Hina Khan gets mucositis as a chemotherapy side effect, says it’s hard when you can’t eat

Hina Khan’s ongoing battle with breast cancer just got tougher. The actor has informed fans that she has ended up with mucositis, a condition that causes the inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the mouth and the entire gastrointestinal tract. Revealing the diagnosis of this painful side effect of chemotherapy, the 36-year-old asked her fans for useful remedies that could help her. Here’s everything you need to know about the condition she has developed as a side effect of breast cancer treatment.

Hina was diagnosed with mucositis

Hina Khan has been sharing updates on her breast cancer treatment journey with her fans through her social media platform. In a recent post on her social media, Hina wrote, “Another side effect of chemotherapy is mucositis. Although I am following the doctor’s advice to treat it. If any of you have been through it or have known any useful remedies. Please suggest. It’s really hard when you can’t eat. It will greatly help me.”

Sharing another update, Hina wrote, “So many problems, can’t even eat properly without feeling pain. But that’s No reason to be negative. I choose to smile and encourage myself. I tell myself that all this will be over and we will get through this (InshaAllah). One Smile at a Time.”

What happened to Hina Khan?

Hina Khan was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer earlier in June. She revealed in a social media post, “I have been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Despite this challenging diagnosis, I wish to reassure everyone that I am doing well. I am strong, determined and fully committed to overcoming this disease. My treatment has already begun and I am ready to do everything necessary to emerge from this even stronger.”

Ever since the actress has been combatting the battle with her head held high, and continues to share updates on her treatment with her fans. Hina recently shared that the side effects of chemotherapy have led her to stop eating. Scroll down to learn more about mucositis.

What is mucositis?

Mucositis is when mucosa, the protective mucous membrane lining your entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract from your mouth through your intestines, becomes inflamed. Your body has mucous membranes lining many of the cavities and canals, but mucositis mostly affects the mucosa in your digestive tract, notably the oral mucosa. It is a typical adverse effect of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants (bone marrow transplants), among other cancer treatments. A study in Translational Cancer Research found that oral mucositis is one of the most prominent side effects of cancer treatment and can affect a patient’s quality of life.

How does chemotherapy cause mucositis?

Mucosa is a protective barrier that is made of rapid cell turnover, which allows the mucous membranes to regularly refresh itself and heal quickly from injuries. Cancer treatments attack the cells that divide rapidly, which sometimes include the mucosa that comes in the way. These treatments such as chemotherapy can damage the existing cells of your mucosa and their ability to replicate or heal themselves, found a study published in Stat Pearls.

This condition generally affects your mouth and the inner lining of the cheeks, making your mucous membranes more sensitive, making it prone to inflammation. It can lead to mouth sores or white patches of pus in your mouth. As per the study published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology, 40 percent of the patients receiving a standard dose of chemotherapy can experience this side effect. However, patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy are at 75 percent higher risk, and 90 percent in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Symptoms of mucositis

Mucositis causes inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, which can lead to several symptoms, including:

• Burning or pain in the mouth or throat
• Inflamed and swollen mucous membranes
• Painful ulcers or lesions in the mouth or throat
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bleeding in gums or mucous membranes
• Bad breath due to sores or infections
• Changes in taste

You may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Painful bowel movements
• Blood or mucous in poop
• Redness or erythematous mucosa

Treatment options for Mucositis

Mucositis will resolve on its own after your cancer treatment is over.

• Mucositis commonly develops one to two weeks after starting chemotherapy and goes away one to six weeks later.
• When receiving radiation therapy, mucositis usually develops two to three weeks after treatment starts and goes away two to four weeks after treatment is over.

While it may heal on its own, there are other measures you can take to help yourself heal faster:

• Pain management: Sores can be painful and you can manage the pain by using topical anesthetics or pain relief. Your doctor will recommend appropriate medicine to manage the pain.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: One way to reduce irritation and prevent infections is by brushing your teeth mildly or using a non-alcoholic mouthwash.
• Keep yourself hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep the mouth moist and help with swallowing. Using a humidifier can also alleviate dryness.
• Make some dietary changes: You have to avoid spicy, acidic or rough foods that can lead to irritation in the mucous membranes. It is better to eat soft, bland foods which are easier to swallow.
• Use topical treatments: Applying protective agents such as mucosal barriers or gels can help coat the sores to protect them from irritating the mucous further.
• Medication: Your doctor will recommend medications like corticosteroids that will help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Avoid irritants: Avoid anything that may exacerbate the symptoms, including smoking or alcohol.

While these measures may help, it is best to consult your healthcare provider to know the best course of treatment for your condition, especially if mucositis is severe or persistent.