Seeking Insights on Chronic Oral Ulcers in Elderly Woman: Treatment Challenges
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out regarding my mother, who is 70 years old and struggling with severe and ongoing oral lesions. For the past few weeks, she has endured significant discomfort, and we are searching for answers as well as any shared experiences from others. **Symptoms:** - Discomforting sores beneath her tongue and along her inner cheeks - Noticeable redness and swelling in both her mouth and throat - A persistent burning sensation - Alterations in her voice, possibly due to throat irritation - Symptoms temporarily alleviate with prednisone, but worsen upon tapering the dosage **Current Treatment Plan:** - Recently initiated treatment with 25 mg of dapsone - Prior to this, she was on 15 mg of prednisone for nearly 19 days - After reducing the prednisone to 10 mg, her symptoms escalated - Unfortunately, dapsone has yet to provide any marked improvement **Medical Evaluations:** - Her case has been assessed by her primary physician - Consultations have also taken place with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist - Additionally, a rheumatology evaluation was conducted As of now, lab tests have been performed, but there are no conclusive results. She is not experiencing any significant gastrointestinal symptoms, and there has been no indication of eye-related issues. **Questions for the Community:** - Has anyone experienced intense autoimmune oral inflammation similar to this? - Has dapsone been effective for you? - Did you need to progress treatment to azathioprine or biologic medications? - Have any of you encountered Behçet’s or Crohn’s disease primarily manifesting in the oral cavity at this age? We are eager to gather insights from those who may have faced comparable health challenges and learn about potential remedies that have proven effective. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 9:40:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's ongoing struggles with oral ulcers; it sounds very distressing for both her and your family. Chronic oral lesions can significantly impact quality of life and often require targeted treatment approaches.
Main Points:
- Oral ulcers can arise from various underlying issues, including autoimmune conditions.
- Dapsone and prednisone are common treatments, but adjustments may be necessary based on her response.
- It's important to monitor her symptoms closely and consider further evaluations if there’s no improvement.
Explanation:
The symptoms your mother is experiencing—sores, redness, swelling, burning sensations, and voice changes—could stem from several causes, including autoimmune conditions like Behçet’s disease or Crohn’s disease, given that these illnesses can involve oral manifestations. Prednisone has helped but tapering has led to symptom recurrence, indicating that her condition may not be stable without steroid support.
Dapsone is sometimes used for autoimmune-related skin lesions and similar conditions, but it may take time to see results. If it’s not effective, alternative treatments or adjustments to her regimen may be necessary, such as considering immunosuppressants like azathioprine or biologics depending on the diagnosis.
Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of her symptoms, medication responses, and any changes. This information can help her healthcare team identify patterns or triggers.
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Consult with Healthcare Providers: Communicate any ongoing concerns about the ineffectiveness of dapsone. Discuss the potential need for further treatments or the possibility of a biopsy if the lesions don't improve, which could provide clearer insight into her condition.
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Supportive Care Measures:
- Encourage gentle oral hygiene to avoid further irritation (e.g., using a soft toothbrush).
- Consider dietary adjustments to avoid spicy or acidic foods that could aggravate the sores.
- Ensure adequate hydration, as this can help soothe her symptoms.
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Follow-up on Laboratory and Test Results: As lab tests are still pending, be proactive in following up with her doctors regarding results, which could guide further treatment decisions.
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Explore Other Treatment Options: If there's no improvement with current medications, ask her healthcare providers about other potential therapies like topical agents, mouth rinses, or alternative medications.
If you need further assistance, including potential lifestyle adjustments or coping strategies for her condition, I'm here to help. Please take care and keep seeking the support your mother needs.
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