What could cause swollen tonsils covered with a white layer?
Hello doctor,
I am a 29-year-old female, 250 lbs. I do not smoke or drink. Tonight while looking at my throat, I discovered my right tonsil is swollen, lumpy, and covered in a thick, white layer of skin. Upon initial inspection, I mistook these white patches for tonsil stones, but they are not. They seem to be stuck to the surface of my tonsil. I managed to scrape some off with a bit of effort. The tissue underneath began to bleed. The white layer appears to be skin. I do not feel sick, apart from allergies (the pollen count is quite high here right now). Any thoughts as to what could be causing this?
I am currently on HCTZ, Metoprolol, Lexapro.
16 May 2024 - 1 min read
How to address irregular periods and unwanted hair growth?
Hello doctor,
I am experiencing irregular periods, sometimes two times a month (latest before three months) and sometimes it will skip for two or three months. I also noticed that I suddenly have hair growing on my stomach and chest. Also, I do not have hair on my legs before but now I have a few hairs growing on some spots. I also noticed that there are suddenly pimples on my back which never happened before, this occurred last month. I have not done any tests on my thyroid or hormones. I used to also take pills (Diane) to regulate my menstruation but after two months I stopped.
16 May 2024 - 1 min read
Kindly explain risk of COVID-19 infection in an asthmatic.
Hello doctor,
I am 33 years old male, I have very mild asthma since my teenage years into my mid 20s. For the past 6 years or so my asthma has been very rare, maybe once every couple of months, but now it seems to be coming more recently active after doing yard work or exercise but no medicines needed as symptoms would go away on its own. Unfortunately, for the past 3 months I have been getting more symptoms which I assume is due to season and high pollen count. I am now taking Albuterol sulfate as needed and going on my third dose of Symbicort 80/4.5 as of yesterday. My concern is with this coronavirus am I considered high risk with my level of asthma? Is it a good idea to start a corticosteroid like Symbicort or should I be on something more mild? I am considered an "essential mail worker" so I am wondering if I should continue to work. (Side note: my wife is 7 months pregnant on top of all this).
15 May 2024 - 1 min read
What could be the reason for the sudden dent in my outer ear cartilage?
Hello doctor,
A strange notch appeared in both the outer ears today. The notch seems to be firm, and it is not caused by mask use. It does not appear to be subsiding. I am experiencing high pressure in my ears. My doctor said that I might have immune system issues. But, tests have not been conducted and would not specify the potential diagnosis.
I have a medical history of frequent migraines with dizziness, pressure in my ears, and vertigo.
Kindly help.
07 May 2024 - 1 min read
What is the list of tests used to detect the cause for swollen and reddish lower lip?
Hello doctor,
I am a 22-year-old female. I generally have good health, but I was diagnosed with herpes simplex when I was 17. I never had any cold sores on my face, but recently I have seen not a rash but redness and swelling underneath my bottom lip. I do not have a primary doctor, and I cannot get seen for a while. I think it may be an infection either caused by bacteria or yeast. The last time when I received oral sex from my partner, I came down with a yeast infection a few days later. My boyfriend is starting devolving the redness underneath his lips as well, but he is way worse. We intentionally thought it was from the lotion and discontinued its use, but I realize that is not the case. I am currently having Acyclovir and Vitamin C.
07 May 2024 - 1 min read
