Question:
White coating

I have had a white coating on my tounge ever since my wls 2 years ago.. I am currently very ill and the doctors can't pin point why. I am being tested for mono and a normal cbc, but since my pcp doesn't even believe in this wls, he usually tells me things are in my head. I am dizzy all of the time and my complexion is so pale, my hands and feet and cold as ice, I really don't have an appetite, but I am not throwing up either.. My doctor always tells me my tonunge looks bad and gives me mints to suck on and it goes away, but it comes right back,,, any suggestions??    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 17, 2001)

October 17, 2001
I don't know if this helps you, but a few years ago, I went to sleep sniffling, and woke up a day and a half later with a very thick white coat on my tongue, but it was also in my throat, about 1/8" thick. I had a high fever and had to go to the hospital for IV fluids. They never figured out what was wrong, and it took quite awhile to go away, but eventually, it did. Foods had no taste either due to the coating. I was wondering if you ever had some kind of infection with a high fever at the onset of your white coated tongue. My doctor had me take Zpac for two cycles. Maybe you can ask your doctor about that. Hope this helps.
   — Janet C.

October 17, 2001
The symptoms that you are describing sound exactly like what my mother-in-law had several years ago. Have you been checked for candida? This can be a systemic infection and cause the exact symptoms you are describing-including your tongue. Many mainstream doctors are very ignorant when it comes to this illness. I would do some research on the internet concerning this diagnosis. Then if it does fit you,insist on being tested. The treatment is time consuming including a prolonged special diet. It does not go away overnight. I know that my mother-in-law had some books on the topic. Hope this is helpful. Shelley
   — Shelley.

October 17, 2001
I'm an RN and sorry don't know what exactly you have, but at today's meeting we talked about intuition. The Charge Nurse's def. was when you know inside something is wrong with the pt., then you go look at the labs, tests, and are able to prove it. Unfortunately, It doesn't seem like your doctor is really doing anything to find out what is wrong. So you have to listen to yourself. Can you see an infectious disease doc. or one that will be more proactive? good luck,
   — [Anonymous]

October 17, 2001
Hi, I agree with Shelly's answer...your MD should culture this white coating...but also people don't realize the importance of brushing all the tissues of their mouth especially the tongue. I am a dental hygienist and tell all my patients that the last 30 seconds of brushing should be on the soft tissues. The tongue has deep crevices that are filled with digested food and bacteria....this is why if not cleaned one developes bad breath. Take the brush and gently run it over the gums and the folds of the mouth, inner cheeks and the inside of the lips....then five or six strokes down the tongue. Go as far back as you can without gagging. Any build up will slowly come clean and food should be more flavorful! Good luck!
   — Diane Z.

October 17, 2001
This sounds exactly like thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth. Left untreated long enough, it can become a systemic infection and can be quite debilitating. DO NOT let the doctor treat you with antibiotics! That makes it WORSE! Thrush is really common in breastfeeding mothers and babies, and here's some links that will be helpful, though it sounds like the yeast overgrowth is in your mouth, not on your nippes. :-)<br><br> <a href="http://www.bflrc.com/newman/breastfeeding/fluconz.htm" target="_blank">Flucanozole</a><br> <a href="http://www.oz.net/~chotii/fighting_thrush.html" target="_blank">Good dietary recommendations here</a><br> <a href="http://mamafed.com/thrush.shtml" target="_blank">More good general recommendations</a><br> <a href="http://users.erols.com/cindyrn//yeast.htm" target="_blank">A comprehensive guide to the problem</a><br><br>Don't ignore this problem. It can only get worse, and that's such a shame, because you CAN get better. Good luck!
   — Julia M.

October 17, 2001
I've had a problem with thrush since my surgery on 14 Aug. I had a hard time getting it to go away. I agree with the poster who said it can become a serious infection if left untreated. I'd seek another doc asap.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 19, 2001
I developed a yeast infection as well as oral thrush following oral antibiotic treatment for pneumonia during my hospital stay. My mouth started with a white coating then my tongue turned black (yuck!!) I'm an RN and told my doc I didnt want the nystatin as it takes so long for it to work, so he ordered mycelex troches. You dissolve one slowly in your mouth 4 times a day. Took almost the whole script, but it worked...hope this helps =)
   — Denise W.