Stomatitis

Abstract Stomatitis is a painful and debilitating oral mucosal inflammation that reduces quality of life and precipitates and/or contributes to malnutrition, dehydration, an inability to communicate, and depression. The most significant risk factors for stomatitis are pre-existing oral or dental disease;l-3 medication use; infection; malnutrition; xerostomia; age older than 65 years or younger than 20 years; self-care deficits; exposure to additional oral stressors such as alcohol and tobacco;l,2 and sensitization to dyes. However, preventive measures are available to help preclude the development of stomatitis, including regular oral care and non-alcohol mouthwashes, but Upon examination, diffuse mucosal erythema was noted throughout the oral cavity without any observable discrete lesions. A preliminary diagnosis of a viral stomatitis versus aphthous stomatitis was made, and a generic non-alcoholic mouthwash was prescribed. After three days, the oral pain was significantly worse, and Mr D returned to his physician. Examination still revealed diffuse erythema. How-ever, his physician wondered about an atypical fungal stomatitis secondary to prior methylprednisolone use, and prescribed nystatin, 5 ml four times daily to swish and swallow. Within three days, Mr D was feeling better and able to eat and drink, the mucosal erythema was abating, and the diagnosis of fungal stomatitis was clinically confirmed.