Hina Khan suffering from Mucositis: Causes, symptoms and treatment options of this side effect of chemo

Causes of mucositis: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are leading causes of mucositis, the condition actress Hina Khan is diagnosed with (Image: @realhinakhan/Instagram)

Actor Hina Khan has shared that she has been diagnosed with mucositis as she battles breast cancer. Taking to Instagram on Thursday evening, Hina spoke about the condition and asked her fans for useful remedies.

Mucositis is an inflammatory condition affecting the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, stretching from the mouth to the anus. This lining plays a vital role in immune defense, and its inflammation compromises its protective function. Mucositis can occur due to various causes, particularly affecting cancer patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

Dr Nithin SG, Consultant, Medical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital®, Delhi, explains mucositis' symptoms, causes, and treatments, emphasising prevention strategies to improve patient quality of life.

Also read | Hina Khan shares latest health update about her cancer treatment: "Through with five chemos, 3 more to go"

Symptoms of Mucositis

Oral Mucositis: Patients with oral mucositis experience painful ulcers, sore throat, and bleeding gums. These symptoms often cause discomfort when eating, speaking, or swallowing. The condition can lead to secondary infections, further complicating recovery, especially in immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing cancer treatments.

Intestinal Mucositis: When mucositis affects the intestines, symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal pain, often resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can severely impact a patient’s nutritional status and overall well-being, especially during cancer therapy, further exacerbating the patient's health challenges.

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Systemic Manifestations: Systemic mucositis may lead to fever, weakness, appetite loss, and unintended weight loss. These symptoms suggest a widespread inflammatory response, potentially complicating other underlying conditions, such as cancer, by weakening the patient's immune system and overall resistance to infections.

Causes of Mucositis

Infections: Mucositis may arise due to bacterial or viral infections, disrupting the mucosal barrier's natural defense mechanisms. The presence of pathogens weakens the immune response, causing inflammation in different parts of the GI tract and increasing the risk of further complications like sepsis.

Systemic Diseases: Chronic conditions such as lupus and systemic sclerosis can cause widespread inflammation, including in the mucosal lining of the GI tract. These autoimmune diseases lead to persistent immune responses that target the body's tissues, including the mucosa, resulting in painful and recurrent episodes of mucositis.

Vitamin Deficiency: A lack of essential vitamins, particularly vitamin C and folic acid, can impair the body’s ability to maintain healthy mucosal tissue. This deficiency, often caused by poor dietary intake of green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits, weakens the mucosal barrier, making it more susceptible to inflammation and infection.

Smoking: Smoking contributes to mucositis by weakening the mucosal barrier and depleting immune cells. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke directly damage mucosal tissues, leading to chronic inflammation. Additionally, smoking reduces the body's ability to repair these tissues, increasing the risk of persistent mucositis.

Cancer treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are leading causes of mucositis in cancer patients. These treatments target rapidly dividing cells, including those in the mucosal lining, leading to inflammation, pain, and ulceration. The severity of mucositis can vary based on the specific treatment regimen.

Prevention and treatment

Prevention: Prevention strategies for mucositis include avoiding tobacco products, maintaining a diet rich in vitamins such as vitamin C and folic acid, and steering clear of excessively hot foods. These practices help strengthen the mucosal barrier, reducing the risk of inflammation and the severity of mucositis during cancer treatment.

Treatment: Mucositis treatment focuses on managing pain and preventing secondary infections. Local anesthetics, painkillers, and antimotility agents are used to alleviate discomfort and treat diarrhea-related symptoms. For patients with immune suppression, antibiotics may be necessary to prevent or manage secondary infections that can worsen the condition.