of your symptoms and adjust your management plan as necessary, and remember to be gentle with yourself during this process. You are taking proactive steps, and it's important to stay hopeful.
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