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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
white stuff on tongue
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
white stuff on tongue
by concrete, Aug 21, 2002 12:00AM
for about 6 months now i have noticed white stuff on my tongue, i know this is normal but it seems more than normal to me.
i have no other problems, feel good otherwise.i had streep throat 5 months ago but recovered in days.i do take paxil/20mg for ocd and zantec for acid reflux sometimes.
would the meds contribute to the problem?
if i have so other symptoms should i just not worry about it?
no mouth sores or sore throat at all...
my ent dr. does not seem concerned but should i get another opinion?
thank you in advance for your answer
i have no other problems, feel good otherwise.i had streep throat 5 months ago but recovered in days.i do take paxil/20mg for ocd and zantec for acid reflux sometimes.
would the meds contribute to the problem?
if i have so other symptoms should i just not worry about it?
no mouth sores or sore throat at all...
my ent dr. does not seem concerned but should i get another opinion?
thank you in advance for your answer
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-M.D.-DT, Aug 22, 2002 12:00AM
Thank you for your question and for visiting the Family Practice Forum.
When I hear someone describe "white stuff" on the tongue, I think of oral candidiasis.. also known as "THRUSH". Thrush is characterized by white patches on the tongue and oral mucosa which are easily wiped off (non-adherent). This may present at any age however quite commonly will follow the use of antibiotics. The underlying pathogen here is Candida Albicans. This is a fungus which is usually in a normal "balance" with the normal bacteria seen in the oral cavity. When a patient takes antibiotics, many of the "normal" bacteria are killed. This upsets the normal "fugus/bacteria" balance and tips the scales in favor of the fungus, thus the fungus overgrows and becomes not only visible, but may be associated with redness of the lips, throat and gums. Similiarly, there is a normal "balance" between the "normal" bacteria and fungus in the vagina of women. This is why so many women will get a "yeast infection" after taking antibiotics. Although the condition itself is rarely of a serious nature, it may persist in patients who do not get adequately treated. Also, patients with a compromised immune system not only are more prone to these types of infections, but also they may suffer serious complications if they are not adequately treated. The examining physician may do a "culture" of the area in question to help confirm the diagnosis. For oral thrush, the use of a nystatin suspension is quite effective. For vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) woman may use a vaginal antifungal cream and/or antifungal medication in pill form.
It is also possibly that uncontrolled acid reflux may be playing a role here. Other possibilities include an untreated (bacterial) infection of the mouth/throat.
I hope this helps.
When I hear someone describe "white stuff" on the tongue, I think of oral candidiasis.. also known as "THRUSH". Thrush is characterized by white patches on the tongue and oral mucosa which are easily wiped off (non-adherent). This may present at any age however quite commonly will follow the use of antibiotics. The underlying pathogen here is Candida Albicans. This is a fungus which is usually in a normal "balance" with the normal bacteria seen in the oral cavity. When a patient takes antibiotics, many of the "normal" bacteria are killed. This upsets the normal "fugus/bacteria" balance and tips the scales in favor of the fungus, thus the fungus overgrows and becomes not only visible, but may be associated with redness of the lips, throat and gums. Similiarly, there is a normal "balance" between the "normal" bacteria and fungus in the vagina of women. This is why so many women will get a "yeast infection" after taking antibiotics. Although the condition itself is rarely of a serious nature, it may persist in patients who do not get adequately treated. Also, patients with a compromised immune system not only are more prone to these types of infections, but also they may suffer serious complications if they are not adequately treated. The examining physician may do a "culture" of the area in question to help confirm the diagnosis. For oral thrush, the use of a nystatin suspension is quite effective. For vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) woman may use a vaginal antifungal cream and/or antifungal medication in pill form.
It is also possibly that uncontrolled acid reflux may be playing a role here. Other possibilities include an untreated (bacterial) infection of the mouth/throat.
I hope this helps.
Thanks for any help anyone can give!!
:) Ruth
I'm 27 years old.
I suffered from flu illness 3 times in 2 weeks.
Then I have been suffering from sore throat for 5 months now.
Also my tongue becomes yellow after I have some food.
At first I took 4 courses of Antibiotic and I've been using Dactarine gel for 3 months now.
I have a problem in talking from the throat, but this problem is much less than 3 months ago but I still have a problem.
This is the only problem I have.
A CBC test was done and the result was normal.
Also alergy tests were done and the results were normal.
I go to the doctor every 2 weeks and he just tells me to continue using the dactarine.
Can you me please?
Thank you
I'm 27 years old.
I suffered from flu illness 3 times in 2 weeks.
Then I have been suffering from sore throat for 5 months now.
Also my tongue becomes yellow after I have some food.
At first I took 4 courses of Antibiotic and I've been using Dactarine gel for 3 months now.
I have a problem in talking from the throat, but this problem is much less than 3 months ago but I still have a problem.
This is the only problem I have.
A CBC test was done and the result was normal.
Also alergy tests were done and the results were normal.
I go to the doctor every 2 weeks and he just tells me to continue using the dactarine.
Can you me please?
Thank you
I'm 27 years old.
I suffered from flu illness 3 times in 2 weeks.
Then I have been suffering from sore throat for 5 months now.
Also my tongue becomes yellow after I have some food.
At first I took 4 courses of Antibiotic and I've been using Dactarine gel for 3 months now.
I have a problem in talking from the throat, but this problem is much less than 3 months ago but I still have a problem.
This is the only problem I have.
A CBC test was done and the result was normal.
Also alergy tests were done and the results were normal.
I go to the doctor every 2 weeks and he just tells me to continue using the dactarine.
Can you me please?
Thank you