What Could Be Happening in My Mouth?
A 34-year-old White woman from New York, standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 123 pounds, seeks some advice regarding her troubling symptoms. She is currently taking multivitamins and Zoloft. Her relevant medical background includes a recent course of antibiotics and steroids, which she completed roughly two weeks prior to the emergence of her current issues. It all began about five days ago when she noticed a sore throat. However, this pain felt distinctly different from her usual experiences with strep throat and tonsillitis—this time, it was more intense and localized at the upper back part of her throat. As she observed no noticeable swelling or redness, she assumed it might be a viral infection that would resolve on its own. Fast forward to three or four days ago, she began to experience a burning sensation on her tongue, almost as if a taste bud had become inflamed or irritated. This discomfort gradually spread towards the tip, making it feel as though several taste buds were affected, akin to burning the entire tongue. Yesterday, she noticed that the pain had expanded to the sides of her tongue and the roof of her mouth. Slight swelling appeared on the edges of her tongue, along with red spots on the palate and her uvula. After a visit to urgent care, she was tested for strep throat, which was ruled out; however, she was diagnosed with thrush despite the absence of noticeable white spots. The doctor prescribed her a lidocaine rinse along with a ten-day course of fluconazole. Despite these measures, the pain has become extremely severe since yesterday—over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Advil have proven ineffective. She is struggling to eat, drink, or even speak, and has now observed new spots resembling blisters on her tongue as of today. She has several inquiries: - Does this appear to be oral thrush to others? She expresses worry about treating potential misdiagnosis since she doesn’t see any white patches. Could her symptoms be indicative of hand, foot, and mouth disease, particularly since she has no rash elsewhere on her body? - With the evolving nature of the blister-like spots, is this an indication of healing or could it suggest that her condition is worsening? She appreciates any insights that others may provide!
Answers (1)
7/26/2025, 5:01:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing severe discomfort in your mouth and throat. Your symptoms, including the localized pain, burning sensation on the tongue, and the appearance of blister-like spots, can indeed be concerning and warrant close attention.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms could be associated with thrush or another condition such as viral infections or reactions from recent antibiotic use.
- The blister-like spots could be a sign of irritation or an alternative issue rather than a typical healing process.
- Immediate steps should focus on symptom relief and monitoring for any worsening signs.
Explanation:
- Oral Thrush: It is possible to have oral thrush without the typical white patches, particularly in cases where recent antibiotic or steroid use has disrupted the natural balance of oral flora. Symptoms such as burning, discomfort, and red spots may accompany this condition.
- Other Conditions: Hand, foot, and mouth disease typically occurs in children and is characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash elsewhere, so it is less likely if you have no rash. Your symptoms may still align with a viral infection that can cause similar mouth ulcers or irritation.
- Blister-Like Spots: The appearance of new blister-like spots could either indicate irritation from the existing inflammation or the progression of an underlying issue. Given that they are new and you have significant pain, this should be monitored closely.
Next Steps:
- Continue Using Prescribed Medications: Follow the lidocaine rinse and fluconazole regimen as instructed. These can help manage pain and address thrush.
- Symptom Relief: Try soothing options, such as cold foods (like yogurt or smoothies) or warm broth. Avoid spicy, acidic, or irritating foods that may worsen discomfort.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential, even if it’s difficult to swallow. Sip on water frequently or try electrolyte solutions.
- Monitor Changes: Keep a close watch on the symptoms. If the pain intensifies or if you notice significant swelling, difficulty breathing, or spreading of the spots, consider seeking immediate medical attention.
- Follow-Up: Since your current treatment has not alleviated the pain, and there are new developments, it would be important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further assessment. They may need to reevaluate your condition and consider other potential diagnoses.
Please take care, and I hope you find relief soon. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Related Questions
Concerns About Potential Blood Cancer
I’m a 21-year-old female and have been battling what seems to be a viral infection since Monday, characterized by a scratchy and sore throat. Throughout this week, I experienced episodes of night sweats on two occasions. While these episodes weren’t so severe that I had to change my clothing, I did wake up with a clammy neck and collarbone area, along with slight dampness on my chest. It’s unusual for me to sweat during a viral illness, but I considered this a reaction to the infection. To make matters worse, I’ve noticed a significant bruise on my leg. Typically, I occasionally have minor bruises with no past concerns, as my blood tests have always shown normal results. However, this particular bruise is considerably larger than any I’ve encountered before. Naturally, anxiety began to set in, making me question whether the sweating episodes were indeed linked to the virus or if they signified the onset of leukemia. Approximately three weeks back, I underwent blood tests for various other concerns, and everything came back normal—my lymphocyte count was borderline, resting right at the upper threshold, not elevated in any alarming way. Nonetheless, I’ve read about how rapidly conditions like leukemia can advance. While I don’t feel particularly fatigued or unwell, the internet can be a source of anxiety; I stumbled upon discussions of individuals who noticed just a couple of small bruises alongside a lack of additional symptoms, only to find out later they had leukemia after getting checked. My hope is that this is merely a viral infection and the bruise is incidental. However, I can’t shake the fear that something more serious might be happening. Unfortunately, I’m unable to see my doctor next week as they’re on holiday, and I’m reluctant to seek advice fearing I might come off as overly anxious or worrying too much.
A Mistake I Made Regarding Serotonin Syndrome (19F)
I recently discontinued my 10mg dose of fluoxetine about two weeks ago. Not realizing the prolonged duration of the medication's effects in the system, I took 500mg of bromelain last night. Shortly after, I began experiencing some concerning symptoms, including an elevated temperature and an increased heart rate—peaking at 70 bpm, which is much higher than my normal rate of 40 bpm. These symptoms have somewhat intensified. Should I consider going to the emergency room for what seems to be a mild case of serotonin syndrome? Is there a possibility that my condition might deteriorate further?
Concerns About Potential Rabies Exposure After Shared Water
Demographics: 19 year old female, measures 5 feet tall, weight around 88 pounds, from the Philippines. Main Concern: Anxiety over possible rabies exposure Duration of Worry: Today Location: Philippines Hello, I’m feeling very anxious and distressed at the moment. Earlier on, I consumed water from a glass that could have been previously used by my dog. I was under the influence of alcohol at the time, and now I’m not entirely certain about the situation. Importantly, there was no biting or scratching involved, but I am worried about the possibility of indirect contact with dog saliva. The thought frightens me, as I’ve encountered cases where rabies has resulted in death, and I’m suddenly filled with fear about my own health. My dog is healthy and behaving normally; it has received vaccinations, but I’m unsure if they are up-to-date. There have been no injuries or blood exposure. It is primarily an indoor pet. I don’t have any underlying health issues, take no medications, and I do not smoke or engage in drug use. I drink occasionally, as mentioned earlier, and I happened to be intoxicated during the incident. I’m aware that rabies is invariably fatal once symptoms present themselves, and this knowledge is causing me considerable stress. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to visit a healthcare facility until Monday since today is Saturday. I’m seeking guidance on a few points: Is it necessary to obtain the rabies vaccine in the absence of any bites or scratches? Can rabies be transmitted through shared drinking water or saliva? Furthermore, how long can I safely delay seeking treatment? Any assistance would be greatly welcomed as my anxiety levels are extremely high.
Tightness in the Scalp
Recently, I've observed that hairstyles involving tight pulls, as well as the use of headbands or hats, tend to escalate my migraines significantly. However, over the past year, I've experienced a persistent sensation of tightness and discomfort on my scalp, reminiscent of the pain felt after releasing a ponytail worn for several hours. I decided to cut my hair short and avoid styling it up to mitigate my migraine episodes, yet my scalp remains consistently tender. While the discomfort isn’t severe enough to warrant a doctor's visit, I do notice it particularly when lying down or when I scratch my scalp. I am simply intrigued by the cause behind this ongoing issue. At 20 years old, I am currently on Vyvanse and Lexapro to manage my ADHD and anxiety, as well as Qulipta for migraines. My height is approximately 5 feet 5 inches, and I weigh around 175 pounds. I refrain from putting my hair up altogether. Although I have dealt with dry scalp and dandruff issues in the past, I have successfully used products that eliminated these problems a few years back. Attempting to massage the area in hopes of relief has proven ineffective. Could the discomfort be linked to work-related stress?
Should I Be Worried About This Recent Skin Growth?
I am a 32-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 220 pounds, of Caucasian descent. Recently, I discovered a peculiar raised growth on my back that has developed over the past month. It has a somewhat firm texture when touched. I have scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist, yet I can't help but feel anxious about the possibility of it being nodular melanoma. How serious does this look?