On an ordinary afternoon, Uncle Zhang, a retired teacher who often attends community health lectures, found that his mouth ulcers had recurred. It's not the first time, but this time, unlike usual, the ulcer has been going on for more than two weeks and seems to be more painful. At first, Uncle Zhang thought it was just because he had stayed up late reading too much recently, or maybe he accidentally bit his tongue. However, as time went on, not only did the ulcer show no signs of healing, but he began to feel more and more wrong. This eventually led him to the hospital, where he underwent a series of tests. The results were shocking – it turned out that there was a deeper health problem hidden behind this seemingly ordinary canker sore.
Canker sores, a seemingly simple problem, can actually be a health alert from the body. It is common belief that canker sores are caused by stress, nutritional imbalances, or minor injuries in the mouth. But when these ulcers persist for more than two weeks, or even months, the reason behind them is not so simple.
Common causes: Interpretation beyond the norm
While a stressful lifestyle, unbalanced eating habits and poor oral hygiene are common causes of canker sores, these factors only scratch the surface. Canker sores can be a sign of inflammation within the body, such as digestive problems, or an abnormality of the immune system attacking the body's own tissues, resulting in recurrent oral damage.
Deep-seated health hazards
Canker sores that don't heal for a long time can be a precursor to a more serious condition, including abnormal glucose metabolism (often called diabetes), increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries (hypertension) or more serious conditions, such as certain types of cancer. In these cases, canker sores are no longer a single condition, but rather a signal from the body to try to ask for help.
The first approach from the inside out
In the face of long-term canker sores, in addition to the external **, such as topical ointments or anti-inflammatory drugs, it is more important to find out the root cause from the inside. This may include adjusting your diet to ensure you get enough vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron and zinc, and managing underlying health problems. At the same time, stress reduction is also key, as psychological stress not only affects the healing process of ulcers, but can also exacerbate potential health problems.
Key prevention strategies
Preventing canker sores is not limited to improving oral hygiene. Maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding allergens (such as those found in certain foods or toothpaste), and getting regular oral health check-ups are all important parts of prevention. For people who often experience canker sores, understanding the triggers and avoiding them is key to managing the condition.
Canker sores are common, but when they persist for more than two weeks and don't heal for months, it's not just a small problem. This condition is often a warning sign that the body is sending us that there may be a deeper health problem. Here are a few warning signs that alert us to a further check:
Persistent growth or ulcer enlargement:If the ulcer persists and gradually grows larger, it could be a sign of an immune system problem or a more serious illness.
Accompanied by severe pain:Although canker sores often cause discomfort, if the pain is severe and persistent, it needs to be taken seriously.
Multiple ulcers:If multiple sores appear in the mouth at the same time, especially in different areas, it can be a sign of a systemic disease.
With systemic symptoms:Systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and persistent fatigue may be associated with the persistence of mouth sores and suggest an underlying health problem.
Difficulty swallowing or speaking:If the ulcer is causing difficulty swallowing or slurred speech, it may affect daily life and you need to seek medical help as soon as possible.
For canker sores that do not heal for a long time, the diagnosis and treatment should be looked for the root cause, not just the superficial treatment. A comprehensive diagnostic process typically includes the following steps:
Diagnostic steps
A detailed history: Your doctor will ask you in detail about how the ulcer has developed, its accompanying symptoms, and any possible triggers.
Oral examination:During an oral examination, doctors can find out the location, size and number of sores and assess their severity.
Laboratory tests:Blood tests may be included to rule out or confirm certain conditions, such as anemia, abnormal glucose metabolism or infection.
Tissue biopsy:For difficult or abnormal ulcers, a tissue biopsy may be required to rule out the possibility of malignant changes.
Strategy
**Policies should be directed at the root cause discovered. In general, methods may include:
Medications**:If a specific disease or condition is diagnosed, such as abnormal glucose metabolism or an autoimmune disease, the corresponding medication** will be administered.
Local**:Topical medications used to relieve pain and speed healing, such as painkiller sprays, topically applied corticosteroid creams, or oral protectors.
Nutritional support:For ulcers caused by malnutrition, supplements such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, etc. may help.
Lifestyle Modifications:Reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and avoiding known triggers such as certain foods or alcohol are all important adjuncts**.
In the process, the patient's active participation and lifestyle modification are equally important. Regular check-ups and adjustments to your plan based on your doctor's recommendations are essential to achieve the best results.