Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Altered Taste, Tingling and Aches
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Altered Taste, Tingling and Aches
by Raramac, Aug 16, 2004 12:00AM
About 4 months ago, I had a mild sore throat. My physician conducted a strep test that has been negative. He prescribed Guaifenex and my sire throat went away. However, since then (the above event may or may not be related) I have been having very confusing symptoms. I have aches, altered taste, tingling and burning sensation all over my body. Also, when I wake up in the morning, my body aches. These sensations are worse some days more than other. However, they have been present the past four months.
I have since visited another physician, neurologist and an internal medicine doctor and have had all the following tests done on me that were negative- MRI, CBC, blood sugar, kidney, liver function, thyroid, ESR and H.pylori- all negative. The neurologist said that I might have “Paresthesias,” but did not prescribe a medicine. The physician said my altered taste is due to reflux and prescribed Nexium- however, the altered taste persists. The internal medicine conducted the blood tests that turned up negative.
During this period, I have not had any fever and my appetite has been good. My physical activity has reduced; however, I still catch a couple of rounds of golf and walk a few miles every week.
All my symptoms still persists and I am stressed out trying to find out what’s going on with my body. Any suggestions?
I have since visited another physician, neurologist and an internal medicine doctor and have had all the following tests done on me that were negative- MRI, CBC, blood sugar, kidney, liver function, thyroid, ESR and H.pylori- all negative. The neurologist said that I might have “Paresthesias,” but did not prescribe a medicine. The physician said my altered taste is due to reflux and prescribed Nexium- however, the altered taste persists. The internal medicine conducted the blood tests that turned up negative.
During this period, I have not had any fever and my appetite has been good. My physical activity has reduced; however, I still catch a couple of rounds of golf and walk a few miles every week.
All my symptoms still persists and I am stressed out trying to find out what’s going on with my body. Any suggestions?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 16, 2004 12:00AM
, Aug 16, 2004 12:00AM
One thing to consider would be chronic sinus symptoms. This can cause altered taste as well as sore throat from post-nasal drip. A sinus CT scan can be considered to evaluate this. If sinusitis is suspected despite negative tests, a referral to an ENT physician would be the next step.
As for the parethesias, a neurologist would be the appropriate referral. A vitamin B12 level (a deficiency would cause paresthesias), as well as as a C-reactive protein (a more sensitive marker for inflammation) can be considered for further testing in addition to what you already had.
Zinc deficiency can also cause an altered taste, as well as various rheumatological diseases (i.e. Sjorgen's syndrome). These options can also be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
As for the parethesias, a neurologist would be the appropriate referral. A vitamin B12 level (a deficiency would cause paresthesias), as well as as a C-reactive protein (a more sensitive marker for inflammation) can be considered for further testing in addition to what you already had.
Zinc deficiency can also cause an altered taste, as well as various rheumatological diseases (i.e. Sjorgen's syndrome). These options can also be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Anybody there with similar symptoms?
Thanks