Mucositis

The painful inflammation and ulceration of oral and gastrointestinal mucous membranes, resulting in impaired oral intake, discomfort, and increased susceptibility to infection due to disruption of the mucosal barrier.

Causes

• Treatment-related causes

  • Chemotherapy

  • Radiotherapy

  • Targeted therapies and immunotherapies

• Infectious causes

  • Viral infection: HSV, CMV

  • Fungal infection: Candida species

  • Bacterial infection

• Oral and local factors

  • Poor oral hygiene

  • Dental disease

  • Mechanical irritation or trauma

  • Dehydration causing mucosal dryness

• Immune-related causes

  • Immune deficiency states

  • Bone marrow transplantation

  • Autoimmune disorders affecting mucosal surfaces

• Lifestyle and dietary factors

  • Tobacco use

  • Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Frequent consumption of very hot foods or beverages

  • Spicy foods

  • Acidic foods

• Other causes

  • Nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12, folate, iron)

  • Chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders

  • Medication-related mucosal injury

  • Severe systemic illness