Understanding Oral Discomfort: Thrush or Strep?
Hello everyone, I’m a 38-year-old woman with a medical history that includes only hypothyroidism. My daily regimen consists of 75mg of Levothyroxine, along with a multivitamin and Flonase. I don’t smoke but do indulge in alcohol sporadically. Recently, I experienced a sore throat on two consecutive mornings that vanished after a few hours. There was no fever or other ailments, but I felt an uncomfortable burning sensation at the back of my tongue, which seemed tender to the touch. When I examined my mouth, I noticed several red patches on the roof of my mouth, and my tongue had developed a grayish-yellow hue. Since my regular physician is currently on leave, I visited a walk-in clinic associated with a nearby hospital. The doctor performed a strep test that returned negative. He suggested that my symptoms pointed to thrush and prescribed an antifungal mouth rinse. I diligently used this treatment four times daily for approximately two weeks, and it appeared effective, as the red patches cleared up. However, just yesterday, I began to experience a burning sensation again on the roof of my mouth, accompanied by a large red spot that feels slightly elevated. Additionally, I noticed small white spots on my tonsils and developed a mild cough, accompanied by a dry throat feeling. Although I’ve had tonsil stones in the past and thought it might be that, the combination of symptoms has raised my concern. I’m also apprehensive about the possibility of thrush; I’ve come across information suggesting it’s uncommon in healthy adults and usually indicates a significant underlying issue, typically in those who are severely immunocompromised. I have reached out to my primary care clinic to book an appointment with the physician on call, but I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice you may have.
Answers (1)
8/13/2025, 12:31:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing recurrent oral discomfort that is causing concern, especially with possible thrush and the presence of other symptoms. Let's break this down and focus on what you need.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may indicate a recurrence of thrush or another condition, which warrants monitoring.
- It's important to manage oral hygiene and identify triggers or patterns.
- Seeking a follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential for proper evaluation.
Explanation:
The discomfort you're experiencing, including the burning sensation and red patches, can indeed be due to thrush, especially since the initial treatment helped clear up your symptoms. However, the return of symptoms, along with the small white spots on your tonsils and the cough, suggests that there might be more at play. While thrush is less common in healthy adults, it can occur, particularly if there is any disruption in your immune system or oral environment (e.g., antibiotics, dry mouth).
Given your description of discomfort and other symptoms, it's essential to monitor the following:
- Any changes in oral symptoms (new spots, increased discomfort, changes in taste).
- Any patterns related to diet, hydration, or medications that might affect your oral health (like dry mouth).
Next Steps:
- Continue Antifungal Treatment: If you have some antifungal rinses left, continue to use them as prescribed until your follow-up appointment.
- Focus on Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and tongue twice a day and rinsing your mouth with saltwater to help soothe irritation.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as a dry mouth can exacerbate discomfort.
- Monitor Changes: Keep a symptom diary noting your symptoms, particularly before and after eating or drinking certain foods.
- Follow-up Appointment: Prioritize your follow-up appointment with your primary care provider. Describe all current symptoms, including the return of discomfort and the new cough.
As worrying as these symptoms can be, staying proactive with your health and addressing changes as they arise is key. Your healthcare provider will be best suited to evaluate your situation in-depth and provide appropriate care. Be assured; you are taking the right steps by reaching out for help and seeking a follow-up.
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