OpenHealth Q&A

Unusual Symptoms Experienced Over Three Years

Age: 27, Gender: Female, Medication: Eliquis For the past three years, I have been grappling with some peculiar symptoms, and despite numerous attempts, I haven’t been able to pinpoint a definite cause. The symptoms I experience are as follows: - A burning sensation on my tongue and gums, which manifests right after consuming various foods, including: - All types of meat (even fresh), nuts, bread or anything gluten-based, citric acid, sour or acidic foods, chocolate, eggs, avocado, among others. - Difficulty standing for extended periods. - Significant loss of electrolytes. - Allergy-like symptoms triggered by dairy consumption, leading to nasal swelling and breathing difficulties. - Continued consumption of these foods amplifies the pain and burning, radiating to my throat, nose, and even behind my eyes and ears. - I also experience palpitations and muscle cramps, accompanied by intense jaw tension. - Sleep disturbances are a constant struggle. - Occasionally, I find it challenging to swallow, a sensation where my mind signals the need to swallow, but my body is unresponsive. Remedies that provide some relief include: - Colostrum - Essential oils like thyme and oregano. - Antihistamines (which offer limited stabilization but do not allow for much dietary freedom). - Vitamin C supplements. I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and I did not experience these sensations prior to receiving my first COVID-19 vaccine. However, I went through a period of fasting, followed a keto diet, and briefly tried a carnivore diet before these issues began. This phase also involved significant stress, traumatic experiences, sleepless nights, and extensive physical activity. Additionally, I faced significant dental issues due to an unsuccessful root canal and my wisdom teeth. Consequently, I believe I exhausted my body's energy reserves. Afterward, we lived in an apartment with considerable mold exposure, but we've since moved to a newly constructed, clean environment. I’m eating regularly now and have minimized emotional stressors, engaged in therapy, and aimed for a healthier lifestyle. Nevertheless, the burning mouth symptoms persist, leaving me at a loss for effective solutions. Unfortunately, my healthcare providers haven't taken my concerns seriously, often directing me to other specialists without offering tangible help. I am actively seeking answers myself, but I'm anxious about not knowing the root cause of my problems and uncertain about the next steps when my symptoms worsen—like which doctor to consult. Additionally, I am sensitive to heat, and lack of sleep exacerbates my condition. Though my tryptase and histamine levels are within the normal range, all tests for parasites have returned negative, and I've been tested for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) with inconsistent results. My doctor suspects I may still have SIBO due to my initial test values being too high. Furthermore, scans of my abdomen and partial gut examinations revealed small intestine inflammation but showed no issues in the esophagus. I experienced laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) during the fasting and carnivore phases, but transitioning to a regular diet alleviated that, and no evidence of reflux or GERD was found during the examination of my digestive system. Has anyone encountered similar symptoms? Are there individuals you know who have faced such challenges? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 🥺

Answers (1)

7/3/2025, 11:01:33 PM

OpenHealth AI

Main Points Summary: Your symptoms are quite complex and may be interrelated, involving food sensitivities, possible mast cell activation, and the effects of medications and previous health conditions. The burning sensation in your mouth, combined with your history of autoimmune issues and lifestyle changes, suggests a multifactorial approach for better management.

Explanation: The burning mouth syndrome (BMS) you're experiencing, particularly after consuming certain foods, could indicate oral allergies, sensitivity, or even a type of inflammatory response. Your history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and previous health stresses (like the mold exposure and dental issues) adds layers of complexity. The palpitations and muscle cramps could be associated with electrolyte imbalances, which may be exacerbated by your dietary restrictions or sensitivities.

Your symptoms of sensitivity to foods, especially dairy, and the burning sensations suggest possible oral allergy syndrome or another hypersensitivity response. Persistent sleep disturbances, temperature sensitivities, and difficulty standing for long periods might indicate broader systemic issues, including autonomic dysfunction or exhaustion of energy reserves.

Next Steps:

1. Document Your Symptoms:

   • Keep a detailed food and symptom journal for at least 2-3 weeks. Note everything you consume and any symptoms that follow closely after eating. This may help identify specific food triggers more clearly.

2. Experiment with a Food Elimination Diet:

   • Under the guidance of a qualified nutritionist, consider a carefully monitored elimination diet that avoids common allergens (like dairy, gluten, nuts) for a few weeks and reintroduces them one at a time. This will help clarify which foods are problematic.

3. Hydration and Electrolyte Balance:

   • Ensure you are staying adequately hydrated. Consider incorporating electrolyte solutions that do not contain sugar or allergens to help balance your electrolytes.

4. Consult a Specialist:

   • Seek a referral to an allergist for potential food allergies or immediate hypersensitivity reactions and a gastroenterologist familiar with mast cell activation disorders, which can sometimes overlap with other systemic issues.

5. Therapeutic Approaches:

   • Continue exploring supportive therapies:
     • Consider physical therapy or gentle physical activity to cope with muscle tension and fatigue while monitoring how your body responds.
     • Engage in mindfulness or relaxation techniques to support sleep and manage stress effectively.

6. Oral Health Care:

   • Consult with a specialist in oral medicine or a dentist who works with patients experiencing burning mouth syndrome for tailored oral care advice, including protective measures for your dental health.

7. Monitor Mental Health:

   • Continue therapy to address any emotional stressors that could be contributing to your symptoms. Stress can significantly impact physical conditions.

By recognizing potential interconnections in your symptoms and systematically approaching them, you can begin to find clarity and relief. Continue advocating for your health, as your insights and experiences are valuable in guiding your care. If you need further information on any specific topic or advice, feel free to reach out.