Mucositis and mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers often develop as a side effect from many types of chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to the mouth or oral cavity region..  The medical term for this is oral mucositis.  It is caused by the inflammation and breakdown of the “mucosa”, a lining of special tissue that goes from the inside of your mouth, down your throat into the esophagus, and into the other parts of the gastrointestinal system.

Oral mucositis can be very frustrating.  In addition to mouth ulcers, there can be a burning sensation in the mouth.  It can make things uncomfortable to eat or drink.

Mucositis improves after the treatments finish.  However, in the meantime, there are some things that can help:

• MBX solution–  MBX solution is a liquid consisting of a mixture of Maalox, Benadryl, and Xylocaine.  It’s also called “miracle mouthwash”.  Your doctor may prescribe this to help alleviate the burning and painful feelings from mucositis.  It often helps if it is taken before eating food.
• Mouth coating therapies–  There are a number of preparations that are designed to coat the mouth to help coat the broken surfaces of the mucosa.  Some of them include Gelclair, Caphasol, and Episil.  Some patients have found these to be of some help as well.
• Pain medication–  If the pain becomes beyond the point where local preparations like the above can control the pain, then pain medication may be needed.  Narcotic pain medication will require a doctor’s prescription.

Others have found some simple home remedies such as a warm salt water rinse or a tablespoon of honey to help as well.

Above all, please keep your doctor informed about any pain or mucositis you are experiencing, and how you are managing it.

Do you have any other suggestions that you’ve found helpful for mucositis?  Feel free to pass on your experiences below.