Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
|
|
 |  |
 |
 |
Teenager going crazy...could I be a hypochondriac?
Mar 8, 2000
IT has been 5 months since my sexual encounter where precum is the only possible way I can have contracted HIV. But I am so scared. Lately I have had a really dry mouth and I have been examining it like crazy. I first noticed that I have a white line on each side of my tongue as well as on my cheeks corresponding to where my teeth close. I have never really noticed my tongue, but I am not sure if these few white bump things towards the middle back and back of my tongue are normal or what. I also have these white bumps on the sides of my top lip which have not gone away, and I noticed a month or so ago. I know you can't diagnose over this, but please tell me what you think. Also, when reading a list of possible symptoms, I always see "persistent white spots on tongue and mouth." What exactly does this mean??? THANK YOU!!!!!!
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Reznik
Many of the symptoms you refer to in this question are common every day occurrences in the general population. For instance, dry mouth is a very common condition that can be related to stress, smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications. There seems to be some confusion regarding dry mouth, which is a common question in this Forum. People who live with HIV infection often present with dry mouth which can be due to HIV's involvement with certain salivary glands, medications taken and stress. This is not so much a symptom of HIV infection, but an effect. Just because a person has dry mouth does NOT mean they are infected with HIV.
The white lines you refer to on the sides of your tongue and on your cheeks, where your teeth come together again is not a symptom of HIV infection, but rather a sign that you are biting your tongue and cheek. Again, this is a relatively common condition in the general population which is related to stress and can be nothing more than a "habit".
The white areas of the back of your tongue are a little more puzzling, but are probably nothing more than normal anatomy. "Persistent white spots on the tongue and mouth" refer to two possible occurrences: oral hairy leukoplakia and oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush).
If you were referred to my office with the symptoms previously mentioned in this question, I would not suspect HIV infection. This response is by no means a definitive clean bill of health, even though the potential exposure you mentioned is relatively minor. For your peace of mind, I would suggest you have an HIV test.
I hope this helps!
DR
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
