A Clinical Study on Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis : An Assessment of Multiple Etological Factors

Abstract

To study the various etiological factors, the relation between haematinic deficiencies and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a prospective study to find out the aetiopathogenesis of RAS. A detailed history of 50 patients with RAS was taken with emphasis on etiological factors causing RAS such as age, stress, sleep, menstruation, trauma, constipation, smoking, drugs / food allergy and haematinic deficiencies. Diagnosis was based on history and clinical examination. Hemoglobin percentage, serum vitamin B12 & folic acid levels were seen for in blood. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION: We have evaluated 50 patients with RAS. Maximum numbers of patients were seen in the age group of 20-39 (68%). In our study 47 patients (94%) presented with minor aphthous ulcers and 3 patients (6%) with major ulcers. 64% of patients were from middle socioeconomic group, 70% of RAS was associated with anemia, 46% of stress related, 30% gave history of lack of sleep, 20% of female patients developed RAS during menstruation. Vitamin B12 deficiency (20%), trauma (22%), and 6% was associated with smoking, constipation and food allergy, 8% were found to be associated with alcohol. CONCLUSION: Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis is a very common disease with several precipitating factors. Multiple combined etiological factors like lack of sleep, minor trauma to oral mucosa in susceptible individuals, menstruation, constipation, food allergies, vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency etc. caused RAS. This data may be helpful in future studies regarding the aetiopathogenisis of RAS and to bring out better treatment or preventive options.