What happened to Hina Khan who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer? She is in pain and is unable to eat or drink anything

What is mucositis?

Mucositis is a serious health problem that is a common complication of cancer treatment. It causes inflammation and sores in the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat or intestines. Mucositis is most common in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but it can also occur in other medical conditions.

What happens in mucositis?

Mucositis is a condition in which the mucous membranes of the body become inflamed, primarily in the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. The mucous membrane is a thin layer that protects the internal surfaces of the body. When this layer is damaged, the likelihood of infection and inflammation increases. Mucositis causes sores, wounds, and pain in the mouth, making it difficult to speak, eat, and drink.

Hina Khan’s pain spilled out

Causes of mucositis

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are intended to kill fast-growing cancer cells, but these drugs can also damage healthy cells of the mucous membranes, causing mucositis.
• Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy affects the cells of the mouth and throat area, increasing the risk of mucositis.
• Infection: Virus, bacterial or fungal infections can also lead to mucositis.
• Adverse drugs: Certain antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs can weaken the mucous membranes, causing mucositis.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially vitamin B and folate deficiencies, can aggravate mucositis.

Symptoms of mucositis

• In the early stages of mucositis, painful ulcers appear in the mouth.
• The mucous membranes become swollen, causing a burning sensation in the mouth and throat.
• In severe cases, the mucous membranes begin to bleed, which increases the risk of infection.
• There is extreme pain in eating, drinking, swallowing and speaking.
• Mucositis reduces the defense capacity of the mucous membranes, increasing the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
• If mucositis affects the gastrointestinal tract, symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and heartburn may occur.

Treatment of mucositis

There is no definite cure for mucositis, but several treatments are available to control its symptoms and prevent infection: Medications are given to reduce pain. If mucositis causes infection, antibiotics, antifungal, and antiviral medications are used. The patient is advised to drink plenty of water so that the mucous membranes remain hydrated and wounds heal quickly. Eating and drinking are difficult during mucositis, so liquid diet and supplements are given to maintain nutrients.