Or a cold sore is a sign of what disease? Canker sores are a common condition that probably everyone has experienced at least once in their life. Is this condition a warning sign of what disease we have? Please refer to the following article for a detailed answer on this issue.
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ToggleWhat is canker sores?
Canker sores (oral ulcers or canker sores) are small, shallow sores in the lining of the mouth. These sores are usually white at first, then gradually turn yellow. The skin around the sores is usually red and swollen.
Mouth sores are usually small (less than 1mm) and painful, making it impossible to eat or talk comfortably.
Common canker sores will be of two types:
- Simple sores: May appear 3-4 times/year and last about a week. Anyone can get mouth ulcers, but it most often occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 20.
- Complex ulcers: Uncommon and only occurs in people who have had severe and complicated ulcers in the past.
Symptoms and signs of canker sores
People with canker sores often experience the following common symptoms:
- One or more sores, red spots, and bumps appear, then gradually develop into sores or ulcers. They are usually located in places such as: the inside of the cheeks and lips, the top of the mouth, the tongue, the bottom of the gums.
- The central area of the ulcer is usually white or yellow.
- The size of the mouth sore is small (usually less than 1cm).
- Mouth sores will turn gray as they begin to heal.
In rare cases, symptoms associated with canker sores include:
- Fever
- Uncomfortable
- Swollen lymph nodes
The pain from canker sores will disappear after about 7-10 days. It can take 1 to 3 weeks for the ulcer to heal completely. Large ulcers take longer to heal.
Usually, we can identify canker sores with the naked eye. However, in some cases, patients with severe canker sores still need to be prescribed other methods such as blood tests, biopsies to be able to accurately check the disease status.
What is the cause of frequent cold sores?
To find out what frequent canker sores are caused or what can be a sign of disease, let’s find out what causes canker sores.
According to the doctor, when suffering from canker sores, our body is lacking some essential vitamins such as B6, B2, C, Zn or folic acid. In addition, it can also be caused by hormonal disturbances during menstruation, pregnancy or during periods of extreme stress.
Oral bacterial infection is also one of the causes of mouth sores, a damaged mouth ring while brushing your teeth, or carelessly biting your cheek while eating. These bacteria will attack the damaged area and cause sores in the wound. Or maybe due to digestive disorders, poor digestion also causes mouth ulcers.
>>> See more: 23+ foods that are easy to digest, good for the gut
As for the oriental medical point of view, canker sores are caused by the body being overloaded, or affected by the elimination of toxins in the body from the liver, pancreas, bile, and kidneys. This is in line with western medicine on the causes of digestive disorders. Besides, it is partly due to an unhealthy diet, eating too much fat, fast food or low fiber and vitamin supplements for the body.
In addition, there are some other rare causes of canker sores such as HIV/AIDS, a disorder in the autoimmune mechanism Celiac, ulcerative colitis or ulcerative colitis, etc.
Do you know or have a cold sore is a sign of what disease?
Do you know or have a sore throat is a sign of what disease? Canker sores are not a cause for concern, but if you often suffer from canker sores, you should also pay attention. Diseases that often accompany symptoms of canker sores include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux: Acid reflux should often cause ulcers in the throat area.
- Celiac disease: Digestive disorder because the body is intolerant to gluten (a grain protein).
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, etc.
- Behcet’s disease: A rare disorder that causes inflammation throughout the body, including the mouth.
- HIV/AIDS: Causes immunodeficiency, making the oral mucosa susceptible to attack by bacteria and viruses outside or in the body.
- Helicobacter pylori: The main bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.
Causes and harms of mouth sores if left for a long time
Let’s find out the causes and harms of mouth sores with Ocany if it lasts for a long time to know how to handle it!
Reason
The main causes of canker sores include:
- A minor injury to the mouth can be caused by brushing too hard, a sports accident, or an accidental bite.
- Use a toothpaste or mouthwash that contains sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Food sensitivities, especially chocolate, coffee, eggs, nuts, strawberries, cheese, and spicy or acidic foods.
- An unbalanced diet with a lack of vitamin B12, zinc, folate (folic acid) or iron.
- Are allergic to certain types of bacteria in the mouth.
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.
- Hormonal changes or menstruation.
Harm
If canker sores are left untreated for several weeks or more, you could have other serious problems, such as:
- Discomfort or pain when talking, brushing teeth and when eating;
- sores that spread to other areas or outside the mouth;
- Fever, cold;
- Cellulitis.
Therefore, see your doctor if the ulcer is causing you unbearable pain, affecting your life. If home remedies don’t work, go to a medical facility to get the most accurate diagnosis of canker sores.
Bacterial infections can also spread and create more serious problems, so it’s important to detect and treat canker sores promptly if an infection occurs.
How to help prevent cold sores effectively
To prevent canker sores, the fastest and most effective measure is to minimize the risk of disease, which can include the following measures:
- Get enough rest, maintain a suitable work and rest regime and limit stress and prolonged stress.
- Exercise regularly to improve health, strengthen the body’s immune system.
- A scientific and nutritious diet, low in saturated fat, high in omega 3 fatty acids found in foods such as olive oil, fish oil, etc.
- Limit stress in your life with yoga, tai chi, meditation or deep breathing. This also contributes to helping you prevent the risk of other diseases besides canker sores.
Hopefully through the above sharing of Ocany, you have got the answer to the problem or what disease is mouth sores a sign of? If you have taken self-prevention measures and your condition still does not improve, see your doctor for a check-up and proper treatment!
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.