GANGRENOUS STOMATITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Gangrenous stomatitis, also known as noma or cancrum oris, is a severe and aggressive infectious disease that primarily affects the oral cavity, particularly in young children from underprivileged and malnourished populations. It is characterized by the rapid destruction and necrosis of the tissues in and around the mouth, leading to the formation of ulcers, extensive tissue damage, and eventually, gangrene.
This condition typically arises due to a combination of poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, and compromised immune system, which makes individuals more susceptible to the invasion of harmful bacteria, especially fusobacteria and spirochetes. Gangrenous stomatitis often starts with a localized infection in the mouth, such as a simple dental abscess or a gum infection, but quickly progresses to a more severe and extensive form.
The symptoms of gangrenous stomatitis include the development of painful, foul-smelling ulcers and sores in and around the mouth, which can rapidly increase in size and depth. Other signs may include fever, malaise, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, the infection can spread to adjacent tissues and lead to severe complications, such as cranial involvement, septicemia, or even death.
Treatment for gangrenous stomatitis involves a multi-faceted approach, including the administration of intravenous antibiotics, surgical debridement of necrotic tissues, and nutritional support. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment are crucial to improve the chances of survival and minimize the long-term sequelae associated with this devastating condition.
Prevention of gangrenous stomatitis primarily revolves around maintaining good oral hygiene practices, promoting proper nutrition, and ensuring access to adequate healthcare services for at-risk populations.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GANGRENOUS STOMATITIS
- fangrenous stomatitis
- vangrenous stomatitis
- bangrenous stomatitis
- hangrenous stomatitis
- yangrenous stomatitis
- tangrenous stomatitis
- gzngrenous stomatitis
- gsngrenous stomatitis
- gwngrenous stomatitis
- gqngrenous stomatitis
- gabgrenous stomatitis
- gamgrenous stomatitis
- gajgrenous stomatitis
- gahgrenous stomatitis
- ganfrenous stomatitis
- ganvrenous stomatitis
- ganbrenous stomatitis
- ganhrenous stomatitis
- ganyrenous stomatitis
- gantrenous stomatitis
Etymology of GANGRENOUS STOMATITIS
The word "Gangrenous Stomatitis" has its etymology rooted in Greek.
1. Gangrene: The term "gangrenous" derives from the Greek word "gangraina", which means "decay" or "mortification". It refers to the necrosis or death of body tissues due to a lack of blood supply or infection.
2. Stomatitis: The term "stomatitis" is derived from the Greek word "stoma", which means "mouth", and the suffix "-itis", which indicates inflammation. Hence, stomatitis refers to the inflammation of the mucous lining of the mouth.
Therefore, "Gangrenous Stomatitis" literally translates to "necrotic or decaying inflammation of the mouth". It is a medical term used to describe a severe, infectious, and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the inflammation and necrosis of the tissues inside the mouth.
