Aphthous stomatitis is a mucosal lesion of an infectious nature, in which ulcers form on soft tissues. They are oval in shape and covered with a whitish coating. On the periphery there is a bright red color. The disease is more common in children, but sometimes adults also 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 lot of discomfort for the patient, especially at the time of eating. In addition, emerging 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 in the oral cavity, since in this area there is a large number of pathogenic bacteria, although it can go beyond it. If hygiene is poorly observed, then soft plaque accumulates on the gums and teeth. It is he who contains pathogenic microorganisms. If the immune system is normal, then it does not allow the microflora to multiply rapidly.
Aphthous stomatitischaracterized by a certain set of symptoms, the main of which is the formation of wounds on the mucous membrane.
Reason for development
The exact causes of the development of aphthous stomatitis could not be fully clarified. However, experts have found a large number of factors contributing to the appearance of such inflammation:
- Presence of staphylococcus or measles, influenza, herpes, diphtheria viruses in the body.
- Permanent hypothermia.
- Lack of B vitamins, folic acid and selenium in the body.
- Various dental diseases.
- Mechanical damage to the oral mucosa.
- Irrational nutrition, non-compliance with the diet.
- The presence of a large number of chemicals in oral hygiene products, in particular sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Blood pathologies.
- Bad habits.
- Long-term use of NSAIDs.
- Violation of the functionality of the stomach and intestines.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Nervous exhaustion.
- Allergic reaction.
In some way, immunity decreases in women during the menstrual cycle or during the period of bearing a baby. This factor can give impetus to the development of aphthous stomatitis.
Development stages and symptoms
Aphthous stomatitis according to ICD-10 has the code K12.0. It develops gradually. The following stages of pathology can be distinguished:
- The first one is prodromal. ATduring this period, the patient develops 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 back of the head, neck, then the specialist can grope for enlarged lymph nodes. The mucous membrane of the mouth becomes dry, bright red. Inflammatory foci appear.
- The second one 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 touch to the affected area causes severe pain and discomfort. Eating is difficult as the patient is unable to even chew.
- Third - 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 are tightened, and red spots form in their place. After another 3-4 days, there is no trace 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
The forms of aphthous stomatitis are as follows:
- Fibrous. It is characterized by itching, burning, changes in body temperature, the formation of wounds that heal within 2 weeks. Such ulcers are present inside the mouth.
- Necrotic. It is caused by somatic pathologies. Contact damage causes severepain. This pathological condition lasts up to 4 weeks. Dead cells accumulate on the oral mucosa, which eventually become covered with an 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 blisters appear at the site of the lesion, which transform 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 are covered with connective tissue. Such ulcers heal for a long time - up to 3 months.
- Deforming. This type of pathology is the most severe, as it is accompanied by irreversible changes in the connective tissue lining the inside of the lips and palate. Treatment of this form of the disease is very difficult. After it, scars remain on the mucous membrane, causing discomfort.
- Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. It is characterized by a constant aggravation and attenuation of symptoms.
In addition, pathology occurs in acute and chronic forms. In the first case, ulcers appear suddenly. This form of the disease occurs in allergic people, people with gastrointestinal diseases. Aphthae have different sizes. In chronic aphthous stomatitis, ulcers appear periodically, and the symptoms are not pronounced, 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, powerlessness.
- Pain in the mouth that interferes with eating.
- Temperature increase.
- Apathy, depression.
- Decreased appetite due to pain.
- The appearance of small painful red lesions 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, eat. Regional lymph nodes increase in size.
Diagnosis
Before starting the treatment of 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 return again and again.
Diagnosis is carried out by a dentist. The main ways to determine the pathology is an external examination of the oral cavity, as well as bacterial culture of the smear. A blood test is also performed, which will detect the causative agent of the pathology. During a visit to the doctor, the person should describe the symptoms, how long ago the symptoms began. This will allow the doctor to determine the severity of the disease, its form, and also prescribe an 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 such pathologies as measles, influenza. In some cases, aphthae from the inside of the oral cavity may extend to the corners of the mouth. If at first the baby has a maximum of 3 erosions, then later 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 that lead to weakened immunity. Hypovitaminosis can also provoke the development of stomatitis.
Also, the baby's lymph nodes are enlarged, he cannot eat hot food, sour and sweet dishes. Also, children stop talking normally, as this process causes pain. The chronic form of aphthous stomatitis is typical for children older than 4 years. The main periods of exacerbation are autumn and spring, when immunity is weakened.
Features of traditional treatment of pathology
Treatment of aphthous stomatitis is carried out at home. It provides for the use of oral drugs to destroy pathogenic microflora, as well as local remedies forelimination of aft. The patient is prescribed the following medications:
- Immunomodulators: "Amiksin", "Immunal". In addition, a person will need to consume B and C vitamins, folic acid, and riboflavin. These funds will increase the body's resistance to infections.
- Antihistminal drugs 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. Here, drugs are needed that have a different focus of action: antiseptics (potassium permanganate solution, Miramistin, hydrogen peroxide), rinsing the mouth or spraying it with disinfectants: Lugol's solution, Hexoral, antifungal agents ("Dekamin"). Since the acute form of stomatitis is accompanied by pain, the affected tissues are irrigated with Lidochlor or Anestezin before eating. For wound healing, "Solcoseryl", "Actovegin" is required.
- To cleanse the body of toxins, you must use a solution of sodium thiosulfate.
If the patient's stomatitis is characterized by frequent relapses, then during the exacerbation it is necessary to treat the oral cavity with such means: Oracept, Tantum Verde.
Treatment of aphthous stomatitis involves diet. The patient should not eat s alty and sour foods, solid food. It is better to eat grated cream soups,steamed vegetables, liquid cereals. Foods that cause an allergic reaction 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. The following recipes will be useful:
- Rosehip or sea buckthorn oil. Aphthas are processed with this tool up to 4 times every day.
- Decoction of chamomile, calendula, cinquefoil or St. John's wort for rinsing. These herbs have an antiseptic and wound healing effect.
- Rinsing 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 affected areas.
- Propolis tincture. Before treatment, it is better 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 on low heat. Rinse your mouth with this remedy up to 5 times a day.
Folk remedies for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis in adults (the photo will show the symptoms of the disease) are not a panacea. However, their use in complex therapy will allow you to achieve a positive result faster.
Possible complications and disease prevention
Aphthous stomatitis in adults, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications. The patient's teeth begin to fall out, the gums bleed, and a secondary infection joins. Also, the patient develops hoarseness of voice, 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 yet such a disease delivers not only physical pain, but also psychological discomfort.
To protect yourself from aphthous stomatitis, you must follow the following preventive measures:
- Regularly ventilate the room and do wet cleaning in it.
- Stay outdoors and strengthen immunity through vitamins and proper nutrition.
- Hardening procedures will be useful.
- Brush your teeth regularly.
- Additionally, to destroy pathogenic microflora, you can use antiseptic rinses.
- Observe the rules of personal hygiene. Washing hands, vegetables and fruits, sufficient sanitization of meat and fish products will prevent pathogenic microorganisms from entering the body.
- Timely treat dental pathologies, as well as infectious diseases that contribute to a decrease in defenses.
With proper treatment, aphthae can last for 5 days, but you should not engage in self-therapy. First you need to find out the reason for the developmentpathology and eliminate it.
