[38F] Experiencing dry tongue, cloudy vision, and phantom smells

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, a few conditions could be considered:

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): This condition can cause a dry, parched, cotton-like feeling in your mouth. It can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.

  • Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter products to help keep your mouth moist.

• Migraine: Migraines can sometimes cause visual disturbances (like peripheral cloudiness in one eye) and phantom smells. However, these usually are accompanied by a severe headache.

  • Treatment usually involves medications to relieve the symptoms and prevent future attacks.

• Temporal Arteritis: This is an inflammation of the arteries in and around the scalp. This condition is more common in people over 50 years old. Symptoms can include blurred or double vision and a dry mouth, but usually also include a severe headache, jaw pain, and tenderness in the scalp.

  • Treatment typically involves high doses of a corticosteroid drug.

• Sjogren's Syndrome: This is a disorder of your immune system often defined by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. It often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

  • Treatment typically involves managing symptoms, which often includes medications to increase saliva production.

Please note that these are potential conditions that match your symptoms, but this is not a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

Given the symptoms you've described, it's important to seek medical attention. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor. They can conduct a physical examination and potentially order some tests to better understand what's causing your symptoms.
2. Stay hydrated. This can help with your dry mouth.
3. Avoid any triggers that you notice make your symptoms worse.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Severe headache
• Sudden loss of vision
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Weakness or numbness on one side of your body
• Sudden, severe jaw pain

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.