Introduction
One kind of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is ulcerative colitis (UC). Inflammation of the colon brought on by UC sometimes results in symptoms including bloody stools, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is crucial to get a diagnosis from a physician if mouth sores appear. If UC is the cause of the mouth sores, the doctor can diagnose the condition and, if necessary, provide a course of therapy. Learn more about mouth sores and UC in this article, along with a list of drugs that may aggravate them.
What IsUlcerative Colitis?
The chronic illness known as ulcerative colitis (UC) results in inflammation and ulcers in the colon or large intestine. With Crohn's disease (it is a long-term illness that makes the digestive tract inflamed), ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most prevalent forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis frequently results in cramping in the abdomen and bloody diarrhea. It might cause more pooping. Most UC patients go through flare-ups, or times when they have symptoms, and then longer stretches without symptoms, known as remissions.
Why Does One Get Mouth Ulcers With Ulcerative Colitis?
UC-related sores are not only found in the GI tract other than the colon and rectum; they can occur anywhere in the GI tract, including the mouth. Moreover, several ulcerative colitis drugs that cause dry mouth and mucous membrane swelling can also have the side effects of ulcerative colitis mouth ulcers. Mouth sores from ulcerative colitis and other issues can also be brought on by vitamin and mineral deficits. The body's ability to absorb nutrients from meals, such as iron and B vitamins, may be hampered by intestinal inflammation. Diarrhea is another condition that can cause nutritional loss.
What Are the Oral Manifestations Associated With Ulcerative Colitis?
1. Mouth Sores
UC-related inflammation usually harms the colon and rectal linings. Mouth sores are examples of extraintestinal symptoms, defined as sores that develop outside these regions. Aphthous stomatitis, often known as canker sores, are excruciating white or yellow lesions that develop inside the mouth on the tongue, lips, and gums. A person is more susceptible to canker sores in flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. As soon as they treat the flare, it usually heals. Additionally, ulcerative colitis patients are primarily affected by pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans, an uncommon ailment. An outbreak of skin in the groin and armpits is one of the symptoms. Moreover, one may get ulcers inside the mouth and throat that are filled with pus.
2. Dry Mouth
UC may contribute to a dry mouth. However, dry mouth is a negative effect of several medications used to treat ulcerative colitis, including corticosteroids, antidiarrheal medications, anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, and anticholinergic medications. However, some drugs that can result in dry mouth include:
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Atropine.
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Diphenoxylate.
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Loperamide.
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Metronidazole mesalamine.
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Propantheline.
3. Taste Changes
A peculiar metallic or acidic taste has been reported in the mouths of some patients with ulcerative colitis. Individuals with pancolitis (it is a type of inflammatory bowel illness) are more likely to experience this symptom. Ulcerative colitis is usually the cause of this severe inflammatory disease that involves the entire colon. A vitamin B12 shortage may cause taste alterations. A metallic taste in the mouth may be a side effect of Azathioprine, Metronidazole, and Sulfasalazine.
4. Bad Breath
Halitosis, or bad breath, is frequently the result of poor dental hygiene practices. Bad breath in people with ulcerative colitis may be caused by dry mouth. Bacteria and dead cells in the mouth are removed by saliva. When the mouth is dry, those cells accumulate. There can be an offensive breath odor after this. Elevated sulfate-reducing bacteria in the colon may cause bad breath in certain patients with ulcerative colitis. Bad breath is the result of increased levels of hydrogen sulfide gas.
5. Tongue Problems
The inflammation of the tongue is called glossitis. In ulcerative colitis, it occurs quite frequently. It could be more difficult to speak and eat when the tongue is enlarged. Usually, a lack of zinc, vitamin B12, or folate is the cause of the illness. Individuals suffering from ulcerative colitis tend to have these impairments rather frequently.
6. Angular Cheilitis
Swollen red spots develop in the outer corners and corners of the lips as a result of angular cheilitis. Those who have ulcerative colitis may occasionally be affected. Iron or vitamin B12 insufficiency is frequently the culprit in patients with ulcerative colitis. This symptom may also arise with long-term use of corticosteroid medications.
7. Pyostomatitis Vegetans
Many white or yellow pustules form inside a person's mouth as a result of an uncommon and persistent ailment called pyostomatitis vegetans (PV). If someone has UC or another kind of IBD, it may develop. Moreover, pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans (PPV) might occur in an individual. This indicates that symptoms impact the skin as well as the interior of the mouth. Pyostomatitis vegetans symptoms may go away if ulcerative colitis is treated.
What Are the Treatment Options for Treating Ulcerative Colitis Mouth Sores?
1. Reducing gastrointestinal tract inflammation and implementing an ulcerative colitis treatment plan are the initial steps toward treating ulcerative colitis, mouth sores, and other oral issues.
2. Antibodies that suppress the hyperactive immune response that results in inflammation and sores include biologics, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and aminosalicylates (5-ASAs). To help control ulcerative colitis, a doctor can assist in identifying the appropriate medication or medications.
3. During the healing process, using an antibacterial mouthwash can assist in maintaining oral hygiene. Consuming a well-balanced diet and taking multivitamins or mineral supplements can help avert nutrient deficiencies, which can help prevent ulcerative colitis and related oral health issues.
Conclusion
A person with ulcerative colitis (UC) may get mouth sores. Some examples of pyostomatitis are vegetans, canker sores, and other oral abnormalities. Certain UC drugs can also cause mouth sores. In addition, actions can be taken to promote healing or help stop them from growing. These include staying away from extremely hot food and beverages, avoiding sticky and abrasive meals, staying away from spicy and acidic foods, and maintaining consistent good oral care. The best action is to seek medical assistance if mouth sores persist for more than three weeks or if they keep occurring. In certain situations, doctors might prescribe medication to treat sores directly and suggest alterations to the current UC treatment regimen.
