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Ulcerative Colitis and Mouth Problems

Diarrhea and cramps are among the most well-known ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms. They stem from inflammation and sores called ulcers in the intestines. What you may not realize is ulcerative colitis sores can form in any part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from your mouth to your anus.

Mouth problems can start even before more typical symptoms like cramps and diarrhea. Some mouth sores are short-lived and are more of a nuisance than a real problem. Others can affect your ability to talk or eat and require your doctor’s help to manage.

Symptoms of mouth problems

Ulcerative colitis mouth ulcers are often associated with the following symptoms: Pus-filled sores, canker sores, dry mouth, mouth pain, swollen tongue, bad breath, metallic taste or other unusual taste in the mouth.

Causes

Swelling and ulcerative colitis sores can appear anywhere in your GI tract, including in your mouth. Ulcerative colitis mouth ulcers can also be a side effect of some ulcerative colitis medications that cause dry mouth and swelling in the mucous membranes.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also lead to ulcerative colitis mouth sores and other problems. Inflammation in your intestines can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients like B vitamins and iron from food. You can also lose these nutrients when you have diarrhea.

Common mouth problems

Ulcerative colitis and its treatments can cause the following mouth problems: Mouth sores, Dry mouth, Bad breath, Taste changes, Inflamed lips.

Treatment

The first step to relieving ulcerative colitis mouth sores and other mouth problems is to reduce inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract and get your ulcerative colitis under control.

Medications like aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics calm the overactive immune system response that causes inflammation and sores. Your doctor will help you find the right drug or drugs to manage your ulcerative colitis.

An antiseptic mouthwash can help keep your mouth clean while your sores heal. Taking a multivitamin or mineral supplement and eating a balanced diet helps to prevent the nutrient deficiencies that can cause ulcerative colitis mouth ulcers and other mouth problems.

Talk to your doctor if you think a medication you take for ulcerative colitis could be causing these symptoms. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments less likely to cause mouth sores or suggest other ways to manage this side effect.

When to see a doctor

Let your doctor know if you have any new symptoms in your mouth or other parts of your digestive tract. Also call if your mouth problems affect your ability to eat or talk.

The takeaway

Mouth problems aren’t the most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis. They sometimes appear before more common symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach cramps. Watch for sores, swelling, pain, and taste changes and report them to your doctor. Changing your treatment or adding a nutritional supplement may help to relieve these issues.

(04/06/2021)
by Health Line

More Information: https://www.healthline.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/ulcerative-colitis-and-your-mouth#takeaway

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