Pain in the Tongue: Seeking Advice
A 25-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 6 to 7 inches and weighing 242 pounds, is currently on a medication regimen that includes Zoloft (200mg), guanfacine (2mg), and Adderall (20mg) taken only on weekdays. She also uses hydroxyzine (1-10mg) as needed for anxiety, but has only taken it a couple of times over the last six months. In addition, she vapes and abstains from cigarettes, although her alcohol consumption is significant. She has not been using any pain relief medications for her current complaints. Due to her previous dental problems, it’s noteworthy that she has a menthol allergy. Previously, she had two chipped teeth that would irritate her tongue, leading to discomfort. After removing those teeth back in April, the associated bump on her tongue disappeared. However, she recently experienced increased pain, which she described as feeling like a small section of her tongue is absent. The discomfort has a burning sensation, particularly when she touches the roof of her mouth, and has intensified since returning home from work. Currently, she rates her pain level at a 6 out of 10, yet it surged to an 8 after consuming a mild meal (chili dogs, made sure nothing was spicy or hard) and chewing carefully, which made eating and speaking difficult. She finds it hard to sleep due to the pain, which she likens to the sensation of pressing or poking a bruise. Having the opportunity to consult with a third-year medical resident at her workplace—a doctor's office—she was told that her tongue appears to be in a healing state but to monitor any worsening of the condition. She feels that the situation has actually deteriorated. Now, she is contemplating whether to visit urgent care or wait until her doctor’s appointment on Monday, on her day off. Appreciating any advice, she wishes everyone a great weekend!
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 10:01:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: You are experiencing discomfort in your tongue with a burning sensation, partly affecting your ability to eat and sleep. It's sensible to monitor the situation closely. There are some immediate self-care steps you can take while considering your upcoming doctor's appointment.
Explanation: Tongue discomfort can arise from various factors, such as irritation from dental issues (even after treatment), allergic reactions, or other conditions affecting oral health. Since you mentioned previous dental problems and allergies, it is possible that your mouth's healing process or even something like a food sensitivity may be contributing to your discomfort.
Your pain increasing after certain meals might indicate that certain foods are irritating your tongue, even if they seem mild. Additionally, using substances like tobacco or consuming alcohol can sometimes exacerbate mouth irritation.
Next Steps:
-
Avoid Irritants: Since you mentioned a menthol allergy, stay away from any products containing menthol, including certain mouthwashes or lozenges. Refrain from consuming hot beverages or spicy foods, as these can further irritate your tongue.
-
Oral Hygiene: Maintain excellent oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth and tongue with a soft toothbrush. Consider rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) a couple of times a day to help soothe irritation.
-
Pain Relief: While you haven't used pain relief medications, you may consider taking over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if these are safe for you based on your other medications. These can help reduce pain and discomfort.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms, especially if they worsen or if new symptoms arise. Document any changes in your pain level, triggers, or any swelling.
-
Consider Urgent Care: If the pain continues to escalate, or if you experience additional symptoms like difficulty swallowing, significant swelling, or fever, it may be wise to seek urgent care before your Monday appointment.
Thank you for sharing your concerns, and I hope these steps help alleviate your discomfort. Wishing you a great weekend as well!
Related Questions
Concerns Regarding Self-Massage Techniques on the Neck
Demographic Background: South Asian, Age: 34, Weight: 55 kg I recently engaged in a self-massage of the front neck area, which I now realize may have been risky. To describe it accurately, it was akin to attempting to strangle oneself with a single hand while applying considerable pressure along the neck. I utilized my thumb on one side and my fingers on the opposite side, starting from the pulse point. Surprisingly, I did not experience pain nor did the pressure feel sufficient to cause choking, but for about two hours, I sensed a pushing sensation around my neck. Although there was discomfort, it wasn't painful. Now, I'm anxious about the possibility of having harmed an artery or vein during this. Additionally, I've noticed a burning feeling in my neck while trying to sleep. Given that I also have OCD, I've found myself repeatedly massaging my neck with the same intensity as before. I’m seeking guidance—could I have inadvertently injured my artery?
Concerns About Possible Dissociative Amnesia
Background Information: I’m a 14-year-old female, assigned male at birth, weighing 88 pounds and standing between 5’3” and 5’4”. I take propranolol to manage anxiety and I have never smoked or vaped. From a young age, around 8 or 9, I developed a significant apprehension about being observed. I often had the irrational fear that someone or something was peering through my windows, leading me to frequently check areas that weren’t easily visible. This worry continues to this day. Furthermore, if a stranger approaches me offering something—like a religious pamphlet or a similar gesture—I often experience intense fear or panic attacks, which I cannot explain. I have always felt uncomfortable in spaces that have many hiding spots, such as cluttered rooms or those filled with furniture. As a result, I keep my own room intentionally small and arrange the furniture against the walls. Nightmares were also a part of my childhood, often featuring figures staring at me through windows—these entities never attacked; they simply observed me. Recently, a friend who has been diagnosed with Dissociative Amnesia suggested that I exhibit several symptoms of this condition. However, I’m uncertain about the origins of my issues, particularly since my memory has always been somewhat unreliable. Any suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
Throat Ulcer or Potential Infection?
Greetings, doctors, I've noticed a concerning spot at the back of one side of my throat. It resembles an ulcer to me; however, a pharmacist suggested that it could possibly be an infection and has given me a prescription for antibiotics. I would prefer to avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. Can anyone provide their thoughts on what this might be? If it is indeed an ulcer, could it heal on its own? I am a 31-year-old female with a history of recurrent strep throat and tonsillitis, and I underwent a tonsillectomy in 2013.
Seeking Insight on My Condition
Hello Medical Community, I am a 30-year-old male and I'm reaching out for some perspectives on my situation and the accompanying image linked below. My doctor referred to it as a "significant herniation," but was somewhat vague regarding how it measures up compared to other cases. I’m looking to gauge how serious my condition really is. **A Bit of Background:** This marks my second herniation; the first instance occurred with the same L4/L5 disc back in 2020. Following two rounds of steroid injections, I managed to reach a point where my pain subsided to a manageable 3/10, with only some nerve tightness evident during standard nerve evaluation tests such as leg lifts and seated extensions. **Description of Current Pain:** The emergence of my current herniation was gradual. For several weeks, I sensed something was amiss in my back, culminating with an audible pop as I stood from a couch on May 30th. Over the subsequent three weeks, the pain progressively intensified, rendering me almost immobile—spending nearly all day on my living room floor due to the herniation’s pressure on my nerve, resulting in sciatica. At its peak, I felt pain even when at rest, regardless of my position. I was unable to stand, sit, or walk without experiencing severe discomfort—pain that ranged from 9 to 10/10 lasting for nearly 40 minutes, along with escalating anxiety and depression. **Current Treatment Outline:** - **Medications:** I am taking five doses of 5mg Hydrocodone daily, 1800mg of Gabapentin, along with Meloxicam. - **Procedures:** I received my initial steroid injection four days ago, which helped reduce my pain from a 9-10/10 to approximately 7/10, and shortened the duration of my pain episodes. - **Resting Regimen:** I’m mainly resting on my floor for 23.5 hours daily, with only brief stints to the bathroom or for brief changes of position. Despite the recent injection, I’m still experiencing nightly pain and find it challenging to move beyond a short trip to the bathroom without causing further discomfort. My primary inquiries are: **How serious is my condition compared to others, and is there some way to quantify its severity (e.g., being in the top 40% of difficult cases)? Additionally, has anyone had experiences of recovery from similar herniations and symptoms without opting for surgery?**
Conflicting Medical Opinions on Orthopedic Surgery for Elderly Patient
Hello, I’d like to gain insights from healthcare professionals regarding a situation concerning my father. Recently, my 77-year-old dad suffered a clavicle fracture near his left shoulder while visiting his hometown. Initially, he received treatment from a local physician who placed a bandage and sling on his injury and advised against surgery due to his advanced age. After returning home, he opted to consult with an orthopedic specialist, and I accompanied him for that visit. This new physician suggested surgical intervention involving the insertion of a plate and screws to facilitate the healing of the fracture. Unfortunately, the estimated cost for this procedure exceeded our financial capabilities, leading my father to revert to the first doctor’s recommendation of avoiding surgery. The orthopedic surgeon noted that without surgical intervention, my dad's chances of proper recovery were about 50/50, warning that he might lose the ability to raise his arms fully. I am curious as to why there were such stark differences in the doctors’ recommendations regarding my father’s treatment. What are the potential complications of surgery for someone in his age group? Ultimately, what would be the most advisable approach to take in his situation? I appreciate any guidance you can offer. Thank you.