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| Overview of Orofacial Granulomatosis |
An uncommon skin disorder called orofacial granulomatosis results in swelling of the lips, mouth, or face. Although the exact cause is frequently unknown, scientists believe allergies or an immunological response are to blame.
Conditions affecting your mouth and face are referred to as "orofacial." The development of granulomas, a collection of immunological white blood cells called macrophages, is referred to as "granulomatosis."
The most common initial symptom of orofacial granulomatosis is lip swelling, however, it can also affect other facial areas including your
- inner lips
- gums
- the floor of your mouth
Crohn's disease can strike many persons with orofacial granulomatosis, sometimes years after the condition's initial symptoms manifest.
Continue reading to find out more about the causes, signs, and available treatments of orofacial granulomatosis.
Orofacial granulomatosis causes and risk factors
It is typically unknown what causes orofacial granulomatosis. According to experts, it could be related to an allergic reaction or an immunological response to specific foods or food additives. Infections and genetic susceptibility have also been proposed as significant factors.
Crohn's disease and other inflammatory conditions can coexist with orofacial granulomatosis. It is believed by researchers that orofacial granulomatosis with Crohn's disease might be a more severe form of the disease.
Whether orofacial granulomatosis differs from oral Crohn's disease is still up for dispute. About 20% to 50% of patients with orofacial granulomatosis develop Crohn's disease.
According to some data, your parents' genes may be the cause of orofacial granulomatosis.
Orofacial granulomatosis symptoms
Swelling in your mouth is the most typical sign of orofacial granulomatosis.
- lips
- mouth
- face
Your mouth may crack in the middle or at the corners if your lips are swollen. When brushing your teeth, you may experience pain and bleeding in your gums. The following foods may exacerbate the pain:
- hot
- salty
- spicy
- hard
- abrasive
You can develop ulcers, which are open sores. These can last for days or months when they are present. Swelling may last for several weeks or months.
Forms of orofacial granulomatosis
There are two variations of orofacial granulomatosis:
- Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS): MRS involves signs and symptoms like:
- facial nerve paresis on one side
- deep grooves in the tongue (lingua plicata)
- chronic lip and facial swelling on one side
- Miescher’s granulomatous cheilitis: This variation is characterized by lip-only inflammation.
Potential complications of orofacial granulomatosis
Crohn's disease is frequently linked to orofacial granulomatosis. Typical consequences of Crohn's disease include:
- anemia, where your body produces fewer blood cells than usual
- bone problems
- problems with growth and development in children
- malnutrition
- intestinal obstruction
- fistulas, atypical passages between two organs
- abscess, painful and pus-filled pockets
- anal fissures
- ulcers
When to get medical help
If you have swelling around your lips and mouth, which may be the result of orofacial granulomatosis, you must get medical help. Your symptoms may be caused by food allergies, which a doctor may test for.
Additionally, if you think you could have Crohn's disease, you should see a doctor. Crohn's disease symptoms can resemble those of numerous different illnesses, however, they can include:
- diarrhea
- stomach aches
- blood in stool
- fatigue
- unintentional weight loss
Diagnosing orofacial granulomatosis
Dermatologists are medical professionals who specialize in skin care. They aid in orofacial granulomatosis diagnosis. A dermatologist must collect a sample of swollen tissue for laboratory analysis to make a diagnosis.
Your doctor may want to order several tests to rule out other illnesses because lip swelling can be caused by a variety of conditions. You may be given the following tests, among others:
- blood tests
- X-ray
- colonoscopy for Crohn’s disease
- patch tests for allergies
- tests for tuberculosis, since the illness's symptoms can be mistaken for those of orofacial granulomatosis.
Orofacial granulomatosis treatment
Although there isn't a treatment for orofacial granulomatosis at this time, you can manage it with medicine and lifestyle modifications. Options for treatment include:
- dietary adjustments such as avoiding benzoates and cinnamon, which are preservatives intended to prevent the growth of mold.
- ointments, creams, mouthwashes, and inhalers that include topical corticosteroids
- a short course of oral corticosteroids
- antiseptic alcohol-free mouthwash, spray, or gel
- topical immunosuppressant tacrolimus (Prograf, others) to treat lip swelling
Your doctor might suggest an exclusion diet if they believe a food allergy is causing some of your symptoms. In an elimination diet, foods are gradually cut out of your diet to identify the cause. An elimination diet improves things for about half of people.
Furthermore, Crohn's disease treatment may involve:
- corticosteroids
- immunosuppressants
- biologics
- bowel rest
- surgery
Orofacial granulomatosis outlook
Although there is no known cure for orofacial granulomatosis, many patients find that corticosteroids or other treatments help to reduce their symptoms. After cutting out benzoates and cinnamon from their diet, many people also report feeling less ill.
Can you prevent orofacial granulomatosis?
Both the cause and the prevention of orofacial granulomatosis are frequently unknown. A known food allergy may help prevent orofacial granulomatosis in those who avoid it.
Frequently asked questions about orofacial granulomatosis
Is orofacial granulomatosis an autoimmune disease?
Although the precise origin of orofacial granulomatosis is unknown, researchers believe that an immunological response may be involved.
What foods should you avoid with orofacial granulomatosis?
When they cut out benzoates and cinnamon from their diet, many people report feeling better. You can limit or stay away from these foods to see if it helps.
Does orofacial granulomatosis go away?
Even when a trigger food is eliminated from the diet, orofacial granulomatosis symptoms seldom go away on their own without medical intervention. Treatments like steroids usually provide relief for many people.
Is orofacial granulomatosis the same as Crohn’s disease?
Those who suffer from Crohn's disease frequently develop orofacial granulomatosis. Whether it is a distinct illness or a type of oral Crohn's disease is still up for dispute.
Takeaway
An uncommon skin disorder called orofacial granulomatosis makes your lips and mouth enlarge. Although the exact cause is frequently unknown, medical experts speculate that it can be related to an allergy or immunological response.
If you think you may have orofacial granulomatosis, it's critical to consult a physician. To help determine the underlying reason, they can collect a sample of the swollen tissue for laboratory testing.
Code: (Pulmonary)
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