Aphthous stomatitis
Stomatitis is a disease of the oral mucosa. Until now, scientists have not come to a consensus about what exactly is the mechanism of occurrence of various forms of stomatitis. According to one of the popular versions, it is believed that aphthous stomatitis is a kind of reaction of the immune system to various stimulus molecules that it cannot recognize.
In addition, some local factors are attributed to one of the causes of aphthous stomatitis:
- dental disease;
- insufficient oral hygiene,
- dental deposits,
- the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, colitis, etc.).
Aphthous stomatitis, as a rule, is accompanied by painful swelling of the oral mucosa, which is covered with a yellowish or white bloom. There is increased salivation (hypersalivation), bad breath and, in some cases, bleeding of the gums.
Aphthous stomatitis is a chronic disease of the oral mucosa. It is characterized by the appearance of multiple or single aft. The shape of the aft is usually round or oval with a characteristic red border and a bloom of gray-yellow in the center of the aft.
Aphtha is a slight ulceration of the mucosal surface, most often the oral cavity. Aphthae can develop as an independent disease (in children) or as a complication of another acute gastrointestinal or infectious disease (influenza, foot and mouth disease, etc.)
Typical symptoms of aphthous stomatitis
Aphthous stomatitis that occurs in the oral cavity is accompanied by:
- profuse salivation;
- swelling and redness of the mucous membrane, clearly identified limited ulcers (separate, group and combined into foci) are visible. By localization, aphthae can be located on the palate, walls of the pharynx, tongue, gums, lips, on the inner surface of the cheeks;
- difficulty in chewing and speaking due to the arising pain;
- inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes against the background of a general increase in body temperature
- drowsiness, irritability, loss of appetite;
- fever, vomiting after meals, and constipation (acute aphthous stomatitis)
- bad breath
Etiology (causes) of aphthous stomatitis
As mentioned above, there is no single concept that determines the mechanisms that cause aphthous stomatitis. But as a result of systematic observations and research, the most characteristic causes of the development of the disease have been identified. These include:
- causative agents of infectious diseases - bacteria and viruses;
- non-systematic and ineffective oral hygiene;
- thermal (burns with hot food) or mechanical (blows, scratches) damage to the oral mucosa;
- poorly executed or incorrectly installed dentures, resulting in damage to the mucous membrane in the area of the prosthesis;
- hormonal fluctuations in the body that occur during puberty or pregnancy;
- the presence of malignant tumors in the neck or nasopharynx;
- the body's reaction to the chemotherapy procedures performed;
- seasonal vitamin deficiency or a lack of useful microelements (iron) in the body;
- severe dehydration or blood loss due to trauma, diarrhea, vomiting, prolonged high body temperature, inadequate water intake, or excessive urine output;
- the use of drugs that reduce salivation;
- bad habits in the form of alcohol abuse and smoking
Given the fact that the child's body is more susceptible to infection, and aphthous stomatitis is a contagious disease, one can add to the common causes of aphthous stomatitis in children the tendency of some babies to allergies, kidney disease, blood, metabolic disorders, and poor nutrition. An important role is played by the presence of stressful situations in a child's life.
Diagnosis of aphthous stomatitis
There are no specific tests yet for detecting aphthous stomatitis. As a rule, the general state of health of the patient is studied first. The main symptom of the disease is external manifestations in the form of ulcers, and the fact that aphthous stomatitis, the treatment of which is prescribed by a doctor, can also proceed in a latent form.
Aphthous stomatitis in children
Aphthous stomatitis in children has the same etiology and symptoms as in adults. The only difference is that it occurs more often in children under the age of 4 years. Due to the reduced immunological reactivity in children, chronic aphthous stomatitis, which is characterized by periodic exacerbations, may occur. The most common cause of recurrent aphthous stomatitis is complications after infectious diseases (tonsillitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis), as well as climate change, etc.
Chronic recurrent aphthous stomatitis has two clinical forms of the disease - mild and severe, the so-called. Setton's aphthous disease (deeply scarring aphthae).
Aphthous stomatitis - treatment and prevention
When the first symptoms of aphthous stomatitis appear, an urgent visit to a doctor is necessary. For children, a local pediatrician is called, and adults need to contact a dentist or therapist.
Although there are traditional methods of treating aphthous stomatitis with herbs, it is more expedient to attribute them to preventive measures for chronic aphthous stomatitis. In any case, examination and medical advice are necessary.
Treatment for aphthous stomatitis includes therapy with antiviral and antifungal drugs. During treatment, a gentle diet and frequent rinsing of the mouth are practiced, both with antiseptics and with a decoction of herbs - chamomile or calendula.
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The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
