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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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