burning mouth syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) Description

Burning mouth syndrome, also known as burning tongue or BMS, is a condition characterized by a persistent and recurring burning sensation in the mouth without an obvious cause [1][3]. This sensation can occur on various parts of the mouth, including the tongue, gums, lips, inside of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, or large areas of the whole mouth [1].

The pain associated with BMS is often described as a burning, scalding, or tingling feeling that may last for at least four to six months [11]. In some cases, dry mouth or an altered taste in the mouth may accompany the pain [10]. This condition can affect anyone, but it occurs most commonly in middle-aged or older women [12].

BMS is a benign condition that presents as a burning sensation in the absence of any obvious findings in the mouth [4][6]. The underlying pathophysiology of BMS is not well understood, and it is considered an idiopathic condition [3][7]. Treatment can help alleviate the symptoms, but no specific treatment works for all people [14].

Key Characteristics:

• Persistent and recurring burning sensation in the mouth
• No obvious cause or underlying medical condition
• Can occur on various parts of the mouth, including tongue, gums, lips, etc.
• Pain may be described as burning, scalding, or tingling
• May accompany dry mouth or altered taste
• Affects anyone, but most common in middle-aged or older women

References:

[1] Context result 1 [3] Context result 11 [4] Context result 4 [6] Context result 4 [7] Context result 11 [10] Context result 10 [12] Context result 12 [14] Context result 14

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by a range of symptoms that can vary in severity and duration. The main symptom of BMS is a moderate to severe burning feeling on the tongue, palate, lips, gums, or inside the cheek.

Common symptoms:

• A continuous burning or scalding sensation in the mouth [6]
• Tingling or numbness, which may come and go [3]
• Burning, tingling, or numbness of the tongue, palate, lips, or other mucosal surfaces of the mouth, often bilaterally [7]

Additional symptoms:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Burning sensation in the skin or genital area [4]

These symptoms can persist for months or years and may be accompanied by other conditions such as acid reflux, allergies, depression, and anxiety. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

References:

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Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) can be challenging to diagnose, as there is no definitive test for the disorder. However, various diagnostic tests and examinations may be conducted to rule out other potential causes of a sore mouth.

• Blood tests: These may include complete blood count, blood sugar level, thyroid function, nutritional factors, and immune system function tests to check for underlying conditions such as anemia, diabetes, or thyroid problems [12][14].
• Oral swabs: To detect any infections or other medical conditions that might be contributing to the symptoms.
• Investigations: May include blood tests to exclude anaemia, nutritional deficiencies, and disorders associated with BMS such as diabetes or thyroid problems [11].
• Clinical examination: A thorough examination of the mouth and surrounding areas to look for any signs of infection, inflammation, or other conditions that might be causing the symptoms.
• Exclusion of other causes: The diagnostic process for BMS largely relies on excluding other potential causes of a sore mouth through a combination of clinical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests [1][11].

It's essential to note that diagnosing BMS is often a process of exclusion, where other possible causes are ruled out before a diagnosis of BMS can be made. The diagnostic criteria for BMS have not been universally accepted, and the condition is typically diagnosed based on clinical judgment and the absence of any other identifiable cause [4][9].

References: [1] - Search result 7 [4] - Search result 4 [9] - Search result 9 [11] - Search result 11 [12] - Search result 12 [14] - Search result 14

Treatment Options for Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) can be challenging to treat, and there is no definitive cure. However, various medications have been tried with variable success.

• Medications: Some medications may help alleviate symptoms, although the FDA has not approved them specifically for BMS. These include:
  • Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and sertraline may be prescribed to help manage symptoms [2].
  • Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines like alprazolam and clonazepam can be used to reduce anxiety-related symptoms [3].
  • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may provide temporary relief from burning sensations [4].
• Stopping medication: If possible, stopping the causative medication for a short time may help alleviate symptoms. However, this should only be done under medical supervision to avoid any potential risks [5].
• Combination therapy: Attempting combinations of therapies may be appropriate, and cognitive therapy may be synergistic with other agents [6].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that:

• Burning mouth syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion; therefore, thorough testing for secondary causes should be conducted before treatment begins [7].
• Treatment effectiveness can vary significantly from person to person.
• An interdisciplinary and systematic approach may be required for better patient management.

References: [1] Result: drug | 31% | ≈0% | 13% [2] May 1, 2024 - For burning mouth syndrome treatment, some medications can help. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved them specifically for BMS. [3] May 1, 2024 - For burning mouth syndrome treatment, some medications can help. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved them specifically for BMS. [4] October 25, 2023 - Currently, no definitive cure exists; many treatments have been tried with variable success. [5] May 1, 2024 - For burning mouth syndrome treatment, some medications can help. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved them specifically for BMS. [6] October 25, 2023 - Currently, no definitive cure exists; many treatments have been tried with variable success. [7] August 10, 2024 - According to the National Institute of Health, Burning Mouth Syndrome: An Overview and Future Perspectives article by Daniela Adamo states that the main symptom reported by the patients is “burning” pain, as the name implies.

Differential Diagnosis of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) can be challenging to diagnose due to its idiopathic nature and the absence of specific oral lesions. However, several conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of BMS.

• Local causes:
  • Oral mucosal disease
  • Fungal infection
  • Hematologic deficiency
  • Autoimmune disorders (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome)
• Systemic causes:
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid disease
  • Liver problems
  • Hypothyroidism

According to [4], accompanying symptoms of BMS include dry mouth (xerostomia), altered taste (dysgeusia), and oral paresthesia. A diagnosis of BMS is often made by exclusion, with an absence of other clinically significant local or systemic etiologies.

In some cases, BMS may coexist with other oral conditions, such as [11]. It's essential to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with BMS symptoms.

References:

[4] Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) patients commonly present with sensations of burning or stinging pain on the tongue, lips, palatal and other oral mucosa. Accompanying symptoms include dry mouth (xerostomia), altered taste (dysgeusia), and oral paresthesia.

[11] Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) has been defined as a burning pain of the tongue or other oral mucous membranes in an individual who exhibits no clinical signs and no related laboratory findings. Recently this concept has been disputed as being too restrictive; it has been suggested instead that BMS may exist coincidentally with other oral conditions.

[12] Differential diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome 10 15–18. Systemic Local; Diabetes Hypothyroidism