Mouth Ulcers And Chronic Fatigue

How Is Lupus Treated

Treatment for lupus depends on the organs involved. There is no cure for it, but treatment can help control symptoms. Often, a patient with lupus has a health care team with specialists such as:

• a rheumatologist
• an infectious disease specialist
• a dermatologist
• a social worker

Medicines can help lower the risk of flares and improve symptoms. Someone with lupus may take:

• corticosteroids to control inflammation
• immunosuppressive drugs to lower the body’s immune response
• antimalarial drugs to help treat skin rashes and joint pain
• acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen or naproxen, for joint and muscle pain

Doctors may also recommend that people with lupus:

• Avoid the sun as much as possible and wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside to help reduce the number of flares.
• Get regular exercise to help with tiredness and joint stiffness.

How Can I Prevent Mouth Ulcers

While you cant prevent mouth ulcers altogether, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. For example:

• Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily for optimal oral health.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid tissue irritation.
• Eat a healthy diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

If your healthcare provider determines that your mouth ulcers are connected to an underlying health issue, managing your condition can reduce the risk of ulcers returning.

Fatigue With Ulcerative Colitis

For the longest time, I didnt know that fatigue could be a part of my UC. My doctors have always focused the majority of our time together on assessing the strictly physical symptoms, like bleeding, urgency, and the number of bowel movements I have per day.

When I had a flare-up, or even when I was in clinical remission, I didnt recognize that my fatigue was anything other than a typical stressed-out graduate students level of tiredness. When I would talk to other people or tell them, Im tired, I always got a Me too, in response. I assumed fatigue was just what responsible adulthood felt like.

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Viruses And Mitochondrial Modulation

ME/CFS is considered to be a mitochondrial disease . Some of the characteristic features of ME/CFS involve altered adenosine triphosphate homeostasis , increased reactive oxygen species , changed mitochondrial metabolism , and modulation of mitochondrial DNA content . Many of the aforementioned viruses modulate host mitochondria in a variety of ways that can potentially present plausible explanations regarding the involvement of these viruses in ME/CFS. Viruses have evolved distinctive strategies to alter mitochondrial metabolism and bioenergetics, which may allow enhanced viral replication and provide anti-viral defence.

Caring For Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Oral health professionals need to provide empathetic and supportive treatment to this patient population.

This course was published in the July 2022 issue and expires July 2025. The authors have no commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. This 2 credit hour self-study activity is electronically mediated.

After reading this course, the participant should be able to:

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex, systemic condition characterized by fatigue, lasting 6 months or longer, and signs and symptoms that negatively impact daily life that are not relieved by rest.15 Chronic muscle pain, sleep disturbances, and influenza-like symptoms, such as tender lymph nodes and sore throat, are common. The cognitive impact of ME/CFS, described as brain fog, increases sensitivity to light and sound, and hinders concentration, reading, communication, and memory. The severity of symptoms vary, but a marked decrease in activity due to post-exertional malaise and fatigue is consistent.14 This condition can cause significant disability, thereby reducing the level of participation in family, social, and work activities.4,6

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Icipants For Studies Of Oral Bacteria

Among the 91 participants , there were no differences in age , sex , or BMI . Many patients identified similar infectious diagnosis for example, in CFS patients an acute, often flu-like symptom was followed by the onset and eventual CFS diagnosis. In other patients no initiating event was recorded, and their CFS onset was gradual.

When To Seek Medical Care

See a doctor if you have:

• Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain.
• Symptoms that get worse after initially improving.
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement.
• Fever longer than 3-4 days.

You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.

This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including:

• Seasonal allergies

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Molecular Mechanisms Behind Viral Pathogenesis In Me/cfs

Viral infection can initiate a multitude of physiological changes in host cells that can contribute to ME/CFS development . Viral pathogens frequently associated with ME/CFS are also known to alter various molecular processes in host cells that define clinical conditions of ME/CFS . Three of the most frequently discussed molecular processes, namely immune cell alterations, mitochondrial modulation and autoimmunity, are described in brief within this section.

Fig. 1

Schematic diagram showing various viral pathogens potentially associated with ME/CFS and possible molecular mechanisms altered by these pathogens that can contribute to ME/CFS development

Tips To Prevent Mouth Ulcers

You can take steps to reduce the occurrence of mouth ulcers. Avoiding foods that irritate your mouth can be helpful. That includes acidic fruits like pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, or lemon, as well as nuts, chips, or anything spicy.

Instead, choose whole grains and alkaline fruits and vegetables. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and take a daily multivitamin.

Try to avoid talking while youre chewing your food to reduce accidental bites. Reducing stress and maintaining good oral hygiene by using dental floss daily and brushing after meals also may help. Finally, get adequate sleep and rest. This not only will prevent mouth ulcers, but a host of other illnesses as well.

Some people find avoiding soft bristle toothbrushes and mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate also helps. Your dentist can give you wax to cover dental or orthodontic mouth devices that have sharp edges.

Last medically reviewed on December 20, 2017

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• Canker sores. .

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What Are The Benefits Of Saliva

Saliva is an essential part of a healthy mouth and is often taken for granted. The lubricating properties of saliva provide comfort and help protect the oral tissues against ulcers, sores, and other frictional movements that accompany normal eating and speaking. Saliva neutralizes acids and helps defend against tooth decay, and bacterial, viral, or fungal threats. Saliva helps digest food and helps teeth in remineralization. Saliva is also a very essential contributor to a persons ability to taste, as it acts as a solvent for the taste stimuli. When saliva volume is insufficient, all of these functions are impaired.

What Is A Mouth Ulcer

A mouth ulcer is damaged oral epithelium and its underlying lamina propria. Mouth ulcers are a common form of stomatitis and may be due to trauma, irritation, radiation, infections, drugs, inflammatory disorders, and unknown causes.

The most common presentation of mouth ulcers is with painful, recurrentaphthous stomatitis, also known as aphthosis, aphthae, aphthous ulcerations, and canker sores.

Mouth ulcers

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Benefits Of Oil Pulling

One way to remediate and prevent dental health issues is by using an old technique called oil pulling. This ancient Ayurvedic practice involves swishing oil around in your mouth. The oil essentially âpullsâ bacteria and toxins from your teeth and gums. Research has shown this practice to be beneficial to overall dental health.

Some of the beneficial effects of oil pulling include:

Reducing Plaque. Research with adolescents has shown oil pulling to be as effective as mouthwash in reducing plaque and bacteria in the mouth. It has been shown to decrease the levels of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that causes dental caries.

Tooth Whitening. Some people who engage in oil pulling also reported having whiter teeth. The mechanical action of swishing the oil around in the mouth increases the scrubbing action of the oil. This aids in removing stains from your teeth.

Alleviates Bad Breath. Removing bacteria through oil pulling will help alleviate bad breath. One study showed fourteen days of oil pulling to be as effective as mouthwash in reducing bad breath.

Toxin Removal. Toxins such as mercury have been shown to leach out of dental fillings. Oil pulling can remove these toxins from your mouth. Using coconut or sesame oil with their antibacterial and antifungal properties helps remove toxins effectively.

Oil pulling is not for everyone. You may have to ease your way into the process. Although simple, it does take some time.

Treatment For Mouth Ulcers

Most mouth ulcers are usually harmless and resolve by themselves within 10 to 14 days. Other types of mouth ulcers, such as the aphthous variety or those caused by herpes simplex infection, need topical treatment .

Its not possible to speed up the recovery of ulcers, but the symptoms can be managed and the risk of complications reduced.

Treatment options for mouth ulcers include:

• Avoid spicy and sour foods until the ulcers heal.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Keep your mouth clean.
• Apply antiseptic gel to the ulcers.
• Regularly rinse your mouth out with warm, slightly salted water, keeping the rinse in your mouth for up to 4 minutes at a time.
• Use an alcohol-free medicated mouthwash twice daily.
• Use a topical alcohol-free steroid mouthwash or ointment this is generally prescribed by your dentist or oral medicine specialist.
• If required in severe cases, immunosuppressant medication may be prescribed by your oral health professional.

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What Causes Sinus Infections And Sinusitis

Causes of Acute Sinus Infections

• Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergy-causing substances or pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. A Viral infection damages the cells of the sinus lining, leading to inflammation. The lining thickens, obstructing the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect.
• Bacteria that normally cause acute sinusitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. These microorganisms, along with Staphylococcus aureus and some anaerobes , are involved in chronic sinusitis.

Causes of Chronic Sinus Infections

• Chronic sinus infections are caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, pollutants, and fungal infections, especially people with diseases that weaken the immune system, for example, HIV/AIDS, leukemia and other cancers, and diabetes.
• Medications that are designed to modify the immune system may increase the risk of developing sinus infections.

• Ongoing bad breath unrelated to dental problems

People who have facial pain, headaches, and fever may indicate a sinus infection.

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What Are The Symptoms Of A Mouth Ulcer

Mouth ulcers are easy to spot. They usually appear as sores on your lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks or roof of the mouth. While red around the edges, mouth ulcers are typically white, yellow or gray in the center. You may only develop one ulcer, or there might be more. Other symptoms could include:

• Swelling around the ulcer.
• Increased soreness when brushing your teeth.
• Pain that worsens when eating spicy, salty or sour foods.

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What Are Mouth Ulcers

A mouth ulcer is the loss or erosion of part of the delicate tissue that lines the inside of the mouth .

There are many things that cause mouth ulcers. The most common cause is injury . Other causes include aphthous ulceration, certain medications, skin rashes in the mouth, viral, bacterial and fungal infections, chemicals and some medical conditions.

An ulcer that wont heal may be a sign of mouth cancer.

In most cases, mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve by themselves within 10 to 14 days without the need for treatment.

Signs Symptoms And Comorbidities

The progression of ME/CFS varies, but the fatigue, malaise, and cognitive impacts remain. Many women report a worsening of their symptoms near menstruation.1,2,4 Orthostatic intolerance is common and includes difficulty standing in place without dizziness, weakness, tachycardia, and intolerance to alcohol and temperature extremes. PEM after physical, mental, or emotional activity is one of the most disabling symptoms. A majority report reducing their work hours or being unable to work at all.4

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What Are The Types Of Crohns Disease

Crohns disease can affect different sections of the digestive tract. Types of Crohns disease include:

• Ileocolitis: Inflammation occurs in the small intestine and part of the large intestine, or colon. Ileocolitis is the most common type of Crohns disease.
• Ileitis: Swelling and inflammation develop in the small intestine .
• Gastroduodenal: Inflammation and irritation affect the stomach and the top of the small intestine .
• Jejunoileitis: Patchy areas of inflammation develop in the upper half of the small intestine .

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Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Sinus pain lasts more than 24 hours, after using nasal washes
• Thick yellow or green pus draining from nose and not improved by nasal washes. Exception: yellow or green tinged secretions are normal.
• Sinus congestion and fullness lasts more than 14 days
• Nasal discharge lasts more than 2 weeks
• You have other questions or concerns

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How Common Is Fatigue In Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Fatigue affects many people with IBD, and it occurs more frequently among people with Crohns disease. Approximately 54% of people with Crohns disease and 33% of those with ulcerative colitis report experiencing fatigue.2 Fatigue also seems to worsen with more aggressive disease, with the people with the most aggressive Crohns disease most likely to report fatigue.9 Up to 86% report feeling fatigue during moderate-to-severely active Crohns disease.3 Even during remission, about 40% to 50% of patients with IBD disease report fatigue.3,9

How To Treat Other Kinds Of Mouth Sores

The best way to treat mouth sores is to treat the underlying cause.

For mouth sores associated with a bacterial or fungal infection, your doctor might recommend an oral or topical antibiotic or antifungal medication, which will help to resolve the infection and the accompanying sores.

For other medical conditions, like celiac disease or mouth cancer, your doctor will work with you to address the underlying issue.

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What Is Sjgrens Syndrome

Sjögrens syndrome is a lifelong autoimmune disorder that reduces the amount of moisture produced by glands in the eyes and mouth. It is named for Henrik Sjögren, a Swedish eye doctor who first described the condition. While dry mouth and dry eyes are the primary symptoms, most people who have these problems dont have Sjögrens syndrome. Dry mouth is also called xerostomia.

There are two forms of Sjögrens syndrome:

Housebound Or Bedbound With Me/cfs

About 25% of people with ME/CFS are housebound or bedbound. Those who are housebound may be able to undertake minimal daily tasks for themselves, such as brushing teeth, cooking or using a computer for short periods of time, but they have to pace their activity and often use aids to help them . They are unable to leave the house, often because this requires more energy than they have available. When they do leave the house, they often need mobility aids such as a wheelchair or mobility scooter, or other assistance . Recovery from a trip out of the house can take days, or longer.

Some people are so severely unwell that they are bedbound some or all of the time. The most severely unwell may be unable to undertake even simple tasks, like eating or going to the toilet by themselves. They may require additional medical devices, such as feeding tubes, to help them get enough nutrition and fluids, and can be totally dependent on carers.

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Getting Older And Me/cfs

There is very little information on getting older and ME/CFS, however people can develop ME/CFS at any age. Additionally, all of the strategies such as pacing to reduce PEM and managing symptoms still apply. As people age, other problems with their health may also arise, so discussing any new symptoms with their doctor important.

When To Seek Treatment For Mouth Ulcers

If ulcers are interfering with your normal daily activities, or have persisted for 2 weeks, see your dentist or an oral medicine specialist.

In some cases, you may need blood tests if its suspected that you have an underlying deficiency or an inflammatory condition.

If your oral health professional cant determine the cause of your mouth ulcers, or if the ulcers dont respond to the normal treatments, you may need to have a biopsy of part of the ulcer and some of the surrounding tissue. A biopsy is a procedure where a tissue sample is taken for examination and diagnosis.

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How To Maintain Oral Health With Sinusitis

Its important to continue your routine, even when youre not feeling well. Twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing or interdental cleaning with interdental brushes or water flossers are essential to keeping your mouth healthy while you fight off infection. Continue regular visits to your dentist but let them know that you are experiencing chronic sinusitis before you arrive. Besides cleaning your teeth, your dental professional can offer treatments against sinusitis negative side effects.

If you think you might be getting sick, stay on the lookout for sinusitis symptoms, and be aware of how the condition can affect your oral health. If you keep up a good oral care routine, your mouth should start feeling more normal as the sinusitis subsides. Talk to your dental professional for more tips and tricks on keeping your mouth feeling good when the rest of your body might not be.

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