Actress Hina Khan is currently battling stage 3 breast cancer. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy. During this time, she keeps sharing her health updates on Instagram. Recently, she has shared through a post that she is suffering from mucositis. In this post, she told about her painful condition that due to this problem she is also having problems eating food. Through this post, she has asked people about some home remedies. In such a situation, let us first know what is mucositis and how to get rid of it.
What is mucositis
People undergoing cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy are usually at higher risk of mucositis. Mucositis occurs when the mucosa becomes inflamed. This can cause mouth sores, oral mucositis. This problem makes eating and drinking difficult.
Symptoms of mucositis
The symptoms of mucositis can vary. However, there are some common signs that can help identify this condition.
- Red, shiny, or swollen mouth and gums
- blood in the mouth
- sores in the mouth along the gums or tongue
- soreness and pain in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty swallowing or talking.
- Feeling of dryness, mild burning or pain while eating.
- White patches or pus in the mouth or on the tongue.
- Increased mucus in the mouth or thick saliva.
How to deal with mucositis
1) Maintaining good oral health can help prevent or reduce the severity of mucositis.
2) Use a soft bristle toothbrush after meals and before sleeping. If brushing causes pain, oral care swabs can be used.
3) Keep lips moist with moisturizer.
4) Avoid hot, spicy or acidic foods, alcohol, hard or coarse foods such as crusty bread, chips, crackers.
5) Increase liquid intake.
6) Try to include high protein foods in your diet.
People suggested remedies in Hina Khan’s post
- In a comment, a user said that consuming coconut water, beetroot juice, ice cream and custard can be beneficial.
- In a comment, the user has advised to brush twice a day. Along with this, gargling with soda saline can be beneficial. For this, mix 1/4 teaspoon soda, 1/8 salt in 1 glass of lukewarm water and gargle.