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Noma
Cancrum oris; Gangrenous stomatitis
Noma is a type of gangrene that destroys mucous membranes of the mouth and other tissues. It occurs in malnourished children in areas where sanitation and cleanliness are lacking.
Gangrene
Gangrene is the death of tissue in part of the body.
Causes
The exact cause is unknown, but noma may be due to a certain kind of bacteria.
This disorder most often occurs in young, severely malnourished children between the ages of 2 to 5. Often they have had an illness such as measles, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, or cancer. They may also have a weakened immune system.
Risk factors include:
-
A type of malnutrition called
Kwashiorkor
, and other forms of severe protein malnutrition
Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that occurs when there is not enough protein in the diet.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Poor sanitation and dirty living conditions
- Disorders such as measles or leukemia
- Living in a developing country
Symptoms
Noma causes sudden tissue destruction that rapidly gets worse. First, the gums and lining of the cheeks become inflamed and develop sores (ulcers). The ulcers develop a foul-smelling drainage, causing bad breath and skin odor.
Bad breath
Breath odor is the scent of the air you breathe out of your mouth. Unpleasant breath odor is commonly called bad breath.
The infection spreads to the skin, and the tissues in the lips and cheeks die. This can eventually destroy the soft tissue and bone. The destruction of the bones around the mouth causes deformity of the face and loss of teeth.
Noma can also affect the genitals, spreading to the genital skin (this is sometimes called noma pudendi).
Exams and Tests
Physical examination shows inflamed areas of the mucous membranes, mouth ulcers, and skin ulcers. These ulcers have a foul-smelling drainage. There may be other signs of malnutrition.
Treatment
Antibiotics and proper nutrition helps stop the disease from getting worse. Plastic surgery may be necessary to remove destroyed tissues and reconstruct facial bones. This will improve facial appearance and the function of the mouth and jaw.
Outlook (Prognosis)
In some cases, this condition can be deadly if it is not treated. Other times, the condition may heal over time even without treatment. However, it can cause severe scarring and deformity.
Possible Complications
These complications can occur:
- Deformity of the face
- Discomfort
- Difficulty speaking and chewing
- Isolation
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Medical care is needed if mouth sores and inflammation occur and persist or get worse.
Mouth sores
There are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue....
Prevention
Improving nutrition, cleanliness, and sanitation may help.
References
Marck KW. Noma: a neglected enigma. Lancet Global Health . 2013;1(2): e58-e59.
Morelli, J. Disorders of the mucous membranes. In: Kliegman, ed. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 656.
Srour LM, Wong V, Wyllie S. Noma, actinomycosis and nocardia. In: Farrar J, Hotez PJ, Junghanss T, eds. Manson's Tropical Diseases . 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 29.
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Mouth sores - illustration
Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include canker sores, leukoplakia, gingivostomatitis, oral cancer, oral lichen planus, oral thrush, and similar disorders.
Mouth sores
illustration
Review Date: 4/21/2015
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
