Why am I having a white tongue and diarrhea symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

I hope you are doing well. I keep noticing a white coating on my tongue that comes and goes, and there’s a large white spot on one side that hasn’t gone away. For the last three weeks, I have also had diarrhea after meals. I have diabetes, and I smoke. What might be causing these symptoms?

Please help.

Thank you for your time and help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com

Thank you for reaching out.

Your symptoms do need proper attention, especially because of your history of diabetes and smoking.

A rough white coating on your tongue and a white patch can have several causes. Oral thrush, a fungal infection, is common in people with diabetes. Another possible cause is leukoplakia, which is linked to smoking and can sometimes be a precancerous change. Because the white patch is still there, it is important to have it checked in person by a doctor or dentist instead of just watching it at home.

Also, having diarrhea after meals for the past three weeks could be caused by things like an infection, inflammation in your digestive system, side effects from medication, or issues related to diabetes. Since you also have changes in your mouth, it’s a good idea to get a full medical checkup soon.

This may turn out to be nothing serious, but it’s important not to ignore it. If you notice weight loss, pain, bleeding, or changes in the white patch, please seek help right away.

If you can, please send a clear photo of the area on your tongue. That way, I can take a closer look and give you better advice.

I hope this addresses your concerns.

Please feel free to follow up if you have any further questions.

Thank you.