Mucositis Meaning: Can You Get Oral Mucositis If Not Diagnosed With Cancer? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Other Details Explained

Hina Khan is a well-known and established television and film actress. She is known for the varied characters she portrays on screen. Hina even made an impact with her stunning appearances at the Cannes Film Festival. Earlier this year, Hina revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, in her latest update, Hina Khan reveals that she has been diagnosed with mucositis amid her battle with cancer. But what is mucositis? It is a painful condition that affects a person’s digestive tract and the lining of the mouth. It is especially associated with oral mucositis. Mucositis is an expected side effect of cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. It causes sores and inflammation or even infections, making it difficult to eat or drink. It usually heals on its own after the cancer treatment is over, but it can be very painful and uncomfortable, and at times even dangerous. Hina Khan Experiences Mucositis as a Side Effect of Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer.

Mucositis Causes

The main causes of mucositis are cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the cells that line the mouth and the digestive tract. In radiation therapy, the cells can also get damaged, especially if it is targeted at the abdomen, neck or head. What happens is that these treatments tend to target rapidly dividing cells. This can damage the protective lining of the mouth as well as other parts of the digestive system. When a person is undergoing treatment for cancer, it is important to be aware of the risk of mucositis. Staying in touch with the doctor and following the doctor's advice to manage it is crucial.

Hina Khan Diagnosed With Mucositis

Can You Get Oral Mucositis If Not Diagnosed With Cancer?

Yes, you can get oral mucositis even if you have not been diagnosed with cancer. Apart from cancer treatments, some other conditions that could cause mucositis are stomatitis, gum disease, thrush, diabetes, or HIV, and if you have certain mouth diseases or hand and foot diseases. In addition, poor oral health, drinking alcohol, smoking and dehydration can also increase the risk of developing oral mucositis.

Mucositis Symptoms

Some symptoms of oral mucositis include swelling, dryness around the mouth, redness, ulcers, and difficulty swallowing and eating food and drinking. Some symptoms of gastrointestinal mucositis may include nausea, diarrhoea, pain in the abdomen, vomiting, mucus or blood in the stool, and painful bowel movements. Hina Khan Promotes Organic Living While Battling Stage Three Breast Cancer.

Mucositis Treatment

Usually, mucositis goes off on its own once the cancer treatment has ended. The human body has a natural way of healing and it is the natural process that repairs the damaged tissues in the mouth and digestive tract. But the amount of time taken to heal will depend on the person’s overall health condition and the severity of the mucositis. Mucositis can be managed with ice, pain medications, lozenges, allergy medications, mouth sprays and corticosteroids. Doctors may recommend using an antiseptic mouthwash and frequent brushing using a soft toothbrush. In addition, one should avoid touching the mouth with the hands and practice good oral hygiene.

Mucositis can be a very challenging side effect of an already hard battle with cancer. But it is important to remember that it is only temporary. By taking care and following the doctors advice, mucositis can be effectively managed.

(Disclaimer: This article is written for an informative purpose and should not be substituted for medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor before trying any tips.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2024 01:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).