Catarrhal stomatitis: symptoms and treatment

Stomatitis implies a painful inflammation of the oral mucosa, which later manifests itself in various kinds of eruptions. It can be sores, aphthae, erosions or pustules. If the disease is not accompanied by such symptoms, it is often a question of its catarrhal form. How is it different from others? Do I need to treat it? With these questions, we will try to understand the current article.

Description of the disease

The oral cavity of the person is the place of primary neutralization and initial processing of food. The role of a protective barrier is played by the salivary glands. The secret given by them prevents infection of the mucosa. Disease-causing bacteria constantly enter the oral cavity together with food, air or water. Against the background of a decrease in the protective properties of saliva, infection occurs. This is how catarrhal stomatitis develops.

For this disease is characterized by pronounced inflammation of the mucous tissues of the mouth with the release of serous exudate. Foci of lesion can be localized both on the entire area of the cavity, and in its separate areas: gums, tongue, sky. The pathological process usually lasts no more than 10 days. Properly selected therapy leads to a rapid recovery. The absence of treatment often ends with the transformation of the ailment into a chronic form.

The causes of stomatitis in adults and children

The underlying factor in the development of the disease is poor oral hygiene. As a result, favorable conditions for the vital activity of pathogenic flora are formed on its mucous membranes. Bacteria provoke the development of various diseases, one of which is catarrhal stomatitis.

Its occurrence may be due to other reasons. They can be divided into 4 conditional groups:

• Infectious. Adenovirus or influenza are the main sources of infection. Also, the development of stomatitis is affected by more serious diseases. Among them, it should be noted measles, chicken pox, pneumonia.
• Traumatic. This group includes damage to the oral cavity of a mechanical, thermal or chemical nature.

• Specific. The development of stomatitis can be preceded by pathologies such as syphilis and tuberculosis.
• Symptomatic. This form of the disease is often a complication of chronic ailments, in which the endocrine, gastrointestinal or circulatory system suffers.

In infants, stomatitis catarrhal is most often diagnosed with teething.

The first manifestations of the disease

The main symptom of the disease is pronounced edema of the oral mucosa. In this case, there may be impressions of the dentition in the region of the cheeks. Sometimes patients complain of bleeding gums, the appearance of bad breath. The foci of inflammation eventually become covered with a white or grayish coating. At the initial stage of the pathological process, pain can be felt during a conversation or chewing food. With a complicated course, this discomfort accompanies the patient constantly.

What other symptoms does catarrhal stomatitis have? In young children, the ailment is manifested by a worsening of appetite, capriciousness. Body temperature is maintained at subfebrile elevations. If the disease is acute, all its signs develop rapidly and have a pronounced form. With a chronic variant, the symptoms are slow.

Methods of diagnosis

Ignore the symptoms of the disease can not. If you suspect catarrhal stomatitis, you should immediately contact a doctor. An experienced doctor will not easily diagnose the inflammatory process. For this it is enough to conduct a physical examination. To determine the cause of swelling, you will need to take a swab from the oral mucosa. If, after studying the material in the laboratory, a preliminary diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor prescribes therapy.

It should be noted that independent treatment or ignoring the symptoms of pathology is highly undesirable. If at the initial stage not to take the necessary measures, the disease can go to the next stage with a complicated course. Possible negative effects of catarrhal stomatitis are discussed below.

What is the danger of ailment?

In most cases, there is a favorable prognosis for catarrhal stomatitis. Treatment, conducted in a timely manner, guarantees full recovery in 10 days. Unfortunately, not all people approach the issue of therapy thoroughly. Disregard for one's own health sometimes results in the transition of the disease to a chronic stage. In this case, longer treatment is required.

Also, such patients often observe attachment to the pathology of a secondary bacterial infection. The presence of inflammation in the body can lead to diseases of the gums and teeth (periodontitis, caries, gingivitis). In neglected cases, pathogenic microbes penetrate into the deeper layers of soft tissues. As a result, the structure of the bone changes.

Principles of treatment of small patients

Children have a very good catarrhal stomatitis. Photos of the first signs of the pathological process can be seen in specialized reference books. Therefore, even independent diagnosis of the disease does not cause difficulties. However, the therapy should appoint a doctor, because not all drugs are suitable for small patients.

To eliminate the inflammatory process, ointments and solutions with a pronounced antiseptic, antimicrobial effect are usually recommended. The main therapy consists in regular rinsing of the oral cavity and treatment of pathological foci with special preparations. In the first case, designate "Miramistin" or "Chlorhexidine".

For the treatment of the mucosa recommended the following drugs:

• "Hexaliz".
• "Tantum Verde."
• Hydrogen peroxide.
• "Trypsin."
• "Calgel".

When the disease is accompanied by severe pain discomfort, use short-term applications lidocaine or benzocaine.

Catarrhal stomatitis in infants is often accompanied by fever. In this case, small patients are shown a plentiful drink. If the temperature does not decrease, you need to give an antipyretic medicine. The most safe and at the same time effective is Paracetamol. It can be bought in the form of tablets, syrup or candles. Ibuprofen has also proved its worth. Any medication should be given only as directed. If the child is not yet a year old, and the therapy does not give the proper effect, it is necessary to call the district pediatrician.

Catarrhal stomatitis: treatment in adults

Therapy of this disease in adult patients practically does not differ from the methods of treating babies. To combat inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, antiseptic treatments, rinses are also shown. On the positive side, traditional medicine proved itself. To combat the lesions are used decoctions based on plants that have a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect. It can be all known calendula, St. John's wort or oak bark. Herbs brew with boiling water. A glass of water should be used on a spoonful of dry raw material.

With a complicated clinical picture, the patient must be hospitalized. In the hospital, he is usually prescribed vitamin therapy and intravenous calcium chloride.

Preventive measures

Catarrhal stomatitis belongs to the category of recurrent diseases. To prevent its re-emergence, it is necessary to follow simple rules of prevention:

• Timely treatment of dental diseases;
• Pay attention to oral hygiene;
• Monitor the state of immunity;
• Visit the dentist regularly.

Prevention of this disease in children requires a separate consideration. Doctors recommend before each feeding to process with disinfectants a pacifier and a bottle. Toys should be washed periodically with soap and rinsed under running water. When the first teeth appear in a child, it is important to immediately teach the baby to clean them. About what kind of brush and toothpaste is better to use, you should consult a pediatrician.