HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Dry Mouth And Excessive Thirst In A Diabetes Patient

default
Posted on Tue, 16 Dec 2014
Question: Hi,

Several months ago I started getting dry mouth and excessive thirst. I am always thirsty and can never satisfy this. I have been tested for diabetes and that was negative. I just figured i would have to live with it.

About 3-4 months ago I started getting a sore throat on and off a few days a week. My throat and mouth feel pasty and my teeth and mouth just never feel clean. I take proper care of my teeth. I looked in my mouth and noticed I could no longer see my uvula, it was down so low. I also can't see any opening to swallow. I can only see these things if I go "ahhh". No trouble breathing though. I went to the doctor and he looked in my mouth and said he figured it was a viral infection.

6 weeks ago I went to the dentist. I have some pretty bad recession of my gums and have been referred to a periodontist who I see in 3 weeks. He didn't know why I was having the recession.

4 weeks ago it started noticing my gums peeling off. This happens in the morning when I'm getting ready for the day. All of a sudden I feel a piece of gums on my tongue. They just peel off. Also, I got a flu 4 weeks ago and lost my voice for 2 weeks. I have never lost my voice for that long. Ever since, I am still coughing, sometimes pretty violently, most of it at night. I've also been getting the sore throat on and off. I started gargling with salt water and that helps right when I do it but same problems later on.

My biggest concerns are the coughing, as well as just the general unclean feeling and thirst. Biggest one though is losing my gums. I'm a 28 year old female and this should not be happening.

I asked my doctor about candida as I have the mouth symptoms, stomach symptoms and I have a lot of yeast vaginally. Once I went for a PAPP and the doctor wouldn't do it because there was too much yeast. It's been less since then though. I have celiacs disease and under active thyroid both of which are under control. 4 months ago I started getting a lot of gas, tummy pain, nausea and from ruling out of other things, it's figured I have IBS. I'm on pantaprazole ongoing now but I still have symptoms sometimes. First I had now, now they are becoming more frequent. Anyways, this is my long story. Do you think it could be candida or something else? My doctor said candida hasn't really been scientifically proven. I haven't seen the same doctor through all of this, sometimes clinics.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Detailed ent examination, sialogram, laryngoscopy.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,


I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. I would like to ask you few more details.

Is there any associated dry eyes or joint pains ?

Kindly get back to me with details.


As per your clinical details, dryness of mouth (xerostomia) could be due to


1. Medications- antihistamines,anti depressents.

2. Disorders- sjogrens syndrome, diabetes or sarcoidosis.

3. Radiation therapy.


In your case, due to chronic drying (3-4 months), due to reduce amount of saliva, you are having difficulty swallowing, tooth decay, oral infections (particularly fungal) and vaginal drying causing vaginitis.


I suggest you to consult ENT surgeon and get detailed ENT examination, ultrasound, sialogram (salivary glands), Blood tests (ANA antibody, RA factor (to exclude rheumatoid arthritis (commonly associated with sjogrens syndrome) GRBS ). If necessary laryngoscopy procedure (change of voice).


In the mean time, maintain hydration- keep taking plenty of water, maintain oral hygiene.



Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.


Wishing you good health.





Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (14 minutes later)
Thank-you for your reply! Yes, i have been having dry skin to the point i am applying hand cream at least 10 times a day and dry lips, apply chapstick probably 20 times a day. I am also a contact lense wearer and my eyes have been so dry that i barely stand them anymore. No joint pain at all. I saw someone about potential sjogrens buf fhat was probably 7 years ago now. I am on some anti-depressants. At one point i was so over medicated i was on 5 or 6. For the past 6 months or so ive been on just wellbutrin and trazodone for sleep. I also take dexedrine but am hoping when i get my energy levels back up i can go off that (and eventually the other anti-depressants too). I also take the pantaprazole as mentioned, synthroid and cyclen birth control.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
changing dosage schedule, investigations.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.


In my opinion, you need to go again for psychiatrist consultation to change the dosage schedule (so many anti depressants causing dryness of mouth) and also evaluate with the investigation, What I have already mentioned, for proper diagnosis and exact treatment.

Hope, I have answered your query.


Take care.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 2038 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Dry Mouth And Excessive Thirst In A Diabetes Patient

Brief Answer: Detailed ent examination, sialogram, laryngoscopy. Detailed Answer: Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. I would like to ask you few more details. Is there any associated dry eyes or joint pains ? Kindly get back to me with details. As per your clinical details, dryness of mouth (xerostomia) could be due to 1. Medications- antihistamines,anti depressents. 2. Disorders- sjogrens syndrome, diabetes or sarcoidosis. 3. Radiation therapy. In your case, due to chronic drying (3-4 months), due to reduce amount of saliva, you are having difficulty swallowing, tooth decay, oral infections (particularly fungal) and vaginal drying causing vaginitis. I suggest you to consult ENT surgeon and get detailed ENT examination, ultrasound, sialogram (salivary glands), Blood tests (ANA antibody, RA factor (to exclude rheumatoid arthritis (commonly associated with sjogrens syndrome) GRBS ). If necessary laryngoscopy procedure (change of voice). In the mean time, maintain hydration- keep taking plenty of water, maintain oral hygiene. Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Wishing you good health.