Concern Over White Substance in Throat
(M22) 180 ~ 66 Recently, I experienced an illness that included painful swallowing, fatigue, nausea, and minor headaches. After nearly two weeks, most symptoms subsided, except for the discomfort I felt when swallowing. I’ve been monitoring my throat closely, and today—almost two weeks post-recovery—I discovered a white substance at the back. I applied a propolis spray, which effectively caused the white material to dissolve. However, I have since developed a slight cough, leading me to suspect that it may have shifted to my lungs. This is not an unfamiliar scenario for me, but it is unusual for the symptoms to persist for this long. Additionally, I should note that I recently engaged in sexual activity with two partners simultaneously, which included oral sex. At the time, I was already experiencing initial signs of illness, so I am uncertain if the two are related. It raises the question: could it be that one issue cleared up only to give way to another right after? 🤷 Furthermore, during the first week of my illness, I visited a doctor for lab tests. Unfortunately, I found his approach to be unhelpful and he did not instill confidence in his medical expertise.
Answers (1)
9/3/2025, 7:10:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with lingering throat discomfort and a new cough after an illness, along with concerns about a white substance in your throat and your recent sexual activity. Let's break this down and focus on what’s essential to address your situation.
Main Points:
- Persistent throat discomfort and white substance may suggest an infection or irritation.
- The cough could be related to the throat issue, but it could also be a new symptom.
- Recent sexual activity could be linked but would require careful consideration for potential infections.
Explanation: After an illness, it’s not uncommon to experience residual symptoms like soreness or irritation in the throat. The white substance you observed might have been related to post-viral changes, such as mucous build-up or lesions that can form in response to infection. The cough could indicate that secretions are moving down into your lungs, which might necessitate attention, especially if it persists or worsens.
Considering your recent sexual activity, there’s always a possibility of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly if symptoms like throat pain or discomfort arise. However, distinguishing between various causes – whether from your previous illness or a new infection – will be necessary for appropriate management.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. Take note of any changes, especially regarding your cough (e.g., worsening, presence of phlegm, or colored mucus).
-
Hydration and Gargling: Stay hydrated, and consider gargling with warm salt water to soothe your throat. This can help reduce discomfort and clear some irritation.
-
Avoid Irritants: Refrain from smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke or strong odors that can irritate your throat and lungs.
-
Symptom Diary: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur and their intensity. This can be helpful in understanding patterns and potential triggers.
-
Self-care: Consider over-the-counter cough suppressants or throat lozenges to manage symptoms as needed, if you feel comfortable doing so.
-
Consider Potential Testing: If your cough persists for more than a week or you notice other concerning symptoms (like significant fatigue, fever, or difficulty breathing), consider looking into getting tested for STIs or other infections, such as strep throat. If possible, seek out a healthcare provider who can offer a supportive and thorough approach.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Take care of yourself!
Related Questions
Strong and Unusual Odor in Urine for Two Weeks – Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, (I’m a 15-year-old female) For the past couple of weeks, I've noticed a remarkably strong and unpleasant odor every time I use the restroom. (Sorry, TMI) It has a scent reminiscent of a used tampon. This began shortly after my last menstrual cycle, though I can't pinpoint the precise day it started. I’ve conducted quite a bit of research and eliminated several possibilities: - I’m well-hydrated, consuming plenty of water each day, and my urine is often quite clear, yet the smell remains. - My dietary habits haven’t experienced any significant shifts over the last few months; I haven’t introduced foods typically linked with potent urine odors (like asparagus or coffee). - I am not sexually active (I’m still a virgin), so I don’t believe it pertains to any sexually transmitted infections. - In May, I underwent a comprehensive set of tests (including checks for bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, UTIs, etc.), and the results came back negative. Of course, new issues could have arisen since then. Here are a few additional details that might be pertinent: - My vaginal discharge appears completely normal, without any unusual smells or colors. - I've been using the Nexplanon birth control implant since March. - I take Vyvanse; I took a break from it between May and August, and resumed on the 18th of August. - During my last menstrual period, I had severe cramps (among the worst I’ve ever experienced), which occurred just before this odor emerged. - I am not experiencing any pain, burning sensations, or additional symptoms—just the odor itself. - I’ve searched to see if there's any link between Nexplanon or Vyvanse and this issue, but didn’t find clear associations. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Or does anyone have any insights into what might be happening? I find myself quite confused and increasingly anxious about this. I’m considering scheduling a visit to the doctor to discuss my concerns soon. Thank you!
Does This Look Infected?
Hello everyone, I'm a 29-year-old male dealing with eczema that affects my hands. Despite using a variety of products to prevent my skin from cracking, I still experience splits from time to time. Recently, I discovered a small pustule on my knuckle that seems to have something inside it. I can't recall when it first appeared. I've washed my hands several times today and feel certain I would have noticed it sooner. I've applied some bacitracin and covered it up. Is there anything else I should consider doing? It’s quite tiny, but I find it unusual to have encountered something like this on my fingers before.
Is MPFL Reconstruction Surgery Necessary for Me?
At 21 years old, I experienced a dislocated kneecap in February 2025, and subsequent MRI results revealed a complete tear of my medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Following this injury, my orthopedic specialist advised strict bed rest for a month and a half, after which I began physical therapy. Initially, I struggled even to bend my knee. My therapist assured me that surgery would not be necessary, promising that my condition could be managed solely through rehabilitation. After two months of therapy, I had regained some ability to bend my knee, yet a sharp, pinching pain remained when squatting, particularly in the upper range of motion. When I inquired about this persistent pain during our sessions, I often received unsatisfactory and vague responses. Feeling frustrated and suspicious about the therapy's efficacy—especially considering the daily fee of 500 rupees—I decided to discontinue. Being a powerlifter, my primary goal is to return to lifting weights. To achieve this, I enlisted a powerlifting coach with knowledge of rehabilitation. I have been training with him for the past two months and have started to lift weights closer to what I used to handle, although the pain is still present, albeit less intense. He advised me that in rehabilitation, it’s not about completely eliminating pain but rather learning to train with it. Nonetheless, exercises like leg extensions remain particularly challenging for me. While the discomfort has decreased during gym workouts such as squats and deadlifts, my love for football and basketball complicates things. Whenever I perform explosive maneuvers with my left leg, the resulting pain in my knee can reach a level of 10 out of 10. Essentially, I find it difficult to execute any dynamic, explosive movements. Given my circumstances, do I require surgery to achieve a state free of pain? What steps should I take next? I find myself nearing the end of my rehabilitation, and my finances are quite strained, making it tough to consult doctors or seek further rehabilitation services.
Seeking Insight on Unexplained Symptoms in My 67-Year-Old Dad
Hello everyone, I'm sharing the health concerns my father is currently facing after undergoing an extensive series of tests over the past three weeks, yet we still have no definitive answers. At 67 years old and standing at about 6'1" with a normal weight, my dad has been diagnosed with celiac disease. For the last 18 years, he has adhered to a very strict and healthy diet as a consequence of this condition. Recently, he began to exhibit several alarming symptoms, including swollen hands and fingers, severe night sweats, and intense pain in his hips that escalated suddenly. This pain has persisted, making mobility extremely difficult for him; he struggles to rise from the couch without assistance. Although his hands are swollen—often described as resembling 'sausage fingers'—they are neither itchy nor discolored. For about a year, he has experienced mild aching in his hands, which he attributed to the natural aging process. Despite numerous blood tests, an MRI, a CT scan, X-rays, and consultations with various doctors, they remain uncertain about what is causing his symptoms. The initial results from a blood culture came back normal. He is scheduled to meet with an infectious disease specialist on Monday, as we are exploring all possible options. Both his ANA results came back normal, and according to the doctors, lupus has been ruled out. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations on potential questions to ask or insights into what might be going on, including any suggestions for specialists. Thank you for your help!
Hip Pain and Urine Dipstick: A Personal Account
I’m a 44-year-old woman and I don’t smoke. About two weeks ago, I awoke to severe discomfort in my left hip, making it difficult to bear weight. For the past six months, I've been conducting home dipstick tests after experiencing sudden pelvic pain. My urine analyses revealed elevated levels of leukocytes, and within a week, I noticed protein in my urine. Consequently, I obtained antibiotics from a nearby pharmacy. Though that issue seemed to stabilize, I’ve had persistent urination. I've periodically performed dipstick tests, which have consistently indicated high leukocytes, while the other parameters remained normal. Two weeks ago, I experienced another episode with my left hip; it was incredibly painful, hindering my ability to walk or move comfortably, although the pain subsided later. However, when I tested my urine, the leukocyte levels had increased again (the dipstick showed a deeper purple). Despite my hip pain persisting, I conducted another test this evening. Interestingly, while my urine appeared crystal clear, it still indicated elevated leukocytes and, now, a positive for blood, even though it looked clear. After three tests today, each showed heightened leukocytes and a positive result for blood. My hip continues to hurt deeply. Could this just be a strange coincidence? I’ve consumed a significant amount of water today, leading to clear urine, yet it still shows leukocytes and blood. The pain in my left hip feels deep, and upon waking, I struggle to move it comfortably.