Patient's question:
The weather hasn't been very good recently, and I myself don't know exactly what's going on. I always feel stomach acid and a bitter taste in my mouth, apart from dry mouth. Why is it that I have stomach acid and dry mouth?Doctor's answer:
Dry mouth generally indicates insufficient body fluids, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis. It is usually caused by Yin deficiency or internal heat. If symptoms such as feverish palms and soles, dry mouth and tongue, red tongue with little coating, and a thready, rapid pulse appear, it is likely caused by Yin deficiency. In such cases, appropriate oral administration of Yin-nourishing and heat-clearing herbs can be considered. If symptoms such as mouth and tongue ulcers, red tongue with a rapid pulse, sore throat, and dry stools occur, it is likely caused by internal heat. In such cases, appropriate oral administration of heat-clearing herbs can be considered.