Inflammation of the mucous membranes

A Inflammation of the mucous membrane (mucositis) can occur in the oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract. It is caused by infections or occurs as a side effect of cancer treatment. Surgical intervention is not necessary to treat the disease; the symptoms can be alleviated with medication or natural remedies.

What is mucosal inflammation?

The mucous membrane, technically called the mucosa, has an important protective function. Thanks to nozzle secretions, the mucous membrane keeps the top layer of the hollow organs moist.

There are mucous membranes in the mouth and throat area, in the gastrointestinal area and in the airways.

A Inflammation of the mucous membranes is an unpleasant, possibly very painful disease.

causes

A Inflammation of the mucous membranes can have different causes. It can be triggered by various diseases. A urinary tract infection, an infection of the gastrointestinal tract or an infection of the airways can lead to an inflammation of the mucous membranes.

It can also occur as a result of cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In fact, inflammation of the mucous membranes is one of the most common side effects of cancer therapies. The main complication of chemotherapy is inflammation of the oral mucosa, but the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, blood vessels or heart can also be affected.

Since the mucous membrane cells naturally divide very quickly - just like the cells of a tumor against which chemotherapy is used - the therapeutic agents also attack the healthy mucous membrane cells. Inflammation of the mucous membranes can not only be triggered by diseases or cancer therapies. Inflammation of the gastric mucosa can also be caused by medication, stress or alcohol.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

Inflammation of the mucous membranes manifests itself through various symptoms, depending on the location. An inflammation of the stomach lining causes mild stomach pain, which gets worse as the disease progresses. This is accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. Heartburn can also develop as a result of the constant irritation.

If the mucosal inflammation is treated early, long-term health effects can usually be avoided. If there is no or inadequate treatment, there is a risk that the inflammation will develop into chronic gastritis. An inflammation of the oral mucosa initially manifests itself as bad breath, usually associated with a general feeling of illness and fever.

Small, painful spots can form on the lining of the mouth.In children and people with a weakened immune system, oral thrush often forms in which the mucous membrane is covered with a white, sour-smelling coating. In addition, general symptoms such as pain, itching or bleeding occur.

In addition, increased salivation can be observed. The inflammation can affect the entire oral cavity or be limited to certain areas. An inflammation of the intestinal mucosa causes diarrhea and abdominal pain, but also bleeding and cardiovascular problems. A chronic illness can lead to permanent damage to the gastrointestinal tract and is often also associated with abscesses.

Diagnosis & course

The symptoms of a Inflammation of the mucous membranes have different manifestations depending on the degree of inflammation. In addition to redness and swelling, in severe cases ulcers and bleeding of the mucous membrane can occur.

When the lining of the gastrointestinal tract is inflamed, the two most common symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms of inflammation of the stomach lining are loss of appetite and a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen. The diagnosis of inflammation of the mucous membranes is made by the attending physician, who first asks the patient about their symptoms. The interview is followed by a physical examination of the patient. Depending on the location, this examination is carried out in different ways.

The examination method for an inflammation of the oral mucosa includes the laboratory examination of a mouth swab. In the case of gastric mucosal inflammation, ultrasound and X-ray examinations, in addition to palpation of the abdomen, help to make the diagnosis. In some cases a blood test will be done. A gastroscopy in the interest of an accurate diagnosis is also not uncommon.

If a uterine or vaginal lining is suspected, a smear is taken, which is also examined in the laboratory. When making a diagnosis, it is important to determine the severity of the inflammation in order to provide the right therapy. Timely treatment is of course essential in order to avoid possible secondary diseases.

Complications

Depending on where it occurs, mucosal inflammation can cause various complications. Inflammation of the stomach lining can develop into a chronic disease. Chronic gastritis type A carries an increased risk of stomach cancer. In addition, so-called carcinoids are increasingly formed in the stomach. Chronic gastritis type B can promote the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

The rare MALT lymphomas, malignant growths of lymphoid tissue, also occur mainly after type B gastric mucosal inflammation. Chronic gastritis type C also increases the risk of stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Inflammation of the mucous membrane in the mouth and throat or in the urinary tract can promote inflammation and infections. Here, too, an increased risk of tumor formation is suspected.

When treating an inflammation of the mucous membranes, the risks come mainly from the drugs prescribed. Antipyretic and pain relievers can cause gastrointestinal complaints, headaches, body aches and a number of other ailments. Allergic reactions are also not unlikely after taking appropriate medication. The same applies to the intake of medicinal herbs such as aloe vera, arnica or chamomile. In the worst case, these can aggravate the inflammation of the mucous membranes.

When should you go to the doctor?

Inflammation of the mucous membranes should always be treated by a doctor. This can lead to serious complications and other complaints if the disease is left untreated. Therefore, an early diagnosis with early treatment has a positive effect on the further course of the mucosal inflammation. A doctor should be consulted if the person concerned has severe pain in the stomach. There is also loss of appetite and continued diarrhea or vomiting.

Many patients also suffer from heartburn when the mucous membrane is inflamed. If these symptoms occur, a doctor must be consulted. A doctor should also be consulted if there is a strong bad breath or a high fever. A pronounced flow of saliva can indicate an inflammation of the mucous membrane in the mouth and must also be treated by a doctor. Furthermore, the person concerned should also consult a doctor if there is severe pain in the abdomen.

If the mucous membrane is inflamed, an internist or a general practitioner can be consulted. Further treatment is then usually carried out by a specialist.

Treatment & Therapy

Thanks to the achievements of modern medicine, one can Inflammation of the mucous membranes treated with medication or alternative therapies. This means that surgery is not necessary. The therapy proposal differs depending on the location of the inflammation of the mucous membranes.

In the case of inflammation of the oral mucosa, pain relievers and antipyretic agents, for example in the form of mouth rinses, can be administered according to the doctor's suggestion. There are agents that achieve their analgesic effect by forming a protective film on the mucous membrane. Natural substances are also available for treatment.

Medicinal herbs such as aloe vera, arnica, comfrey, chamomile, clove root and thyme can alleviate the symptoms associated with inflammation of the mucous membrane. These herbs can be used in the form of tea, ointment, or a bath. The Schüssler salt Kalium sulfuricum (potassium sulfate) also helps with inflammation of the mucous membranes.

prevention

To prevent a Inflammation of the mucous membranes it is generally recommended to sufficiently strengthen the immune system. Since a strong immune system depends on a healthy intestinal flora, it should be supported by a balanced diet. Regular oral care and oral hygiene play an important role in preventing inflammation of the oral mucosa. In addition, you have to refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption during the oral mucosal inflammation, as both could lead to further irritation.

Aftercare

Follow-up care depends on how severely and where the mucous membranes are inflamed. The cause of the inflammation also determines the type of follow-up. Inflammation is always associated with pain. Follow-up treatments for mucosal inflammation are primarily aimed at relieving the symptoms.

In addition to pain, this also includes redness and swelling. The medium-term goal is the complete healing of the affected mucous membranes. If the throat area is affected by the inflammation, the patient experiences the symptoms particularly intensely when eating. Swallowing the food is often felt to be burning. In addition to pain relief through medication, avoiding hot, sour or spicy food is part of the independent aftercare.

Chronic irritation of the mucous membranes in the esophagus or on the inside of the stomach can develop into malignant changes. During regular follow-up care, the mucous membrane is checked for growths. The doctor takes a tissue sample (biopsy) and checks its condition. If an acute inflammation of the mucous membranes has healed after appropriate treatment, there is usually no need for further follow-up care.

You can do that yourself

Those affected by inflammation of the mucous membranes can greatly simplify everyday life with the disease with a few helpful tips and tricks.

In order to protect the mucous membrane, spicy or spicy foods should be avoided. In addition, it is important that you do not necessarily drink carbonated beverages, as this can irritate the mucous membrane and lead to worse injuries. Some home remedies, such as chamomile tea, sage, lukewarm soups, or even healing herbs can help reduce the symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membranes. Especially when it comes to nutrition, low-acid and gentle foods such as rice, potatoes, quark and unsweetened yogurts should be consumed.

A hot bath and a little relaxation or a walk in the fresh air can make everyday life much easier if you have inflammation of the mucous membranes. Stress and anger just make the inflammation worse and make the discomfort, instead of better, much worse. If these helpful tips & tricks are followed in everyday life, you no longer stand in the way of your own self-help in everyday life.