Other underlying pathologies related to canker sore

Bechet’s Disease:

• A Systemic Vasculitis: Bechet’s is a complex disorder that causes inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body.
• Key Feature: Oral Ulcers: Recurrent, painful oral ulcers are a hallmark of Behçet’s and are often very similar in appearance to RAS. In fact, they can be difficult to distinguish.
  • Other symptoms: Genital ulcers, eye inflammation (uveitis), Skin lesions (e.g., acne-like lesions, nodules), Joint pain and swelling, Blood clots, Neurological symptoms (in severe cases)
• Relationship: In Behçet’s, the oral ulcers are a core symptom of the systemic disease process. The inflammation of blood vessels affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, leading to these ulcers. Other symptoms of Behçet’s (genital ulcers, eye inflammation, skin lesions) help distinguish it from simple RAS.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):

• Autoimmune Disease: SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.
• Oral Manifestations: Oral ulcers are common in SLE. They can resemble RAS but may have some differences in appearance or location.
  • Other symptoms: Fatigue, Joint pain and swelling, Skin rashes (a “butterfly” rash on the face is common), Fever, Sensitivity to sunlight, Chest pain, Hair loss, Kidney problems, Neurological symptoms
• Relationship: In SLE, the immune system’s dysregulation and the resulting inflammation can affect the oral mucosa, leading to ulcer formation. Other signs of SLE (skin rashes, joint pain, fatigue) are crucial for diagnosis.

Neutrophil Dysfunction:

• Immune Cell Disorder: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infection. When they don’t function properly, it can lead to various problems.
• Increased Susceptibility: Neutrophil dysfunction can increase susceptibility to oral ulcers and other infections.
  • Other symptoms: Frequent and recurrent infections (especially bacterial and fungal), Delayed wound healing, Gum disease, Skin infections
• Relationship: Proper neutrophil function is crucial for oral health. When neutrophils are impaired, the mouth may become more vulnerable to ulcer development and delayed healing.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

• Chronic Gut Inflammation: IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
• Extraintestinal Manifestations: IBD can have effects outside the gut, including the mouth. Oral ulcers are one such extraintestinal manifestation.
  • Other symptoms: Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Rectal bleeding, Weight loss, Fatigue, Fever
• Relationship: The inflammatory processes in IBD can affect the oral mucosa, leading to ulcers. It’s thought that immune system dysregulation and shared inflammatory pathways play a role.

HIV/AIDS:

• Immune Deficiency: HIV/AIDS weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to various infections and oral problems.
• Oral Complications: Oral ulcers are common in HIV/AIDS. They can be caused by the HIV virus itself, opportunistic infections, or medication side effects.
  • other symptoms:
    • Early stage: Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes)
    • Later stages: Persistent fatigue, Weight loss, Swollen lymph nodes, Opportunistic infections, Neurological problems
• Relationship: The compromised immune system in HIV/AIDS makes the mouth more vulnerable to ulcer formation. These ulcers can be more severe, persistent, or atypical compared to regular RAS.