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Experiencing Dry Mouth And Eyes, Metallic Taste In Mouth And Loss Of Appetite. Any Proper Cure?

Posted on Sat, 25 Aug 2012

Question: I have been experiencing dry mouth and eyes, heightened sense of smell and now have a metallic taste in my mouth. I also have had a loss of appetite for many foods that I would normally have eaten. I have been exposed to mold and chemicals that are used to remediate mold. I also had taken Cipro2doses, followed by Bactrim 1 dose, during the first week of July. These symptons actually come and go-and sometimes more prevalent than others.

Answered by Dr. Arnab Maji (3 hours later)

Hi XXXXXX,

Thanks for writing us.

Dry mouth, dry eyes, heightened sense of smell and metallic taste - all these can be a symptoms of Sjogren syndrome. These symptoms can be due to mold exposure also but if it’s due to mold exposure only, it would not have a "come and go" episodes rather it would have disappeared after the treatment.

Sjogren syndrome especially in female is a possibility which can explain all these symptoms under one disease. For this you should consult a rheumatologist for necessary work-ups to diagnose it.

You had taken Cipro 2 doses, Bactrim 1 dose and chemicals to remediate mold. So by all possibility it is not due to mold but Sjogren syndrome in this age group is a strong possibility. You need to have serum SS-A, SS-B antibody test done for diagnosing Sjogren syndrome along with Schirmer's test to know whether there is true dry eye present or not. Your entire problem can be solved, I think, by a good rheumatologist.

So please consult a rheumatologist. If you have further enquiries, in this respect you can ask me.

Wish you good health and a quick recovery.

Thank you once again.

With Regards,
Dr. Arnab Maji

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

Follow up: Dr. Arnab Maji (43 hours later)

Than you for your response. There was no treatment for mold exposure. The cipro was taken prior to the discovery of mold-about 2 weeks. The symptoms got worse after the remediation with the chemicals thermo 55 benefect and miroban. Is there blood testing that could be done for the mold or chemical reaction?

Answered by Dr. Arnab Maji (18 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks again for your further query.

Yes, there are tests for mold exposure. You can go for serum specific IgE estimation for that mold or chemicals thermo 55 benefect and miroban used. You can also have skin prick test with those chemicals to know their reactions. You also can have blood culture for fungal elements as well as fungal staining. These tests can detect your mold exposure or chemical exposure.

But I will suggest you to go for the tests which I already suggested you and take an appointment of a rheumatologist because your history does not sound that your symptoms are only due to mold or chemical exposure.

If you have further queries on this issue you can ask me. Please write a review on this answer. Don’t get panicked for what you had. Just follow my advice you will know your actual disease.

Wishing again a quick recovery and good health.

Regards,
Dr. Arnab Maji

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

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