Hyperhidrosis + GI and ENT symptoms

[clack013]

22 yr old male, 6’2 200 pounds, slightly high blood pressure around 140/80.  History of localized hyperhidrosis since age 15. At 19 hyperhidrosis became generalized during a case of mononucleosis. Routine blood tests, 24 hr urine test, MRI all normal. Have taken ditropan to reduce generalized hyperhidrosis for 3 years. Prior to mononucleosis and generalized hyperhidrosis took cycles of anabolic steroids for 8 months. No side effect of sweating during use, but still worried steroids could have affected me. Formally diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and told IBS is likely. Stomach problems including gurgling, pain, gas, frequent urgent loose stool. No significant weight loss, so was told IBS is most likely. Fiber has been no relief. Questions: Could this be due to food intolerances? Does anything come to mind? What should I be tested for or aware of? What do you recommend for treatment to IBS patients? I also have a specific sore throat characterized by redness and canker sores on my throat. I blamed this on the dry mouth from the ditropan (had issue with recurring thrush while on ditropan and had to take nystatin frequently) but while taking 2 months off ditropan I have had a sore throat the entire time. I am also a snorer and have an issue with phlegm, throat clearing, and post-nasal drip. I use a humidifier at night but still wake up with dry mouth and phlegm in throat even without ditropan use. (still seem to have a slight dry mouth, not sure if ditropan damaged salivary glands or if I experience dry mouth for some other reason.)  Questions: What are likely causes of a chronic sore throat? Any reason I am so susceptible to these sore throats? (I have them more often than not). I work in a dusty environment could it be an allergy? Anything I can do for relief? Do all of these symptoms seem related or just coincidental? Thankyou for any information and insight you can provide into this.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

IBS is certainly possible.  Ruling out other GI conditions should be done however.  This can be done with a colonoscopy as well as sending the stool off for analysis.  A blood test can also be done to exclude celiac disease.

IBS can be treated with medications like tricyclic antidepressants, antispasmodic agents, and select antibiotics like Rifaximin.

A chronic sore throat can be due to post-nasal drip or GERD.  These options can be evaluated with a sinus CT scan or upper GI series/24-hr pH study respectively.  Treatment would depend on what the cause is.

These options can 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 patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[sweeper6]

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