Hina Khan diagnosed with mucositis – a side effect of chemotherapy

Hina Khan's ongoing battle with breast cancer just got tougher. The actress informed fans that she has developed mucositis, a condition that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the mouth and entire gastrointestinal tract. Revealing the diagnosis of this painful side effect of chemotherapy, the 36-year-old actress asked her fans to give her helpful remedies that could help her. Here's everything you need to know about the condition she developed as a side effect of breast cancer treatment.

Hina was diagnosed with mucositis.

Hina Khan has been sharing updates about her breast cancer treatment with her fans through her social media platform. In a recent post on her social media, Hina wrote, “Another side effect of chemotherapy is mucositis. Although I am following the doctor’s advice to treat it. If any of you have gone through this or know of any helpful remedies. Please advise. It is really tough when you can’t eat. This will help me a lot.”

Hina shared another update: “So many problems, can't even eat properly without feeling pain. But that's not a reason to be negative. I choose to smile and encourage myself. I tell myself that this will all end and we will get through this (insha'Allah). One smile at a time.”

What happened to Hina Khan?

Hina Khan was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer Earlier in June, she said in a social media post: “I have been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Despite this difficult diagnosis, I want to reassure everyone that I am doing well. I am strong, determined, and fully committed to beating this disease. My treatment has already begun, and I am ready to do whatever it takes to come out of this even stronger.”

Since then, the actress has been fighting this battle with her head held high and continues to share updates about her treatment with her fans. Recently, Hina shared that side effects of chemotherapy made her stop eating. Scroll down to learn more about mucositis.

What is mucositis?

Mucositis is when the mucosa, the protective lining that lines your entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract from your mouth to your intestines, becomes inflamed. Your body has mucosal membranes lining many cavities and channels, but mucositis mainly affects the lining of your digestive tract, especially the lining of your mouth. It is a common side effect of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants (bone marrow transplants), among other cancer treatments. Research in Translational cancer research Oral mucositis has been found to be one of the most significant side effects of cancer treatment and can impact a patient's quality of life.

How does chemotherapy cause mucositis?

The mucous membrane is a protective barrier made up of rapidly renewing cells, allowing the mucous membranes to renew themselves regularly and heal quickly after injury. Cancer treatments attack cells that divide rapidly, including the mucous membrane that gets in their way. Treatments such as chemotherapy can damage existing mucous membrane cells and their ability to reproduce or repair themselves, according to a study published in Stat Pearl.

This condition usually affects your mouth and the inside of your cheeks, making your mucous membranes more sensitive, making them prone to inflammation. This can lead to mouth ulcers or white patches of pus in the mouth. According to a study published in Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical OncologyForty percent of patients receiving standard-dose chemotherapy may experience this side effect. However, patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy are at 75 percent higher risk, and patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy are at 90 percent higher risk.

Symptoms of mucositis

Mucositis causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract, which can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

• Burning or pain in the mouth or throat
• Inflamed and swollen mucous membranes
• Painful sores or lesions in the mouth or throat
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bleeding gums or mucous membranes
• Bad breath due to ulcers or infections
• Changes in taste

You may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Painful bowel movements
• Blood or mucus in stool
• Redness or erythematousness of the mucous membrane

Treatment options for mucositis

Mucositis will go away on its own after cancer treatment is completed.

• Mucositis usually develops within one to two weeks after onset. chemotherapy and goes away within one to six weeks.
• With radiation therapy, mucositis usually develops two to three weeks after the start of treatment and resolves two to four weeks after its completion.

While the wound may heal on its own, there are other steps you can take to help yourself recover faster:

• Pain Management: Ulcers can be painful, and you can control the pain by using local anesthetics or painkillers. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate medication to control the pain.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: One way to reduce irritation and prevent infections is to brush your teeth gently or use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
• Maintain water balance in your body: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mouth moist and make swallowing easier. Using a humidifier can also help relieve dryness.
• Make some changes to your diet: You should avoid spicy, sour or rough foods that can irritate the mucous membranes. It is better to eat soft, bland foods that are easier to swallow.
• Use local treatments: Applying protective agents such as mucus barriers or gels can help cover the ulcers, preventing them from causing further irritation to the mucosa.
• Medicine: Your doctor may recommend medications such as corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Avoid irritants: Avoid anything that may make your symptoms worse, including smoking and alcohol.

While these measures may help, it is best to consult with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your condition, especially if mucositis is severe or persistent.