Actor Hina Khan has disclosed that she is suffering from mucositis, a painful side effect of the chemotherapy she is undergoing for breast cancer. Mucositis involves inflammation and pain in the mucous membranes lining the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the intestines. This condition is common among patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Details of Hina Khan’s Struggle
Hina Khan, 36, shared her struggle on social media, highlighting her difficulty in eating due to mucositis. She reached out for advice on potential remedies, stating, “Another side effect of chemotherapy is mucositis. Although I am following the doctors’ advice to treat it. If any of you have been through it or have known any useful remedies, please suggest. It’s really hard when you can’t eat. It will greatly help me.”
Understanding Mucositis
Mucositis, also known as inflammation of the mucosa, causes significant pain and discomfort in the mucous membranes of the digestive system. This condition primarily affects the mouth and inner cheeks, leading to symptoms such as red, swollen, and painful sores. It is a frequent side effect of cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell or bone marrow transplants.
Impact on the Body
Doctors indicate that mucositis affects 50-80% of chemotherapy patients and nearly 100% of those undergoing whole-body radiation therapy. These treatments target cancer cells but also damage mucosa cells, impairing their ability to regenerate and maintain the protective barrier essential for eating and overall oral health. This makes patients more susceptible to infections.
Symptoms of Mucositis
The signs of mucositis include:
- Mouth dryness
- Painful ulcers
- Thick saliva
- White pus patches
- Difficulty swallowing, eating, or talking
- Mouth bleeding
- White mucous coating
- Stomachache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Traces of blood or mucus in stool
- Painful bowel movements
Treatment for Mucositis
While mucositis typically heals after the end of cancer treatments, it can cause significant discomfort during this time. For chemotherapy patients, symptoms usually start a week or two into treatment and last at least six weeks. For radiation therapy, symptoms appear two to three weeks into treatment and generally resolve within two to four weeks after completing therapy.
To manage mucositis, doctors recommend:
- Pain Management: Use over-the-counter painkillers and possibly prescription medications to address severe pain.
- Mouth Care: Maintain oral hygiene and avoid irritating foods. Gentle foods that coat the mouth and throat can help.
- Diet: Avoid acidic, spicy, and crunchy foods, as well as sugar and alcohol, to prevent further irritation.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to help soothe and protect the mucous membranes.
Hina Khan’s experience underscores the challenging side effects of cancer treatments and the importance of supportive care to manage them.
