Introduction
A mucous membrane is a soft tissue that lines the body's internal structures, such as the respiratory, digestive, reproductive, etc. It is also known as mucosa. The mucous membrane has three layers: epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. It plays a vital part in immunity. Any harm caused to this mucosa can result in mucous membrane disorders such as mucous membrane pemphigoid, burning mouth syndrome, etc.
What Is a Mucous Membrane?
The mucous membrane is also known as mucosa. It lines the organs from inside and cavities present in the entire body. The primary role of the mucous membrane is to lubricate and protect these organs and cavities from harmful particles, bodily fluids, and invasive pathogens. The body has more than 200 times more mucosa than the skin, making it its most significant protective barrier. It is also involved in absorption, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, where it plays a vital role in digestion.
What Are the Disorders of Mucous Membranes?
The mucous membrane defends against various infections, but certain things can breach defenses. Mostly viruses, fungi, and bacteria result in causing mucosal disease in the mouth and genitals and sometimes in the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the common disorders of mucous membranes include:
1. Mucositis: It is the painful inflammation of the mucosa, the protective mucous membrane that lines the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract, beginning from the mouth to the intestines. Mucous membranes line many cavities and canals of the body, but mucositis mainly affects the ones in the digestive system, the oral mucosa. This is usually seen as a side effect caused due to certain cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplants, etc. This mucositis can be caused in the mouth and GI tract as well.
- Diagnosis: Mucositis is usually seen in patients under cancer treatment. Diagnosis can be made based on the symptoms of the mucositis, taking a proper medical history, and examining the inflamed tissues. In the case of gastrointestinal mucositis, an imaging test may be needed to check for the tissues inside.
- Treatment: Mucositis usually heals independently as soon as the cancer treatment is completed. Certain analgesics, topical anesthesia, and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to manage pain. In the case of oral mucositis, gentle brushing, and mouthwashes are suggested. In severe cases, intravenous fluids are given.
2. Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid: Mucous membrane pemphigoid is caused when the antibodies react with the mucous membranes of the mouth (or other mucous membranes), which results in blistering and breaking down, and forms open sores (ulcers). Blistering is seen in the mouth and other body areas, such as the mouth, eyes, scalp, etc.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis of mucous membrane pemphigoid is usually done by biopsy examining the tissue sample under a microscope.
- Treatment: It usually involves corticosteroids, Doxycycline, and Nicotinamide. Sometimes other drugs, such as immunosuppressants, are given to people with severe diseases.
3. Cheilitis: Cheilitis is the inflammation of the lips and angles of the mouth (angular cheilitis) that occurs due to dryness, chapping, and lip licking. Excessive salivation and drooling, especially in children with neurological issues, and chronic irritation may be seen in some cases.
- Diagnosis: It can be done by oral examination.
- Treatment: Treatment is done by removal of the irritant and by applying topical creams.
4. Aphthous Stomatitis: It consists of solitary or multiple painful ulcerations that are seen on the labial, buccal, or lingual mucosa and the sublingual, palatal, or gingival mucosa. The lesions are initially seen as erythematous, indurated papules that erode rapidly to form sharply circumscribed, necrotic ulcers. Minor aphthous ulcers are 2 to 10 mm in diameter and usually heal within 7 to 10 days, while major aphthous ulcers are larger than 10 mm in diameter and take a long time, usually 10 to 30 days, to heal.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis can be made by visual examination.
- Treatment: Treatment can be done by prescribing topical corticosteroids and topical occlusives.
5. Oral Lichen Planus: It is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects mucous membranes inside the mouth. Oral lichen planus is seen as white, lacy patches, red, swollen tissue disease. These lesions may cause a burning sensation, pain, or other issues in the mouth. This disease occurs when the immune system starts attacking the cells of the oral mucous membranes without any known reason. The lesions are usually present on the gums, tongue, inner tissues of the lips, and palate.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis can be made per the symptoms, such as lesions in the mouth and other places in the body. Biopsy and blood tests are also done in some cases.
- Treatment: In case of no pain or discomfort and only white, lacy lesions are present, no treatment is needed. In more severe cases, treatment may include corticosteroids.
6. Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the lining (a soft tissue called mucosa) that protects the stomach from the acids, enzymes, and microorganisms that pass from it. Gastritis is seen when the immune system detects a threat to this barrier. The immune system triggers inflammation in the tissues to assist in the fight against infections and promote healing. Gastritis can be categorized in two. Acute gastritis is a sudden and temporary type of gastritis. The conditions that are responsible for it are also acute. Chronic gastritis is a long-term condition, though one might not notice it all the time (or at all). It is seen to develop gradually, as a result of any other chronic condition.
- Diagnosis: It can be diagnosed with the help of X-rays or blood tests.
- Treatment: Acute gastritis goes away on its own in some time while chronic gastritis might require anti-inflammatory drugs.
Conclusion
A mucous membrane is a covering throughout the body to protect the body against various substances. It acts as a protective barrier and is lubricating in nature. Oral mucosa can be seen right from the mouth to the intestines. Some common mucous membrane diseases are mucositis, oral lichen planus, aphthous stomatitis, mucous membrane pemphigoid, etc.
