Oral Tissue Infection Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Noma or oral tissue infection is a disease that damages the oral tissue (orofacial) and the surrounding structures. This disease mostly affects children under 12 years of age. Noma rarely attacks adults.
Even if it starts inside the mouth, noma can spread to other areas. Often it is the facial area that is the target. If left unchecked, this infection will undermine the heart and other vital organs.
This infection, which in medical language is known as cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis, also has a high mortality rate. Even noma can kill faster than AIDS.
Poor nutrition and lack of hygiene issues are often associated with noma. This refers to the very high incidence in several developing countries such as Nigeria and Senegal. Studies conducted by experts found that every year, more than 100,000 Nigerians die as a result of noma attacks.
Symptom
There are several recognizable symptoms of an oral tissue infection or noma. Such as damage to the lips, edges of the mouth, nose, cheeks, and sometimes the lower eyelids, which are preceded by a history of black wounds.
In addition, damage or injury to the mucous membranes of the mouth can occur. It can even damage the bone tissue in the face. Damage to the chewing muscles can cause trismus (jaw stiffness) so that the sufferer will have difficulty swallowing.
In the initial state, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) can be seen, the death of the mucosal tissue, and extensive sores in the mouth. Noma can also cause tissue damage in the genitals. This condition is known as noma pudenda.
There are several complications that can occur in oral tissue infections or nomas, such as:
- Dehydration
- Sepsis (severe infection)
- Breathing problems
- Abnormalities of facial structure
- Psychological stress
Reason
The main cause of oral tissue infection or noma is the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum. But there are also several other bacteria that are suspected of causing this disease. Such as the bacteria Borrelia vincentii, Staphylococcus aereus, prevotella intermedia .
In addition, the following are some risk factors that can increase the incidence of noma:
• Malnutrition
• Low immunity
• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor sanitation
• Living close to animals
• Unsanitary drinking water
• Immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS
• Tuberculosis
• Typhoid infection
• Dysentery
• Leukemia
• Whooping cough
• Measles
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of oral tissue infection or noma is done through bacterial examination. The bacteria suspected of having a connection with this infection is the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum.
In addition, additional inspections can also be carried out. Some of the recommended additional checks are an X-Ray photo examination and a CT scan. The goal is to find out the spread to other networks.
Treatment
Treatment for oral tissue infections or nomas can be done through administering antibiotics, fluids to prevent dehydration, infusion of food, and wound care. Besides that, plastic surgery can also be performed for facial reconstruction and jaw joints.
Handling at home can be done by meeting nutritional needs through providing healthy and balanced nutrition. Avoid dehydration by drinking lots of water. If there is a wound, do not apply or treat it without a doctor’s advice.
Can noma be prevented? Can. Prevention of oral tissue infections or nomas can be done by ensuring adequate nutritional needs, especially in children. In addition, it is very important to pay attention to cleanliness and sanitation.