Stomatitis after chemotherapy: how to minimize risks and how to cure?

Just like hair loss - alopecia, and other depressing psyche and complicating the life of the patient phenomenon, stomatitis after chemotherapy - the condition is quite ordinary. For the use of chemotherapy drugs not only radically suppress the activity of cancer cells, but also seriously undermines immunity, the basis of which is strict compliance with the laws of the course of metabolic processes in the cell.

Because microbes also have a cellular structure, the effect of chemotherapy also extends to them, dramatically reducing the initial metabolic rate of these unicellular creatures. But in view of the simplicity of the structure, which is incomparable with the cellular organization of man, microorganisms easily tolerate the overwhelming effect and continue their primitive life, which was interrupted in a half-step by a "chemical attack".

And while in the "macro" format the human body recovered for a long time and hard from the biochemical mutilations inflicted on it, the buoyant microbial flora hurries to expand its holdings both in breadth and in depth. Given that the most persistent and indestructible of its representatives have long and firmly established in the oral cavity, in this most easily accessible place for observation, their activity is most noticeable.

And one of the manifestations of such destructive activity is stomatitis. Especially stomatitis, which develops after chemotherapy.

On the risk group

The most at risk of stomatitis in face chemotherapy:

• with foci of chronic infection in the oral cavity organs, as well as adjacent to it areas( in the tonsils, nasopharynx, nasal cavity, pharynx);
• not burdening themselves with the performance of debt to the organs of the oral cavity - not observing the laws of hygiene;
• suffering from exhausting diseases of any etiology( whether it's mental pathology or diabetes, blood disease or hypovitaminosis);
• "abusive patience" of the oral mucosa gourmets - fans of very hot drinks and fans of creating contrasts of temperature in the process of eating;
• smoking and drinking alcohol is not for treatment;
• previously had a course of radiation therapy.

Due to the weakening of the mucous membranes, the effect of all these factors, the probability of developing stomatitis in this category of patients after the chemotherapy is maximum.

For, if some factors weaken the overall level of body protection( immunity), then others reduce the degree of local resistance to adverse factors, specifically - from the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, preventing the processes of dividing epithelial cells and delaying their full maturation.

Measures to reduce the risks of

To avoid the possibility of stomatitis with the onset of chemotherapy, several tips should be followed:

• should consult a dentist immediately who will assess the condition of the oral cavity, perform diagnostic tests to identify and make the necessary manipulations to heal problem areas,prevention of the onset of the disease;
• the reference to the stomatologist should be obligatory at detection of any signs of damage or changes in a condition of mucous membranes, revealed at independent inspection;
• will help methodical cleaning of teeth after each meal using a soft brush and antiseptic paste with fluorine-containing ingredients in the composition, as well as antiseptic products for rinsing( including herbal);
• use of hygienic lipstick will prevent the drying of mucous membranes with the subsequent appearance of cracks.

Preventive measures after the course of treatment

Taking into account the decrease in the protective properties of the oral mucosa and their propensity for damage after the chemical exposure session, the following measures should be taken to prevent the development of stomatitis:

1. Mechanical denture of the oral cavity is mandatory. This means avoiding unnecessary manipulation, including, with a toothbrush, thread, toothpicks and other hygiene items."Excessive" does not mean completely refusing to use them - hygienic requirements must be met, only caution is necessary when performing the necessary manipulations. The smallest traumatic effect is provided by an electric toothbrush with a low speed of rotation and soft bristles. It is necessary to exclude from the diet of rough food, sharp and burning dishes, excessively irritating mucous or causing pain of eating.
2. Should avoid exposure to high or low temperature mucosa , food should be warm.
3. We need a diet consisting of easily digested food : yoghurt-curd, soft cereals, puree from vegetables, with a sharp reduction in bread or a failure of it.
4. The abundance of neutral fluid( with a clean water volume of at least 2 liters / day), with the exception of highly carbonated media, promotes adequate moistening of the oral cavity, so welcome.
5. The cauterizing effect of tobacco resins, as well as the vasoconstrictor effect of nicotine, adversely affect the epithelium of the oral cavity, therefore should be abandoned by smoking before the start of chemotherapy. The same applies to drinking alcohol.

If treatment is not avoided

It should be especially emphasized that the treatment of stomatitis that developed after chemotherapy should be strictly professional - performed by a dentist with categorical performance of the patient's recommendations, but with mandatory consultation if necessary with a specialist oncologist.

Visiting the dentist's office with mandatory examinations is an obligatory component of the course of treatment.

In addition to using special medications prescribed by an oncologist, the dentist may be offered the use of:

• analgesics( lidocaine, benzocaine);
• antihistamines;
• sprays and rinse products( Miramistine, Chlorhexidine);
• healing compositions;
• vitamins and biologically active agents( in consultation with an oncologist and with strict control of blood tests);
• physiotherapy procedures.

At home, in addition to the above recommendations on diet and oral hygiene, it is advisable to use the means and methods of traditional medicine coordinated with the dentist: decoctions of herbs-antiseptics( marigolds, chamomiles), decoction of oak bark and similar means.

They can be replaced by using the substances in each house: soda and table salt, weak solutions of which have a disinfectant and wound cleansing effect. Or to use preparations in easily resolving pastilles: Sepptelet, Pharyngosept.

As healing substances suitable for vitamin E( Aevit) and sea buckthorn oil.

As a distracting and moisture saturating agent, an ice cube taken from a refrigerator can be applied.

On the possible consequences of

Stomatitis in a neglected form with the transition to the ulcerative-necrotic stage can cause numerous purulent complications not only on a local scale, but also involve the nearest and subsequently distant lymph nodes in the process, which threatens with serious consequences for the organism.

Therefore, strict monitoring of the blood condition is a prerequisite for the treatment of cancer at any stage.