[44F] Experiencing severe jaw pain, rash, and body aches

Question

Please help

Patient Description

A 44-year-old female reports sudden onset of severe, sharp, throbbing jaw pain on the lower left side, making it tearfully painful to move her mouth, talk, or eat. This pain started yesterday and is rated 10/10 in intensity. Any mouth movement exacerbates the pain. Alongside, she noticed a red, non-itchy, non-raised rash under her tongue, on the roof of her mouth, and inside her right cheek, which appeared this morning. She also describes whole-body aches with a severity of 7/10, feeling achy and lethargic for the past three days. The patient mentions an aching and stiff neck, which she believes is related to the jaw pain, and throat discomfort characterized by tenderness and a stinging, burning sensation, slightly relieved by very cold water. Difficulty swallowing and a hoarse voice were noted, though breathing remains normal. She has been taking Ibuprofen 500mg every 6 hours since yesterday for the pain. No fever, chills, or known pre-existing conditions were reported. No other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies are being taken.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, there are a few possibilities:

  • Dental Abscess: This is an infection at the base of a tooth, which can cause severe, persistent, throbbing pain that can radiate to the ear and neck. Other symptoms can include sensitivity to hot or cold, a foul taste in the mouth, fever, and swelling in your face or cheek.

    • Treatment typically involves draining the abscess and treating the infection, often with antibiotics. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, which you are already taking.

  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD): These conditions affect the joint that connects your jaw to the side of your head. Symptoms can include pain or tenderness in the jaw, aching pain around the ear, difficulty chewing, and facial pain.

    • Treatment often involves a combination of medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

  • Oral Thrush: This is a yeast infection in the mouth, which can cause white patches, redness, and slight bleeding in the mouth. It can also cause a cottony feeling in the mouth and loss of taste.

    • Treatment typically involves antifungal medications.

  • Viral or Bacterial Infection: Certain viral or bacterial infections can cause body aches, sore throat, and mouth sores.

    • Treatment depends on the specific type of infection, but may involve rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to manage symptoms. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, it's important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, continue taking ibuprofen as directed for pain relief. Try to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or if you develop new symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the neck or face, seek immediate medical attention.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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7 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a dental abscess?

Common symptoms of a dental abscess include severe, persistent, throbbing pain in the affected tooth or surrounding area, sensitivity to hot or cold, a foul taste in the mouth, fever, and swelling in the face or cheek. Treatment typically involves draining the abscess and antibiotics to treat the infection.

How can Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) be treated?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) can be treated with a combination of medications such as pain relievers and muscle relaxants, physical therapy to strengthen jaw muscles, and in some cases, surgery. Lifestyle changes and stress management can also help alleviate symptoms.

What are the signs of oral thrush and how is it treated?

Signs of oral thrush include white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, and throat, redness, slight bleeding, a cottony feeling in the mouth, and loss of taste. Treatment usually involves antifungal medications prescribed by a healthcare provider.

What should I do if I suspect a viral or bacterial infection?

If you suspect a viral or bacterial infection, it's important to rest, stay hydrated, and manage symptoms with over-the-counter remedies. If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop a high fever or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections.

2 Comments

Madelyn#4031

7 mo ago

if it is an infection, which seems likely, you might need antibiotics and the area drained. so this is something that requires in-person medical attention asap

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Leo#3962

7 mo ago

It seems like you might have a serious infection or other medical emergency, please don't delay seeking care! Worth going to the ER

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