What Is Mucositis, A Severe Side Effect Of Cancer Treatment That Hina Khan Has Been Diagnosed With?
Sep 06, 2024
News
At least 50-80 of those who receive chemotherapy and 80-100 of those getting whole-body radiation therapy develop mucositis
While she is battling breast cancer, actor Hina Khan revealed that she has been diagnosed with mucositis. The 36-year-old shared a post on social media and spoke about her struggle of not being able to eat anything. Hina even asked people to help her with remedies.
“Another side effect of chemotherapy is mucositis. Although I am following the doctors’ advice to treat it. If any of you have been through it or have known any useful remedies. Please suggest (folded hands emoji). It's really hard when you can't eat. It will greatly help me,” she wrote on Instagram.
What is mucositis?
Also known as the inflammation of mucosa – mucositis leads to severe pain on the protective mucous membrane that lines your entire gastrointestinal tract - from your mouth through your intestines. Mucous membranes line many cavities and canals in your body, but mucositis particularly affects those in your digestive system – especially the oral cavity.
According to doctors, it is a common side effect of many cancer treatments - including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell or bone marrow transplants.
How does mucositis affect your body?
Doctors say at least 50-80 per cent of those who receive chemotherapy and 80-100 per cent of those getting whole-body radiation therapy develop mucositis.
These treatments are designed to treat cancer cells that divide and attack normal body cells. However, since therapies cannot discriminate between the two - mucosa cells also get affected. Ordinarily, rapid cell turnover is part of what makes your mucosa the protective barrier that it is. It allows the mucous membrane to regularly refresh itself, clearing out abrasive particles and pathogens and healing quickly from injuries.
Apart from damaging the existing cells in your mucosa, mucositis also finishes off their ability to replicate themselves and heal, eliminating the protective barrier that helps you eat properly. It also makes you more vulnerable to infection.
According to experts, mucositis most commonly affects your mouth and the inner lining of your cheeks – the most sensitive parts of your body causing inflammation. It also leads to red, shiny, swollen, raw, and painful sores.
Signs and symptoms of mucositis
Apart from pain and inflammation, a few other signs and symptoms of mucositis include:
- Mouth dryness
- Painful ulcers
- Formation of extra thick saliva
- Soft white patches of pus
- Difficulty in swallowing, eating, or talking
- Mouth bleeding
- White coating of mucous
- Stomachache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Traces of blood or mucus in your poop
- Painful bowel movements
Ways to treat mucositis
Doctors say even though mucositis heals on its own after your course of cancer treatment finishes, it can cause havoc with your body. If you undergo chemotherapy, mucositis appears a week or two after the treatment starts and heals after at least six weeks. If you have radiation therapy, mucositis appears two to three weeks after beginning treatment and heals within two to four weeks after your therapy has finished.
However, during the time of treatment, to get over the symptoms, you may take:
Pain management drugs
Mucositis causes severe pain in your mouth. Even though doctors may prescribe topical agents, they do not last long or may not be able to reach all the affected areas. You may need a combination of different approaches for pain management including over-the-counter painkillers.
Mouth care
Doctors advise taking extra care of your oral health when you have mucositis - not only to reduce discomfort but also to protect it from additional irritation and infection. Even normal things like chewing, speaking, and swallowing can contribute to breaking down your weakened mucosa.
And so, make sure to eat gentle foods and products to help lubricate and coat your mouth and throat. Also, practice extra oral hygiene by brushing, rinsing, and flossing your mouth regularly.
Diet
Take care of your diet, by avoiding acidic, spicy, and crunchy foods – along with sugar and alcohol, which are abrasive and encourage bacterial and fungal overgrowth.
Hydration
Drink lots of fluids to keep your body hydrated and increase lubrication of the GI tract.
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