[40F] Experiencing mouth ulcers and systemic symptoms

Patient Description

A 40-year-old female is presenting with medium-sized, linear mouth ulcers located on the lower jaw beneath the gums, where the lip and chin attach. The ulcers, described as painful like a second-degree burn and feeling like sandpaper, have worsened over a few days. The patient has not experienced any recent mouth injuries or bites. Accompanying symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite, and increased muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which has been present for weeks to months and diagnosed as akathisia. The ulcers have a white center that turns red upon peeling and have not been observed before by the patient. Relief from muscle tension has been found through massage, stretching, medication, and heat. There has been no difficulty in swallowing or breathing reported.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, here are a few possibilities:

Oral Ulcers: These can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, or certain foods. They often appear as painful sores in the mouth and can be white or yellow in color with a red border.
- Treatment typically involves over-the-counter topical creams or gels, mouth rinses, and pain medications.
Oral Lichen Planus: This is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membranes in your mouth. It can cause painful, white, lacy patches or open sores in the mouth.
- Treatment usually involves managing symptoms, although severe cases may require stronger medications.
Oral Thrush: This is a yeast infection in the mouth, caused by a type of fungus called Candida. It can cause white patches in the mouth and throat, as well as difficulty swallowing.
- Treatment typically involves antifungal medications.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to seek medical attention for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use a mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean.
Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods: These can irritate mouth ulcers and make them worse.
Try a soft diet: Eating soft or liquid foods can help avoid further pain or injury.
Over-the-counter treatments: Topical gels or patches can help to reduce pain and speed up healing.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

Your symptoms worsen or do not improve after two weeks.
You have difficulty swallowing or breathing.
You start to lose weight without trying.
You notice other symptoms such as a rash, joint pain, or fever.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

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