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What Causes White-coated Tongue?

Posted on Sat, 2 Jan 2016

Question: hi there

i had a funny feeling in my mouth and took a photo - it showed a white tounge.
i took the photo to my pharmasist who saw it and said thrush, he told me to get a prescription, the doctor prescribed over the phone so no on
e has actually seen my throat.
i then took another photo and its actually a lot worse than just a white tounge. I would like to upload it here to
Check it is still just thrush. thank you

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
White tongue can be Thrush but further details required for final diagnosis.

Detailed Answer:

Hi There.
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern..

As per your complain and image attached white coating over the tongue seems to be Fungal infection known as Oral Thrush..

Along with it there seems to be swollen tongue papillae that contains taste buds and it also seems to be secondary to infection..

You can take antifungal medicines like Nystatin mouthwash and CLOTRIMAZOLE lozenges can help..

Taking ample of Probiotics like Yoghurt and Garlic..

Do warm saline gargles..
Drink plenty of water and suck ice..

Kindly send a few more pictures taken from a bit far for better evaluation of tongue and throat..

Hope this information helps.

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (1 hour later)

thank you, the doctor prescribed nystan, would this be sufficient for both infections?!

i enclose two more photos

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like Thrush at the back portion of tongue, throat slightly inflamed..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome Again..

Thanks for the better Images..

As per the images it seems that there is fungal infection known as Thrush at the center of back of tongue that is all as thick curdy/cheesy coating on tongue..
For this maintaining a proper Oral hygiene, gargling with Nystatin mouthwash and sucking Clotrimazole lozenges will help in relief and is enough.
Probiotics like Yoghurt and Garlic should be taken in ample amounts..
Rest of tongue also has debris accumulation so I would suggest you to clean your tongue using a tongue scraper.
Do warm saline gargles.
Eat raw foods apples, carrots etc so that they clean the tongue with Frictional action..
In case if thrush does not resolve in 15 days consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated..

Throat seems slightly inflamed so I would like to know from you that you have any symptoms of pain or soreness in throat or difficulty in swallowing?
-Do you have any cold like symptoms?
-Are you on any Medication?
-Do you have any allergies?
Kindly answer so that I can guide you further..

Wishing you a good health..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (1 hour later)

hi yes i have had a cough lasting three weeks that started as a sore throat. it was quite a nasty cough and throat and i went to the doctors twice during those two weeks but was told its just viral nothing they can do. the cough is subsiding now as is the sore throat - just a funny feeling now due to the thrush.

no
diffixilty swallowing i just have to do it more often (if that makes sense!)

i am not on any medication but hevily relied on cough syrup losengers over the past three weeks.

no knowm allergies - although i have chronic idiopathoc urticaria.

thank you

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems slight inflammation in throat, nothing serious..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome Again..

As per your complain as you had a viral infection soreness in throat that too is subsiding as per your explanation seems to be residual infection left out causing inflammation in throat..
I would suggest you to do warm saline gargles..
Take cough syrups that too only 2 to 3 times a day and not too much..
Do steam inhalations..
Sip on warm water for soothing the throat..

Hopefully you will observe improvement in a week..

Any further queries are welcome..

In case if your query is resolved you can give me a five star rating and write a positive review as a token of appreciation..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..

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. Sonia Raina