Yellow discoloration of the tongue
April 10, 2012 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Hendrik Bernau
Dear Sir or Madam,
For about 1-2 weeks I have had a yellowish tongue. I am very concerned about this. I have chronically elevated liver values (GPT 80). After an ultrasound and liver biopsy, a slight fatty liver without signs of inflammation/activity was diagnosed. Now, due to a respiratory infection, I had to take antibiotics (7 days, Doxycycline). It was during this time that I first noticed the yellowish tongue. Could there be a connection here? Thank you and best regards
Dear questioner,
You are complaining about discoloration/coating on your tongue. An over-sensitivity reaction of the tongue is a known side effect during or after treatment with tetracyclines (a class of antibiotics, to which the doxycycline you are taking belongs).
This also includes the possibility of Candida colonization of the mucous membranes during therapy with doxycycline through selection. Candida albicans is a yeast fungus, the presence of which can easily be detected by swab. To rule out the suspicion of (potentially developing) candidosis, you should consult your primary care physician, who can take a corresponding swab.
I cannot see a connection between the mentioned discoloration and the mild hepatic steatosis you mentioned at first glance and without a complete medical history (or possibly differential diagnosis in case of proven candidosis).
I hope I was able to help you. If you have any further questions, I am at your disposal at any time.
I wish you good health.
Best regards,
Dr. med. - anonymized -
