Aphthous stomatitis is a lesion of an infectious mucosa in which ulcers form on soft tissues. They are oval and covered with a whitish bloom. On the periphery, a bright red color is observed. More often the disease occurs in children, but adults also sometimes suffer.
What is a disease?
Aphthous stomatitis in adults is much less common than in children. The formation of wounds in the oral cavity is accompanied by a mass of uncomfortable sensations of the patient, especially at the time of eating. In addition, the resulting neoplasms are accompanied by a change in the size of the lymph nodes and, in rare cases, an increase in body temperature.
The inflammatory process is localized precisely in the oral cavity, since a large number of pathogenic bacteria are present in this area, although it can go beyond it. If hygiene is poorly maintained, then a soft coating accumulates on the gums and teeth. It contains pathogenic microorganisms. If immunity is normal, then it does not allow microflora to multiply rapidly.
Aphthous stomatitis has a specific set of symptoms, the main of which is the formation of wounds on the mucous membrane.
Development reasons
The exact reasons for the development of aphthous stomatitis to the end could not be determined. However, experts have found a large number of factors contributing to the appearance of such inflammation:
- The presence in the body of staphylococcus or measles, influenza, herpes, diphtheria viruses.
- Permanent hypothermia.
- The lack of B vitamins, folic acid and selenium in the body.
- Various dental diseases.
- Mechanical damage to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.
- Poor nutrition, non-observance of food intake.
- The presence of a large number of chemicals in oral hygiene products, in particular sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Blood pathology.
- Bad habits.
- Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Violation of the functionality of the stomach and intestines.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Nervous overwork.
- Allergic reaction.
In some ways, immunity decreases in women during the menstrual cycle or during the period of bearing the baby. This factor can give impetus to the development of aphthous stomatitis.
Developmental stages and symptoms
Aphthous stomatitis according to ICD-10 has a code of K12.0. It develops gradually. The following stages of pathology can be distinguished:
- The first is prodromal. During this period, the patient has a headache, sweating becomes stronger. There is a change in temperature, which can rise to 39 degrees. The patient feels chills, severe fatigue, apathy. If you press on the neck, neck, then a specialist can grope for enlarged lymph nodes. The mucous membrane of the mouth becomes dry, bright red. Inflammatory foci appear.
- The second is aphthous. This stage is characterized by the appearance of small ulcers, on the surface of which a light gray coating appears. Most often, they can be found on the tonsils, the inside of the lips and cheeks. Any contact with the affected area causes severe pain and discomfort. Eating is difficult, since the patient is not even able to chew.
- The third is healing. This stage occurs a week after the onset of the disease. As soon as the acute stage is completed, the films that cover the ulcers are removed on their own. The sores tighten, and red spots form in their place. After another 3-4 days, there is no trace left of the wounds. The process of eating is normalized, and the discomfort goes away.
After the final recovery of the oral cavity, no scars remain, unless the form of the pathology was deforming.
Forms of pathology
Forms of aphthous stomatitis are as follows:
- Fibrous It is characterized by itching, burning, changes in body temperature, the formation of wounds that heal for 2 weeks. Such ulcers are present inside the oral cavity.
- Necrotic. It is caused by somatic pathologies. Contact injuries cause severe pain. This pathological condition lasts up to 4 weeks. Dead cells accumulate on the oral mucosa, which eventually become covered by the epithelial layer.
- Granular. The reason for the development of such aphthous stomatitis in adults is the problem of the functionality of the ducts of the salivary glands. First, small vesicles appear at the site of the lesion, which are transformed into aphthae, healing up to 20 days.
- Scarring. This form develops with improper therapy of aphthous stomatitis in children and adults. In this case, the size of the wounds increases to 1.5 cm. Over time, they become covered with connective tissue. Such ulcers heal for a long time - up to 3 months.
- Deforming. This type of pathology is the most difficult, as it is accompanied by irreversible changes in the connective tissue lining the inner part of the lips, palate. The treatment of this form of the disease is very complicated. After it, scars remain on the mucous membrane, causing discomfort.
- Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. It is characterized by a constant exacerbation and attenuation of symptoms.
In addition, pathology occurs in acute and chronic form. In the first case, ulcers appear suddenly. This form of the disease is found in allergy sufferers, people with gastrointestinal diseases. Aphthae have various sizes. In chronic aphthous stomatitis, ulcers appear periodically, and the symptoms are mild, but the manifestations are also quite strong. It occurs with a decrease in immunity and is characterized by prolonged healing of wounds.
Symptoms of pathology
Symptoms of aphthous stomatitis in acute form are as follows:
- General weakness, impotence.
- Pain in the mouth that interferes with eating.
- Temperature rise.
- Apathy, depression.
- Decreased appetite due to pain.
- The appearance of small painful red foci in the mouth, the size of which does not exceed 5 mm.
In the chronic form of pathology, ulcers heal more slowly, the pathology periodically worsens. During this period, the oral mucosa is very sensitive, there is a burning sensation, itching, pain. The patient cannot brush his teeth normally, it is difficult for him to talk, to eat. Regional lymph nodes increase in size.
Diagnostics
Before starting treatment for aphthous stomatitis (the photo can be seen in the article), it is necessary to undergo an examination and determine the type of pathology, as well as the cause of its occurrence. If it is not eliminated, then the symptoms will come back again and again.
Diagnosis is carried out by the dentist. The main methods for determining pathology is an external examination of the oral cavity, as well as bacterial smear culture. A blood test is also performed, which will detect the pathogen. During a visit to a doctor, a person should describe the symptoms, how long have the symptoms appeared. This will allow the doctor to establish the severity of the disease, its form, as well as prescribe effective treatment.
Features of the development of pathology in children
Aphthous stomatitis in children (treatment is prescribed only after a thorough diagnosis) is a very common pathology. It is caused by pathogenic microorganisms: staphylococci, streptococci. The main symptom of the disease is a rash on the oral mucosa, which eventually transforms into small ulcers.
Stomatitis can be a complication of pathologies such as measles and flu. In some cases, aphthae from the inside of the oral cavity can extend to the corners of the mouth. If at first the baby has a maximum of 3 erosions, then subsequently their number can increase to 10.
In a child, stomatitis is accompanied by increased salivation, loss of appetite, changes in body temperature, irritability. Most often in children, such a disease develops as a result of infectious processes leading to a weakening of immunity. Hypovitaminosis can also trigger the development of stomatitis.
Also, the baby's lymph nodes increase, he can not eat hot food, sour and sweet dishes. Also, children stop talking normally, as this process is painful. The chronic form of aphthous stomatitis is characteristic of children older than 4 years. The main periods of exacerbation are autumn and spring, when the immune system is weakened.
Features of the traditional treatment of pathology
Treatment of aphthous stomatitis is carried out at home. It provides for the use of oral medications to destroy pathogenic microflora, as well as local remedies for eliminating aphthae. The following drugs are prescribed to the patient:
- Immunomodulators: Amiksin, Immunal. In addition, a person will need to use B and C vitamins, folic acid, as well as riboflavin. These funds will increase the body's resistance to infections.
- Antihistamines that reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction: Tavegil.
- Local funds. They eliminate the symptoms of pathology: pain, swelling, restore the normal microflora of the oral cavity. It requires medicines with different directions of action: antiseptics (potassium permanganate solution, Miramistin, hydrogen peroxide), rinsing the mouth or spraying it with disinfectants: Lugol's solution, Hexoral, antifungal agents (Decamine). Since the acute form of stomatitis is accompanied by a pain syndrome, the affected tissues are irrigated with Lidochlor or Anestezin before meals. For wound healing requires "Solcoseryl", "Actovegin".
- To cleanse the body of toxins, it is necessary to use a solution of sodium thiosulfate.
If the patient’s stomatitis is characterized by frequent relapses, then for the period of exacerbation, it is necessary to treat the oral cavity with the following means: Orasept, Tantum Verde.
Treatment of aphthous stomatitis involves dieting. The patient should not eat salty and sour foods, solid foods. It is better to eat grated cream soups, steamed vegetables, liquid cereals. Allergic foods are excluded from the menu. As for drinks, the patient is recommended plain water, unsweetened compotes, tea without sugar.
Folk recipes
Aphthous stomatitis can be treated not only with medication, but also with folk remedies. However, this step must be agreed with the attending physician. Such recipes will be useful:
- Rosehip or sea buckthorn oil. Aphthae with this tool is processed every day up to 4 times.
- A decoction of chamomile, calendula, cinquefoil or hypericum for rinsing. These herbs have an antiseptic and wound healing effect.
- Rinse the mouth with alcohol tinctures of herbs. For the procedure, it is necessary to dissolve 20 drops in 0.5 cups of water.
- Fresh aloe juice. It can be applied directly to the affected areas.
- Propolis tincture. Before treatment, it is best to rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide diluted in water.
- Medicinal mixture of herbs: 3 parts of chamomile, sage and mint, 1 part of fennel fruit is poured into 100 ml of water and boiled for about 25 minutes over low heat. To rinse the oral cavity with such a tool is necessary up to 5 times a day.
Folk remedies for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis in adults (a photo will show the symptoms of the disease) are not a panacea. However, their use in complex therapy will allow to achieve a positive result faster.
Possible complications and disease prevention
Aphthous stomatitis in adults, if untreated, can cause serious complications. The patient begins to lose teeth, bleeding gums, a secondary infection joins. Also, the patient develops hoarseness, laryngitis. Over time, the infection can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
In children with stomatitis, tooth enamel is destroyed faster, immunity drops. The child in this case becomes susceptible to various infectious pathologies. And also such a disease causes not only physical pain, but also psychological discomfort.
To protect against aphthous stomatitis, it is necessary to observe the following preventive measures:
- Ventilate the room regularly and do wet cleaning in it.
- Walk in the fresh air, as well as strengthen immunity through vitamins and proper nutrition.
- Tempering procedures will be helpful.
- Brush your teeth regularly.
- Additionally, for the destruction of pathogenic microflora, you can use antiseptic rinses.
- Observe personal hygiene. Washing hands, vegetables and fruits, and adequate sanitation of meat and fish products will prevent the entry of pathogenic microorganisms into the body.
- Timely treat dental pathologies, as well as infectious diseases that contribute to a decrease in protective forces.
With proper treatment, aphthae can drag on for 5 days, but self-therapy is not worth it. First you need to find out the cause of the development of pathology and eliminate it.