Seeking Solutions for Persistent Mouth and Stomach Issues
Greetings everyone, For several years now, I’ve been struggling with a troubling issue, and despite numerous consultations with physicians, I have yet to find a resolution. The situation has become extremely exasperating. I encounter two primary concerns: firstly, a white, slimy substance accumulates in my mouth, which becomes sore, and secondly, I face ongoing halitosis. This slime generally appears each morning upon waking; at times it makes my lips feel glued together and hampers my ability to speak clearly. When I attempt to scrape my tongue, the accumulation seems never-ending, and I cease because of discomfort, not because the slime has subsided. One doctor previously identified the presence of Candida during testing, yet other evaluations returned negative results, indicating inconsistency. Despite this, I believe something is amiss, as such excessive slime cannot be typical. Interestingly, we used to employ a cleaning lady who experienced similar troubles prior to my own onset. Could this connection be significant? I live with several individuals, and one person among them also has these issues, although the others do not. This individual began showing symptoms after the cleaning lady's work started. Is it mere chance? Furthermore, in the early stages of my ordeal, I was diagnosed with periodontitis. My dentist performed a deep cleaning as treatment, and I’m now in the maintenance phase, receiving cleanings every six months. At my latest visit, my dentist remarked that my gums appear to be in good condition. Concerning the Candida, I was given Ampho-Moronal suspension multiple times throughout the years, but it didn’t yield any improvements. During a gastroscopy, doctors detected Helicobacter pylori along with a stomach ulcer. I adhered strictly to the antibiotic regimen prescribed, and subsequent breath tests returned negative for H. pylori. Interestingly, while taking the antibiotics, my bad breath improved significantly or completely vanished, but it returned swiftly after completing the course. Another doctor then recommended a fourteen-day course of fluconazole, yet the white slime persisted. I’ve been diligently managing my halitosis with an extremely rigorous oral hygiene regimen. The only product that consistently provides relief is a cosmetic mouthwash; if I forgo it, my bad breath resurfaces shortly after brushing, accompanied by soreness in my mouth. However, I’m not convinced that this approach offers a true solution; it feels more like a temporary masking of the problem. I’ve also observed that right after chewing gum—when my breath is fresh—the unpleasant smell resurfaces quickly once I discard the gum, and my mouth becomes tender until I brush my teeth again. I suspect the slime issue may have emerged after using Chlorhexamed mouthwash for my periodontitis, but I cannot be certain due to the passage of time. The last specialist I consulted was a well-respected ENT, who indicated that the issue likely originates from the stomach region. Regardless of the various treatments I’ve embarked upon, these issues remain persistent, severely detracting from my quality of life. I am at a loss about what steps to take next. I have seen countless doctors repeatedly, waiting up to two months for appointments with the hope that they might provide a remedy, only to find that either they don’t take my concerns seriously or confess their inability to help. Any insights or suggestions from anyone who might offer guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 2:40:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing challenges you're facing with your mouth and stomach issues. It's understandable to feel frustrated given the persistence of your symptoms and the difficulty in finding effective solutions. Let's break down your situation and explore some practical steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Symptoms Overview: You are experiencing a white, slimy substance in your mouth, soreness, and halitosis, which have been persistent despite previous treatments.
- Possible Contributing Factors: You've noted a connection between your symptoms and previous exposure in your living environment while also mentioning a history of periodontitis and diagnosed Helicobacter pylori.
- Current Concerns: Ongoing discomfort and concerns about the effectiveness of treatments.
Explanation:
The accumulation of a slimy substance in the mouth can be related to several issues, including oral thrush (overgrowth of Candida), dry mouth, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can also cause bad breath. The temporary relief you experienced while on antibiotics likely indicates a relationship between your stomach issues and oral health. Additionally, your observation regarding the Chlorhexamed mouthwash and its potential effects is worth noting, as some antibacterial products can alter the oral microbiome, sometimes leading to an overgrowth of yeast.
Next Steps:
Here are prioritized steps you can take to address your symptoms:
-
Hydration and Saliva Stimulation:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help combat dryness in your mouth.
- Sugar-Free Gum or Mints: Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, which is essential for oral health.
-
Mouth Care Routine:
- Gentle Cleaning: Continue brushing your teeth and tongue gently. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If the slime is persistent, consider using a tongue scraper made of soft material.
- Rinse with Saltwater: Prepare a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to rinse your mouth several times a day to help reduce inflammation and clear some oral debris.
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Eliminate Certain Foods: Consider reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates temporarily since these can contribute to candida overgrowth.
- Probiotics or Yogurt: Add probiotics to your diet, as they can help balance the oral microbiome. Fermented foods like yogurt may support gut health, potentially impacting oral health as well.
-
Follow Up on Gastrointestinal Issues:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary noting when your halitosis worsens or improves in relation to your diet, activities, and any potential triggers.
- Discuss Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD): Since your ENT mentioned stomach origins for your symptoms, discuss the possibility of GERD with your physician. This condition could contribute to both oral symptoms and halitosis.
-
Consider a Comprehensive Approach:
- Revisit Specialists: If symptoms persist, you may want to pursue further evaluations from specialists, like a gastroenterologist for the stomach issues and potentially an oral medicine specialist for the oral symptoms.
- Referral to a Mycologist: If candida continues to be a concern, consider asking your healthcare provider for a referral to an infectious disease specialist or mycologist for a more targeted assessment and treatment plan.
Closing Thoughts:
I understand this journey has been exhausting, but by taking these actionable steps, you may find some relief and better understanding of your symptoms. Keep communicating openly with any doctors you see about your experiences, as this can lead to more personalized care. Remember, you're not alone in this – many people struggle with similar issues, and there are paths to improvement. If there’s anything more specific you’d like to ask or explore, feel free to share!
Related Questions
Experiencing Unexpected Skin Pain Without Visible Cause
I have consulted my physician regarding my unusual symptoms, but she was unable to provide a clear diagnosis. The only possibility she mentioned was fibromyalgia, which she believes may not apply to me due to my age. Although blood tests were performed, everything appeared normal. I'm a 29-year-old female dealing with obesity and have been managing my weight for a long time, currently with the help of Wegovy. I was a smoker and vaper for several years but have quit these habits since last year. Occasionally, when I touch, scratch, or bump against areas like my shoulders, upper arms, thighs, and lower back, I experience severe pain beneath my skin that doesn’t correlate with any visible injury. There are no marks or rashes left behind afterwards. The sensation resembles that of a bruise or the sharp pain felt when one strikes their hip. There are moments when the pain is so intense that I involuntarily cry out, but it only lasts for a brief period of 5 to 10 seconds. The occurrences are erratic; some days I can touch or scratch these areas without any discomfort, while other days, the pain strikes unexpectedly. This has been a recurring issue for approximately five years now. I'm reaching out to see if anyone might have insights or suggestions about what this could indicate.
Dealing with Loperamide-Induced Constipation: Seeking Solutions
Warning: This discussion involves digestive health topics. I’m a 24-year-old woman, standing at 5’5” and weighing around 140 pounds. I don’t smoke and have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Recently, I was experiencing severe anxiety and dehydration due to some intense diarrhea, which prompted my doctor to prescribe loperamide. I took the initial dose two days ago and haven’t needed additional doses since then. However, now I find myself struggling with constipation and have yet to have a bowel movement. I’ve just started passing some gas, but still no stool. My anxiety persists, which is causing muscle tension and making it hard for me to breathe easily. To be honest, my eating and sleeping habits have been off due to the anxiety. My diet mainly consists of fruits, bread, rice crackers, beans, and jerky, and I only had a proper meal (tacos) today. I’ve also been trying melatonin for sleep, which is something new for me. I started with a 3 mg dose the first night, and I felt incredibly groggy the next day, so I reduced it to 1.5 mg the following night. I took both the loperamide and melatonin on the same evening. Unfortunately, my doctor is unreachable since the health clinic is closed over the weekend, leaving me without guidance. I’ve begun to experience some mild abdominal discomfort, but I think a proper bowel movement would alleviate that. I prefer to avoid over-the-counter remedies, as I’m concerned about jeopardizing my hydration, which has been quite the struggle. I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions for foods that might help, any stretches that could encourage movement, or if I should simply try to relax.
Is My Health Declining?
At 25 years old, I’m a non-smoker who only indulges in alcohol during New Year’s celebrations. I manage a few health conditions including a nonverbal learning disorder, sensory processing difficulties, mild depression, dyspraxia, troublesome duodenal bile reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which has been in remission. I also experience sinus tachycardia and maintain low blood volume. I stand at 5 feet, 3 inches and weigh 119 pounds—a drop from 127 at the start of December. My current medications include buspirone and metoprolol, along with a B complex vitamin supplement. Approximately eight months ago, I began noticing unusually large black pieces in my bowel movements. Strikingly similar to bits of diced green pepper but entirely black, these chunks appear daily and vary drastically in size—from resembling a piece of rosemary to about the size of my thumbnail. Typically, I end up with a small handful of these peculiar pieces. The odor has become quite unpleasant, yet I only began to consider this recently. Not long after these occurrences started, I had a short period of worsened IBS symptoms—which was strange since I had been symptom-free for two years. Everything reverted to normal until December, when I had an unfortunate episode followed by a particularly rough evening shortly after consuming a lot of sugar. I anticipated feeling “iffy” for just a few days, but that feeling lingered. Now, nearly three months later, I’m frequently experiencing \\*almost\\* daily flare-ups and usually looser stools that range anywhere from a 6 to a fuzzy 4 on the Bristol Stool Chart. Moreover, I’m feeling slightly more discomfort outside of bowel movements than I have in the past. Attempts to tweak my diet have yielded no improvement. Given my relatively young age, I hope I’m not facing something as serious as colon cancer. The last time I stressed over abnormal bowel movements, a professional informed me I was simply excreting excess fat, which is quite common. I researched potential causes for my current situation, and it seems this black matter is not related to pepper, which is somewhat reassuring. I’m unsure how to determine if what I’m seeing is truly “tar-like.” Occasionally, I feel a pressure in my lower left abdomen, somewhat like trapped gas that persists for several days before easing up. Due to my propensity for unnecessary anxiety regarding my health, I felt compelled to share my situation here. Is this just typical IBS behavior, or should I be more concerned? My parents suggest I remain calm and avoid a GI consultation (as I will soon lose my insurance), but I would prefer to avoid another extensive testing journey. Unfortunately, my quality of life has diminished significantly in recent months, prompting my need for clarity.
Seeking Answers for Digestive Distress: Recommended Tests and Advice
I am a 34-year-old Caucasian female, standing at 165 centimeters tall and weighing 78 kilograms. On a daily basis, I take several medications: Prestance (5/5), Aerius, a hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring, and magnesium bisglycinate (365 mg). Occasionally, I also use Lexaurin (bromazepam) at a dosage of 0.75 mg every two or three weeks, primarily for anxiety and sleep disturbances, though I have not taken it in the last three weeks. Previously, I underwent multiple tests. Initial blood tests indicated a slight increase in amylase levels, which led to an abdominal ultrasound, yet nothing abnormal was detected. Both flexible sigmoidoscopy and a subsequent abdominal ultrasound were performed, revealing only hemorrhoids and an anal fissure. Throughout my life, I’ve grappled with digestive issues. Since childhood, I dealt with constipation, which ultimately resulted in hemorrhoids and my first anal fissure. To address this, I became conscious of my diet and utilized osmotic laxatives, which significantly improved my situation for many years, allowing me to have regular bowel movements without bleeding. However, approximately one year ago, I began experiencing unexpected episodes of diarrhea that can last between a couple of days to a week at a time. Mornings are particularly challenging, as I often experience loose stools, which eventually stabilize later in the day. During these episodes, I feel continually fatigued; after waking up, all I want is to return to bed, and merely completing my workday feels incredibly taxing. I also suffer from persistent nausea without vomiting, and this typically follows a pattern of ten days of normal or firmer stools followed by three days of diarrhea. Thankfully, I managed to avoid any diarrhea for over two months and even found myself needing to use Miralax occasionally. However, this past Wednesday, I awoke to an upset stomach once again. My meals consist of homemade food, which I ensure is not overly greasy or heavy, avoiding fast food and excessive sweets altogether. My overall daily functioning is severely impacted by the fatigue and frequent headaches I experience. Although I don’t encounter much abdominal pain, I do feel cramping in the lower central abdomen along with considerable gas and rumbling. I have scheduled an appointment with my general practitioner for Monday, though I find her approach somewhat passive; she tends to follow my requests rather than take the lead. What diagnostic tests should I consider requesting? While I am open to the possibility of upper endoscopy, a full colonoscopy seems daunting due to my anal fissure. I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding what might be happening. I understand it’s difficult to provide specific answers, but any guidance would be immensely appreciated!
Concerns About Abdominal Discomfort
To start with, I feel compelled to mention that I struggle with severe health-related obsessive-compulsive disorder, which leads me to intensely focus on any symptoms I experience, resulting in unnecessary worry. Recently, I began to experience some discomfort in my abdomen, specifically in the area just below my right breast, which has now evolved into tenderness upon touch. This soreness is located beneath my rib cage, and I haven't experienced any changes in my appetite or feelings of nausea. My last bowel movement occurred on Thursday, and as of this morning, the discomfort has shifted slightly, now positioned just above my belly button. I had a regular bowel movement this morning and was able to take a walk without any issues. The pain only manifests when I cough or during the transitions between sitting and standing. Initially, I was concerned about the possibility of a hernia, but I understand that the pain associated with a hernia typically does not shift in location like mine seems to. I should also note that I am classified as overweight and have been living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), for which I’m taking a proton pump inhibitor. Fortunately, my heartburn symptoms have remained stable, largely influenced by my dietary habits. Over the past year, I've dealt with some weight fluctuations due to medication side effects and stress (ranging from 330 pounds to 275 pounds and back to 310 pounds). Thankfully, I have not encountered vomiting or any changes in my bowel movements. I would appreciate any insights or advice on this matter.