Unexplained Medical Condition: Persistent Saliva and Mucus Production
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out on behalf of my sister, who is in her late thirties. For the last three years, she has been grappling with a medical condition that has greatly diminished her quality of life. Here’s a summary of her situation: - **Age**: 38 years old - **Gender**: Female - **Height**: 169 cm - **Weight**: 57 kg - **Smoking Status**: Non-smoker - **Location**: Buenos Aires, Argentina - **Current Medications**: 75mg of sertraline and 1mg of clonazepam **Symptoms**: She experiences continuous saliva and mucus production, which is often clear, sticky, and occasionally foamy. This reaction is triggered by any contact with her tongue, whether it be from food, water, or even the slightest touch. **Impact on Daily Life**: The severity of her symptoms makes it incredibly challenging for her to speak throughout the day. **Triggers**: Certain triggers include solid foods and even minimal contact with items, such as soap, around her mouth that can lead to prolonged mucus production lasting for hours. **Onset**: The issue developed slowly, initially appearing alongside typical allergy symptoms. It might have been exacerbated by ongoing stress from her job at a call center. **Additional Information**: - She has lost over 10 kg as a consequence of her condition, primarily due to poor eating habits. - To combat this, she is working with a nutritionist to ensure she maintains essential nutrient levels. - She has been engaging in light physical activities, such as dancing, but hasn’t experienced any significant improvement. **Medical Background**: - She has previously been diagnosed with nasal allergies and sinusitis. - There is no history of smoking, alcohol, or drug use. - Despite consulting various specialists—including those in allergy, psychiatry, neurology, ENT, and internal medicine—no conclusive diagnosis has been reached. - Currently, she is also under the care of both a psychologist and psychiatrist, yet no diagnosis has surfaced, with some professionals suggesting the symptoms may be anxiety-related. We are feeling quite lost and are eager to uncover any potential leads regarding her condition. I can gather more details from her and update this post if necessary. Thank you for your support!
Answers (1)
8/22/2025, 3:03:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your sister is experiencing a challenging condition with continuous saliva and mucus production, significantly affecting her quality of life. This issue is complex, especially since it has persisted for years and has not been conclusively diagnosed despite multiple consultations. Given the specifics of her experience, here’s an overview of what may be happening and how you can support her.
Main Points
- The persistent saliva and mucus production could be related to various factors, including allergies, anxiety, or a hypersensitivity response.
- A multi-faceted approach is necessary, combining lifestyle modifications, potential medication adjustments, and exploring specific triggers.
Explanation
Continuous saliva and mucus production can stem from several causes:
- Allergies: Since she has a history of nasal allergies and sinusitis, it’s possible that environmental factors might still be influencing her condition.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Sometimes, reflux can cause increased saliva as a response to irritation.
- Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can manifest physically, potentially contributing to her symptoms, particularly if specialists suggest an anxiety component.
- Medication side effects: While sertraline and clonazepam can help with mental health, they can also cause dry mouth, leading the body to produce more mucus in response.
Next Steps
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Symptom Journal: Start a detailed diary noted with timings, triggers, and foods consumed to identify patterns and what exacerbates or alleviates the symptoms.
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Consult a Specialist in Allergy or Immunology: Given her background with allergies, revisiting an allergist could help identify specific food or environmental allergens. Consider asking for tests for food sensitivities or allergies that may not have been previously explored.
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Evaluate Gastrointestinal Health: A consultation with a gastroenterologist might be worthwhile to assess for conditions like GERD or esophageal hypersensitivity.
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Hydration and Diet Management: Continued collaboration with her nutritionist is important. Ensuring she stays hydrated but avoids overly thick foods may help minimize mucus production.
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Therapeutic Techniques for Anxiety: Engaging in calming techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation exercises may reduce anxiety symptoms, potentially alleviating some physical manifestations.
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Review Medications with Healthcare Provider: If her symptoms persist, a healthcare discussion about the need to adjust current medications could be beneficial, including alternatives that manage both her mental health and any potential side effects.
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Supportive Lifestyle Changes: Encourage regular light physical activity; activities such as yoga or gentle dance may help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Incorporating these strategies while keeping open communication with healthcare providers should help your sister find some relief. If there are further developments or symptoms change, please share them for more tailored guidance. You are doing a wonderful job advocating for her, and I hope she finds the path to better health soon!
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