Mucositis

Mucositis is an irritation of the lining of the mouth, throat or esophagus (the tube that leads from mouth to stomach) caused by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Mucositis usually starts about a week after treatment and will improve as your blood counts recover. The mucositis that you get following the high dose chemotherapy/radiation therapy for blood and marrow transplant is usually more severe than with other courses of chemotherapy.  

The signs and symptoms of mucositis include:  

  • Loss of taste  
  • The lining of the mouth looks pale and dry  
  • Your mouth, gums or throat feel sore or different  
  • Reddened areas in your mouth  
  • Gums feel raw, as if you had accidentally bitten the inside of your cheek while chewing  
  • Painful to swallow  
  • Feel as though you have a "lump" in your throat  
  • Dry, irritated or burning feeling of the tongue  
  • Dry, scratchy throat  
  • Thick saliva  
  • Heartburn  

These symptoms may progress to bleeding and infections. Antibiotics, pain medication and salt water mouth rinses will be provided as needed for your symptoms. It is very important for you to tell the team if you develop any of these signs or symptoms and how well the medications work.  

There are some things you can do to reduce the discomfort and prevent infection:  

  • Brush your teeth with a baby soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste or clean your dentures after every meal.  
  • If you floss regularly, continue to do so unless your gums start bleeding.  
  • Rinse your mouth well with salt water at least four times a day starting on the first day of your chemotherapy. When you first start to notice mouth sores, start rinsing at least every two hours while you are awake.  
  • If you wear dentures, remove them to do your mouth rinses, between meals and at bedtime. Wearing your dentures all the time may make your mouth sores worse.  
  • If you have difficulty swallowing your saliva, a hand-held suction, like at the dentist, can be provided to get rid of the mucous in your mouth.  
  • Try to eat soft foods and drink lots of nutritious fluids.  
  • Avoid the use of tobacco and alcohol.