Am I having a white tongue because of IBS or GERD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was wondering why my tongue has a white and yellow coating.

Do I have a yeast overgrowth?

If so, when I take antimicrobial or antifungal herbs, it gets worse. The same happens when I take garlic or oregano; it gets worse, which makes me think it is not a Candida overgrowth.

In fact, when I eat dextrose, it gets better. My stomach deflates, and I do not have a nasty taste in my mouth.

My hydrogen and methane breath test, utilizing glucose and lactulose, showed virtually no hydrogen or methane in my breath.

Given this, I am unsure whether I should continue with the antimicrobials and antifungals, as they seem to aggravate my condition.

I have undergone multiple investigations, including:

Endoscopy.
Colonoscopy.
Gastric emptying study.
Gastric mucosa biopsy.
X-ray.
CT scan.

The only diagnoses I have received so far are GERD and IBS with constipation.

I would greatly appreciate your advice or any insights you may have.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have noted your concerns.

Having treated similar presenting patients at my practice, I want to let you know that it is not a cause for worry.

This condition is most often seen in individuals who have a geographical tongue (a harmless, noncancerous chronic condition) or as an early sign of jaundice (a yellowish or, less frequently, greenish pigmentation of the skin and sclera) or some other liver disorder. It has been noted at times due to the collection of skin cells that bind herbal pigments, as in smokers. Most such patients do not need any treatment except good oral hygiene.

You only need to have your serum bilirubin levels checked and be cautious if such discoloration extends to the white portion of the eyes or other skin areas. For proper restoration of normal color, one may use hydrogen peroxide solution in diluted form for rinses and a good tongue cleaner.

I want you to know that your problem has a good probability of getting better with simple measures, as the coating is piled up on surface cells and needs no treatment unless some other features like those listed above appear. You might consider eliminating any medication for this purpose.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.