Ear Infection, Lightheadedness, Sore Throat, Dry Mouth And White Spot On Tongue. Treatment?

Posted on Mon, 25 Feb 2013

Question: Hey I been dealing with ear infections and lightheadness for a month maybe. Lighthead is getting better but ear it bothering me again. On top of that now my throat hurt and I notice my to tongue it white which at first I believed that it was from the meds including the diuretics I'm taking for my high blood pressure which I figured is making my mouth dry. I looked up the tongue and sore throat and everything is saying HIV I'm so worried now and today I had a small bit of direarra sorry for being graphic but I'm really driving myself crazy. I am goin to set up a test which want me til march due to my doc not being in the country. But can someone please help am I just worrying to much and also been having a headache but that was around the time my ear started bothering me again

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (3 hours later)

Hello dear,
First of all I would like to assure you not to worry.

Now let’s analyze your symptoms.

You have. .
1. Light headedness
2. Sore throat
3. Dry mouth and tongue turning white.
4. Mild diarrhea.

Light headedness is very common complaint in hypertensives on medication.

Dry mouth, as you correctly attributed is due to diuretics.

Now this dry mouth is allowing bacteria and fungi to grow in the oral cavity and throat and cause the other problems, as saliva has anti infection properties.

Well, mild diarrhea comes and goes, it is not a big problem.

Now let’s see what happens in HIV

The most prominent thing is loss of weight more than 10 % in last one month.

Persistent fever for last one month.

Finally recurrent and excessive diarrhea in past one month.

I don't think you have any of these. Then why to worry?

Just relax and get a test done when your doctor is back.

Hope I answered your query.

Wishing you good health

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (2 hours later)

Thanks Doc and I have lost a bit of weight but due to trying to change my diet and also not feeling the urge to eat which is a side effect to my meds but I don't know I'm just confused or worried lol

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (57 minutes later)

Hi,
Thanks for writing back.
If you have been trying to change your eating habits for good, then keep it up. I dont think you need to worry at all here. Simply relax since your problems are mainly due to side effects of diuretics.

Regarding ear problem there is something called as chronic suppurative otitis media, which may last even for a year. You might be suffering from that. Please see an ENT specialist for that.

So just flush out HIV from your mind. You're absolutely fine.

thank you.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli