Recurrent oral ulcers may pose a serious threat

When you pick up your chopsticks and prepare to enjoy a delicious meal, the ulcers in your mouth that appear for unknown reasons become a stumbling block that prevents you from enjoying your meal...

I believe many people have had similar experiences. When oral ulcers occur, even if there are all kinds of delicious food, you can't eat them happily. After all, every bite is accompanied by pain, which really affects your appetite and mood. Some friends even suffer from repeated oral ulcers throughout the year and are deeply troubled by them.

It should be noted that recurrent oral ulcers may be a sign of rheumatic disease. If not identified in time, as the disease progresses, it will cause serious damage to the body.

Q: What kind of oral ulcers should make us more alert to rheumatic diseases?

A: Recurrent oral ulcers

If oral ulcers occur repeatedly, it is called recurrent oral ulcers, also known as recurrent aphthous ulcers. As a common oral mucosal disease, it often has a potential association with rheumatic diseases.

This type of disease is characterized by round or oval ulcers with clearly defined erythema at the edges and a grayish-yellow bottom. According to statistics, the prevalence of recurrent oral ulcers among Shanghai residents is about 1.48%, which means that at least 1 in every 100 people may have this disease.

People with recurrent oral ulcers are more likely to develop rheumatic diseases than the general population. The most common rheumatic diseases are Behcet's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus, but the risk of other rheumatic diseases is also increased, including ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, etc.

Q: Does easy oral ulcers necessarily mean rheumatism?

A: Not necessarily

To answer this question, we need to first understand the common causes of oral ulcers.

First of all, immune status is the most important influencing factor of recurrent oral ulcers, which is also the main reason why this type of disease is easily associated with rheumatic diseases.

However, immunity is not the only reason, genetic and environmental factors also play an important role. Sometimes it is found that in a family, more than one blood-related family member may be troubled by recurrent oral ulcers, which may be due to genetic factors.

Among environmental factors, mental factors such as anxiety, depression, and high mental stress all increase the incidence of oral ulcers to varying degrees.

In addition, viral infections, endocrine disorders, nutritional deficiencies, spicy foods, tobacco, and certain drugs may induce oral ulcers.

Q: How to determine whether you have a rheumatic disease?

A: There are methods for self-testing

If you have oral ulcers more than three times a year, you should suspect that you may have recurrent oral ulcers. If you have already had recurrent oral ulcers, you can answer the following questions. The more items you meet, the more likely you are to have a rheumatic disease.

1. The patient also has ulcers in the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, intestines), or genital ulcers.

2. Unexplained joint pain, back pain, especially accompanied by joint stiffness in the morning or at night.

3. Eyes are prone to redness and inflammation.

4. Recurrent low-grade fever of unknown cause.

5. Rash of unknown cause.

6. Easy to feel weak and tired.

Q: I suspect oral ulcers are related to rheumatic diseases. What should I do?

A: See a doctor as soon as possible

First of all, it is recommended to avoid some factors that may induce oral ulcers. Avoid spicy food, too hot, too salty food. Pay attention to proper rest and reduce anxiety and tension. Eat a balanced diet and ensure the intake of vegetables and fruits.

For oral ulcers that have already occurred, it is recommended to keep the mouth clean and take appropriate supplements of B vitamins. Some topical patches and sprays can promote wound healing.

Once you suspect you have a rheumatic disease, it is recommended that you visit the rheumatology and immunology department of a regular hospital as soon as possible, get a clear diagnosis as soon as possible, and start standardized treatment. On the one hand, some systemic medications for oral ulcers need to be used under the guidance of a professional doctor to achieve a safe and effective treatment effect. On the other hand, only by controlling the primary cause of rheumatic diseases can the recurrence of oral ulcers be fundamentally avoided.

I hope everyone can get rid of the trouble of recurrent oral ulcers and maintain a healthy smile.