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What Do Small Black Stringy Substances In The Mouth And Nose Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 26 Apr 2017
Question: I have small black stringy "things" in my mouth and nose, between my teeth. Black little round 'things' when I blow my nose. The back middle of my throat where the sinus passages meet the throat there are some black veins or some black vertical lines. I'm not sure if it's some fungal thing or something I'm breathing. I called my insurance nurse referal line and didn't get any information or advice at all. Can you maybe give me some advice about this?I forgot to mention that my tongue looks like I have thrush, very thick white coating. The salt has helped a bit with this. Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Fungal infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HealthcareMagic and thanks for putting up the query
From the history it seems to be a fungal infection. The black nasal discharge is usually fungal infection. The white oral coating is candiduasis.
Please tell me is there any history of diabetes or some other immunodeficiency?
Do you have any frequent nasal infections or throat infections?
You should get a throat swab for culture sensitivity done and also a CT PARANASAL SINUSES DONE.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment will depend on the reports.
Follow up with the required information so that I can suggest you better.
Start using hexidine mouth wash. Use an antifungal oral paint 4 to 5 times a day.
Take care
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (5 hours later)
Hi Dr Aggarwal,
Thank you for your fast response! I suspected it was fungal and yes, I do have a compromised immune system. I had papillary carcinoma of the thyroid in 2000. I had it removed and during the surgery they accidentally removed a para-thyroid gland. There was a long debate about having radiation and the doctors did not have a consensus so I opted not to have it. My cancer returned and I had radiation in 2007 and 2009. In addition, I have damaged kidneys from blood pressure medication which I can no longer take. They have said that the high blood pressure problem is not as dangerous as the damage to my kidneys. I also have had to have the procedures (?I think they are not surgeries?) where they enter your sinus and remove everything in there or scrape it out? I think that's what they do. I had 2 of these because of polyps in my sinus cavity. Also I know I'm very sensitive because every time my husband comes home from another war I get infected or sick. Once I got an MRSA infection that put me in ICU for 11 days and they know it was what he brought back because there were many Marines doing this weird body wash with red soap and they cultured it and it was the same hospital and the cultures matched. I get sick a lot. So with all this said, I am sure that I am not going to be able to take any anti-fungal medication with potential damage to liver, etc. Plus I really really hate going to the doctor (no offense! I am just tired..) oh gosh I forgot that I started having seizures last September and I've had 3 (Yes, I'm rolling my eyes and I know I'm just a lemon) I'm wondering if there are some home remedies I can try? Like a boric acid nasal spray or gargle? Is that as safe as advertised? Also maybe a supplement for that yeast thing? Like tea tree oil etc.... I know you aren't allowed to say certain things due to liability but I will put it in writing that I have no intention of suing anyone with WebMd or healthcaremagic; I can not stand the letigeous (sp?) society today. I anxiously await your response. Thank you so much! I am thrilled to learn of this sight and use my subscription. XXXXXXX

Also I was wondering if you keep my info in a file? That way I'll know if I have to repeat myself everytime about my history... THANK YOU :)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Fungal infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the information
I think you are surely having a fungal infection but to confirm it culture sensitivity should be done. My advice is you should visit an ENT SPECIALIST. Fungal infections can be invasive sometimes leading to complications. Antifungal treatment must be taken without delay. I won't recommend any home remedies especially against fungal infections such as these. Any supplements can boost immunity but won't treat infection.
You can do nasal douching. it can help symptomatically but infection wont get treated.
Any further questions are always welcome.
Take care
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (33 hours later)
Oh my goodness, I'm so so bummed. It's in my ears as well now. How soon do you think I should go? Is there any way that I can wait a little longer to see if it goes away?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Fungal infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Fungal infections spreading so fast is very rare. it happens only in cases with compromised immunity.
You should visit an ENT SPECIALIST as early as possible without delay or go to an urgent care.
They might refer you further.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks and regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1389 Questions

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What Do Small Black Stringy Substances In The Mouth And Nose Indicate?

Brief Answer: Fungal infection Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to HealthcareMagic and thanks for putting up the query From the history it seems to be a fungal infection. The black nasal discharge is usually fungal infection. The white oral coating is candiduasis. Please tell me is there any history of diabetes or some other immunodeficiency? Do you have any frequent nasal infections or throat infections? You should get a throat swab for culture sensitivity done and also a CT PARANASAL SINUSES DONE. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment will depend on the reports. Follow up with the required information so that I can suggest you better. Start using hexidine mouth wash. Use an antifungal oral paint 4 to 5 times a day. Take care Thanks and regards