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What Causes Oral Thrush Post Tonsillectomy?
Question: HI, I am an 18 year-old female. I had a tonsillectomy 6 months ago, which resulted in oral thrush. (Prompted by steroids for swelling and antibiotics). Afterwards my tongue never really went back to normal? There's thinn-ish white coating and an unusual and frustrating taste that has grown stronger and now it tastes as if the food that I've eaten is rotting on the back of my tongue. Also for 2 days I have felt something on the left back side of my tongue/tonsil area. It is uncomfortable when I talk as I feel it but I can't see anything. Could it be a tonsil stone on what's left of my tonsils?( I used to get them frequently and the smell is similar) Also I brush my teeth twice a day, brush my tongue, and use a floss pick. I have also had some heartburn in the past few weeks, but the taste in my mouth isn't acidic... just foul. Swallowing isn't impaired, just uncomfortable and when I first woke up the sensation was gone. Also I took a tums last night. thanks
Brief Answer:
Anti-fungal mouth paint. Anti-reflux treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Oral thrush (post antibiotics and steroids in your case) can be very stubborn and persist even if you regularly clean your tongue. Use an anti-fungal oral paint.
2. The posterior one third of the tongue is known as the lingual tonsil. It is difficult to clean because of the gag reflex. It also tries to take over the function of the palatine tonsils after these palatine tonsils are removed.
3. The only way to check if any tonsil tissue has been left behind (part of the lower pole) is by direct examination by a headlight or videoendoscopy by a specialist other than the one who operated on you. You may upload images from a videoendoscopy of the throat for an opinion.
4. With the heartburn, there has to be an element of reflux. Anti-reflux medication for 8 to 12 weeks with a pro-kinetic agent will settle the reflux. These medications will require a prescription from your doctor.
5. Be sure to rule out any Post Nasal Drip (PND), dehydration, mouth breathing and ensure that the oral thrush is treated by a specialist.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Anti-fungal mouth paint. Anti-reflux treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Oral thrush (post antibiotics and steroids in your case) can be very stubborn and persist even if you regularly clean your tongue. Use an anti-fungal oral paint.
2. The posterior one third of the tongue is known as the lingual tonsil. It is difficult to clean because of the gag reflex. It also tries to take over the function of the palatine tonsils after these palatine tonsils are removed.
3. The only way to check if any tonsil tissue has been left behind (part of the lower pole) is by direct examination by a headlight or videoendoscopy by a specialist other than the one who operated on you. You may upload images from a videoendoscopy of the throat for an opinion.
4. With the heartburn, there has to be an element of reflux. Anti-reflux medication for 8 to 12 weeks with a pro-kinetic agent will settle the reflux. These medications will require a prescription from your doctor.
5. Be sure to rule out any Post Nasal Drip (PND), dehydration, mouth breathing and ensure that the oral thrush is treated by a specialist.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Okay thanks, I will see my doctor to have this checked out. Have a good day :)
Brief Answer:
Yes, that us the best way forward.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, that is the best way forward.
2. Remember to get examination, investigation and treatment as described in detail above.
3. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Yes, that us the best way forward.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, that is the best way forward.
2. Remember to get examination, investigation and treatment as described in detail above.
3. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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