Mucositis: Definition, Causes, symptoms, and treatment options

Mucositis is very painful and unfortunate adverse effect of cancer treatment. It is a painful inflammation of mouth or stomach tissue as an adverse effect of cancer treatment like radiation and chemotherapy. Mucositis is common in the mouth. The word mucositis is often used synonymously with oral mucositis. It can be excruciating, but it normally goes away a few weeks following the end of cancer therapy. Chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis often appears five to fourteen days of treatment, while radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis usually appears in the third week of treatment.

 

Individuals who suffer from oral mucositis should make an effort to maintain proper oral hygiene. It is crucial to make sure that bacteria are eliminated as much as possible from the mouth. If not, they may enter the body through the mouth's wound surfaces and cause other, more severe infections. Let’s understand mucositis in detail.

What is Mucositis?

Mucositis is recognized by inflammation and breakdown of the mucous membranes that line the mouth and other gastrointestinal tract areas.

Mucositis occurs when fast-dividing epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal system (which extends from the mouth to the anus) are broken down by cancer treatments, causing mucosal tissue (mucous membrane) open to ulceration and infection. Mucositis most frequently occurs in the oral cavity, as the mucous membrane that covers the mouth is one of the most sensitive parts of the body and is particularly vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiation.

 

Causes of Mucositis

Mucositis is frequently brought on by cancer therapy. The following therapies commonly result in mucositis, whether or not they are intended to treat cancer:

 

• Radiation therapy of the head, chest, or neck
• Chemotherapy
• Bone marrow transplants
• Stem cell exchanges

Mucositis risk can also be raised by a number of variables. Among them are:

• Being young, female, and undergoing cancer treatment
• Dry mouth both before and after the treatment
• Being dehydrated
• Weak immune system
• Having a chronic illness like diabetes or kidney disease
• Having poor oral health and cleanliness
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Consuming alcohol

 

Symptoms of Mucositis

Your current treatment plan will determine the severity of your symptoms. Symptoms range from mild discomfort in the mouth to severe cases requiring hospitalization.
Oral mucositis symptoms

When you have oral mucositis, the symptoms usually appear one week after you start chemotherapy or two weeks after you start radiation therapy. The symptoms may include:

 

• Dry mouth

• Sore mouth or mild burning sensation that can make eating and drinking uncomfortable
• Mouth ulcers
• Foul breath
• Discomfort during swallowing or talking
• Impaired sense of taste
• Fungal mouth infection (oral thrush)
• Swollen or red gums
• Pus or soft, white patches on the tongue

 

In severe cases, pain and difficulty swallowing may limit food and water intake, leading to dehydration and weight loss. A feeding tube may be operated when oral feeding is insufficient or not feasible.

Gastrointestinal mucositis symptoms

Mucositis in the gastrointestinal tract typically manifests two weeks following the initiation of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The symptoms are:

 

• Diarrhea
• Sores (ulcers) around the rectum or anus that are leaking blood
• Blood in your stool
• Constipation
• Stomach cramps and bloating

 

Treatment of Mucositis

 

Typically, treatment entails controlling symptoms while addressing any infection.

If you have mucositis in your mouth, treatment to lessen pain and other symptoms would involve:

• Popsicles, ice chips, and other cold snacks
• Topical anesthetics or pain relievers
• Allergy drugs
• Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisone.
• Lozenges
• Sprays or gels that are saliva substitutes to keep your mouth moist and prevent dry mouth

To address the mouth infection, the doctor may recommend:

 

• Brushing your teeth more often every day
• Using antibacterial mouthwash that not only cleans but also protects your mouth
• Using a gentle toothbrush to help stop bleeding gums

 

The recommended course of action for mucositis in the gastrointestinal tract will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms, which includes:

 

• Medicines to relax your gut if you have bloating or stomach pains
• Medicines to lessen discomfort and decrease gastric acid
• Measures to halt diarrhea or reduce soreness in your lower abdomen

 

Mucositis is one of the most predictable and temporary, yet challenging, side effects of cancer treatment. It can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty in eating and swallowing. If you have severe mucositis, be sure to let your healthcare provider be informed about it and request the assistance you require. Although mucositis is transient, it is not worth enduring when there is a way to prevent it. Your full recovery from cancer treatment depends on these few weeks, when you also run a serious risk of malnourishment or infection at that time. Self-care and medical care are equally crucial when you have mucositis.

 

If you have any questions related to the diagnosis and management of mucositis, you can check with our oncologist and dentist at Ask a doctor, 24x7.