I suffer from end stage lung disease (COPD) I am presently going through a flare up and my oxygen drops into the 80's with minimum exertion. I am on 20 mg of prednisone (tapering off) and was on Factive. I take 20mg of Lexapro, Spiriva, Advair, Protonix, theophylline and 20 mg of Micardis. I put on weight (5'4, 236 lbs-female) but I had a very thorough exam for my heart- no sugar, cholesterol or triglyceride problem, no thyroid, stress test and echo perfect as well as blood pressure (it goes up a bit when I exert but usually is runs about 130/80 or bad is 140/90. Sometime it drops to 117/78. So, in that regard I am very lucky. My mouth became dry and I became very thirsty with this flare up (it has been going on now for about 3.5 weeks) I have a partial bridge and caps. I do not know what to make of it.
I also noticed my skin getting very dry so I bought some Gatoraid and drank that and it helped for about 3 days. Seems like I'm dehydrated. I am constantly drinking water - maybe 10 glasses or so. Am constantly going to the bathroon to urinate and do have a yeast infection that will not go away. I also have been having headaches - mild and get dizzy- which I think is from the drop in oxygen.
What do you suggest? Which doctor should I see- my primary, pulmonist, ENT, gynocologist or all?
Sorry for the overload. I am 55 yrs. old if that makes any difference. I get hot flashes now and then but mostly in the extremities and do not sweat just get hot on the top of my head. (don't laugh-is true)
Thanks...
Maria
I have had dry mouth for a long time due to several autoimmune diseases. The only thing that helps me is Biotene Oral Balance Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gel. They now make a spray that I can't use because it hurts my mouth. I've tried everything and this gel is the best because it soothes your mouth and doesn't sting. Most places stock the spray, and I have to buy the gel online. If I drink a lot of water at night it helps, but then I'm up running to the bathroom.
To treat my dry mouth, I have two glasses of water before bed. I try to form saliva as much as possible. I don't have coffee — even decaff. Yes, sugar-free juices and mints help.
Published: July 18
Sores in my mouth and tongue for about two years being treated with a prednisone mouth wash and is not getting any better. It is not the medications I am on because my doctor already had started eliminating each med but nothing has helped. My age is 81.
Published: July 10
For 2 years now I have woken up every morning with a mouth so dry it feels like I have spent a month lost in the desert without water. My doctor tells me only that I must sleep with my mouth open as a result of congestion. My nasal passages are clear upon waking so I think it has some other cause. I take no meds, only vitamins, digestive enzymes and protein powder.
I have only had what I call a dry mouth for a week and a half, and already I am quite tired of it. I read that most people with this condition complain of no saliva; however, I have saliva, and can swallow it. But my tongue is dry and split and sore. I have sores in my mouth from the cheeks sticking to my teeth when I shut my mouth for even a few minutes. It came on suddenly. I have no idea what is causing it. The doctor suggested rheumatoid arthritis; I'm still waiting for test results.
I believe I get a dry mouth from my stomach; perhaps food is digested or not digested, am I too acidic, is it the stress that I have been going through. I just know it's very uncomfortable, I am constantly drawing for saliva and this looks and sounds awful. I believe it started when I was drinking a lot of coffee, perhaps I damaged something. The dryness comes and goes sometimes worse sometimes less. I am on a sedative mainly for sleep but I find that this sometimes helps me by calming stomach nerves.
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Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home. However, a person should be seen by a health care professional if they have a sore throat that has a rapid onset, and is associated with a fever or tenderness of the front of the neck; a sore throat that causes the person to have difficulty swallowing (not just pain swallowing) or breathing; or if a sore throat lasts for more than a week.
Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from occurring.
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and connective tissue. Sjögren's syndrome with gland inflammation (resulting dry eyes and mouth, etc.) that is not associated with another connective tissue disease is referred to as primary Sjögren's syndrome. Sjögren's syndrome that is also associated with a connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma, is referred to as secondary Sjögren's syndrome. Though there is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome, the symptoms may be treated by using lubricating eye ointments, drinking plenty of water, humidifying the air, and using glycerin swabs. Medications are also available to treat dry eye and dry mouth.
Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus. Symptoms of Thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat, and fever.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
Gum disease is caused by plaque and may result in tooth loss without proper treatment. Symptoms and signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease) include receding gums, bad breath and pocket formation between the teeth and gums. Treatment depends upon the stage of the gum disease, how you responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health.
Hoarseness (abnormal deep, harsh, raspy voice) is caused by a variety of conditions in which the larynx (voice box and vocal chords) are irritated or injured. Examples of causes of hoarseness include: laryngitis, straining the vocal cords by yelling or screaming, infections, GERD, allergies, and more. Treatment of hoarseness depends on the cause.
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth and throat. Oral thrush and yeast infections are treated orally or topically with an antifungal antibiotic called Nystatin.
Cholera is an infectious disease characterized by intense vomiting and profuse watery diarrhea and that rapidly lease to dehydration and often death. Cholera is caused by infection with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, which may be transmitted via infected fecal matter, food, or water.
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes pain in the mouth. BMS may be caused by menopause, dry mouth or allergies. Signs and symptoms include tingling or numbness of the tip of the tongue, bitter or metallic taste, and dry or sore mouth. Treatment depends upon the cause of your burning mouth syndrome.
Bad breath can result from poor oral hygien habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be made worse by the types of food you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Small amounts of the candida fungus are present in the mouth, digestive
tract, and skin of most healthy people and are normally kept in check by other
bacteria and microorganisms in the body. However, certain illnesses, stress, or
medications can disturb the delicate balance, causing the fungus candida to
grow out of control, causing thrush.
Medications that upset the balance of microorganisms in the mouth and may
cause thrush include corticosteroids, antibiotics, and birth control pills.
Illnesses or medical situations that make candida infection more likely to
develop include uncontrolled diabetes, HIV infection, cancer, dry mouth, or pregnancy (caused by the
hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy). People who smoke or wear dentures
that don't fit properly also are at increased risk for thrush. In addition,
babies can pass the infection to their mothers during breast-feeding.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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I suffer from end stage lung disease (COPD) I am presently going through a flare up and my oxygen drops into the 80's with minimum exertion. I am on 20 mg of prednisone (tapering off) and was on Factive. I take 20mg of Lexapro, Spiriva, Advair, Protonix, theophylline and 20 mg of Micardis. I put on weight (5'4, 236 lbs-female) but I had a very thorough exam for my heart- no sugar, cholesterol or triglyceride problem, no thyroid, stress test and echo perfect as well as blood pressure (it goes up a bit when I exert but usually is runs about 130/80 or bad is 140/90. Sometime it drops to 117/78. So, in that regard I am very lucky. My mouth became dry and I became very thirsty with this flare up (it has been going on now for about 3.5 weeks) I have a partial bridge and caps. I do not know what to make of it. I also noticed my skin getting very dry so I bought some Gatoraid and drank that and it helped for about 3 days. Seems like I'm dehydrated. I am constantly drinking water - maybe 10 glasses or so. Am constantly going to the bathroon to urinate and do have a yeast infection that will not go away. I also have been having headaches - mild and get dizzy- which I think is from the drop in oxygen. What do you suggest? Which doctor should I see- my primary, pulmonist, ENT, gynocologist or all? Sorry for the overload. I am 55 yrs. old if that makes any difference. I get hot flashes now and then but mostly in the extremities and do not sweat just get hot on the top of my head. (don't laugh-is true) Thanks... Maria
Related Reading: prednisone | theophylline | cholesterol