Experiencing Severe Pain When Swallowing? Could It Be Oral Thrush?
Five days ago, I had jaw surgery performed under general anesthesia. Generally, I am in good health at 24 years old, with no ongoing medical issues and no medications in my regimen. I was prescribed clindamycin, taking 450 mg three times a day for four days, but was advised to skip the final three doses because of soreness in my mouth. Could this condition be an indication of oral thrush? Since yesterday, I have begun using a mouthwash containing nystatin, administering it roughly four times, and I managed to apply it twice today. The pain persists; I've been told that improvement typically occurs in about three days. Swallowing even my saliva has become extremely painful, and I’m unfamiliar with this sensation in my mouth. I apologize for being so impatient; I haven't been able to eat properly for some time. I suspect that the pain could be a result of irritation from the intubation process combined with a yeast overgrowth due to the antibiotics. Does this appear to be a typical case of either canker sores or oral thrush?
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 5:31:08 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort following your jaw surgery, which could be due to several factors, including potential irritation from intubation or oral thrush, especially after antibiotic use.
Overview of Your Situation:
- Post-Surgical Pain: After jaw surgery, it’s not uncommon to experience soreness and irritation in the mouth and throat, particularly if intubation occurred.
- Clindamycin Use: Antibiotics like clindamycin can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth, potentially leading to a yeast infection (oral thrush).
- Symptoms of Oral Thrush: This typically appears as white patches in the mouth and can cause pain when swallowing, as you described.
Next Steps for Relief:
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Continue Using Nystatin Mouthwash: Since you’ve started using nystatin, continue to follow the prescribed regimen. It generally takes around three days to see improvement, but it's crucial to use it properly: swish and then swallow (if instructed) to target the infection effectively.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage any pain you're experiencing (unless contraindicated). Follow dosage instructions on the packaging.
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Mouth Care: Maintain oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can worsen irritation. Opt for a saltwater rinse (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) to soothe your mouth.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and consume soft foods that are easy to swallow (like yogurt, applesauce, or smoothies) while avoiding spicy or acidic foods.
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If pain worsens, you see any swelling, or you notice new symptoms (like fever), take note.
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Follow Up on Medication: If you don't notice any improvement in pain or if symptoms persist beyond the usual timeframe, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider for advice on next steps.
It's important to be patient, especially after surgery, but your discomfort is valid, and taking these steps should help you find relief. Please reach out if you have further concerns or need more information.
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