Seeking Insights on Oral Symptoms
I’m reaching out to see if anyone has faced a similar predicament and might have found some solutions. My mother has struggled with persistent oral issues for several years, visiting numerous doctors and allergy specialists without any tangible results, leaving her on the verge of giving up. At 55 years old, weighing 130 pounds, she is currently on medication for anxiety and thyroid conditions. Additionally, she is a non-smoker and has been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. Her troubling symptoms include: - Bumps and blisters on the inside of her lip, distinct from canker sores. - A noticeable knot on her tongue. These symptoms seem to be a constant presence in her life, but they intensify with the consumption of acidic foods and sugars. Despite her attempts to steer clear of acidic items and adopt a gluten-free and lactose-free lifestyle—along with cutting out starches and focusing on whole, unprocessed foods—she hasn’t experienced any relief. Tests from the allergist indicate that allergies are not contributing to her discomfort, which makes the situation even more frustrating. As it stands, she has essentially eliminated most of the foods she once enjoyed because eating has become so painful, leading to times when she simply doesn’t eat at all. Although I realize this may seem like a long shot, if anyone has encountered a similar experience, my mother is open to trying practically anything at this stage to find some respite.
Answers (1)
12/15/2025, 11:20:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm so sorry to hear about your mother’s ongoing oral issues; it sounds incredibly frustrating and concerning for both of you. Understanding the complexities of these symptoms and their impact on her quality of life is vital in seeking a path to relief.
Main Points:
- Persistent bumps and blisters in the mouth can indicate various conditions.
- Dietary modifications and certain medications may help manage symptoms.
- Collaborative approaches—like working with a healthcare professional familiar with oral health and autoimmune conditions—can be beneficial.
Explanation:
The oral symptoms your mother is experiencing could stem from a variety of factors, especially considering her Hashimoto's disease and the medications she is taking for anxiety and thyroid conditions. Conditions like oral lichen planus, geographic tongue, or even reactions to certain foods, medications, or deficiencies could potentially explain the bumps, blisters, and the knot on her tongue.
Given the link to acidity, it’s essential to avoid triggers, but it sounds like she has already made significant dietary changes. The persistent nature of her symptoms despite these adjustments suggests the need for further exploration into potential causes that may not strictly fall under allergies, such as autoimmune reactions or oral conditions related to thyroid issues.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Encourage your mother to document her symptoms, noting any possible triggers, dietary choices, and the intensity of symptoms after meals. This can provide valuable insights into patterns that may help identify causes.
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Consult a Specialist: If she hasn’t already, consider seeking a specialized consultation with a dentist or oral medicine specialist who focuses on oral health in autoimmune conditions. They may have more targeted approaches or treatments.
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Explore Nutritional Counseling: Given her dietary restrictions and the pain she experiences when eating, working with a nutritionist could help ensure she maintains a balanced diet that avoids triggers while also introducing safe food alternatives. They might also help identify any nutritional deficiencies that could exacerbate her oral issues.
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Experiment with Topical Treatments: Discuss possible topical medications, such as corticosteroids or other treatments that can help reduce inflammation and pain within the mouth. Over-the-counter products like oral gels may provide temporary relief for painful areas.
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Stay Hydrated and Moisten: Encourage her to stay hydrated, as dry mouth can worsen oral pain. Using saliva substitutes or mouth rinses designed for dry mouth relief could also help ease discomfort.
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Consider Stress Management: Since she is already on medication for anxiety, gentle stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or simple breathing exercises may also provide some relief from overall discomfort.
I understand your mother is experiencing a lot of frustration, and it’s commendable that you are seeking support on her behalf. Encourage her not to give up; sometimes, solutions are found through persistence and collaboration with various health professionals. If you have more specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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