What should you know about mucositis after chemotherapy?

The mouth may become red, tender or dry, with sores on the tongue, gums or cheeks. Swallowing, speaking and eating can hurt; some people notice altered taste. If the throat or lower digestive tract is affected, discomfort, diarrhoea or difficulty taking medicines may occur. Broken lining can also make infection easier, especially when chemotherapy lowers blood-cell counts.

The timing and severity depend on the drug regimen, dose pattern, previous treatment and personal health. Report symptoms early rather than waiting for sores to become extensive.

Tell your oncology team about pain, sores, reduced drinking or trouble swallowing. Use the mouth-care plan they recommend; this may include gentle cleaning, bland rinses, prescribed pain relief or protective treatments. Choose soft, moist foods and cool or lukewarm drinks if they are easier to tolerate. Avoid tobacco, alcohol-containing mouthwash and foods that sting, such as very spicy or acidic items.

Keep track of fluids, meals, temperature and medicines. Do not start a supplement or numbing product without checking, because some products can irritate tissue or interact with treatment.

Contact your cancer team urgently if you cannot swallow liquids or essential medicines, are passing very little urine, have uncontrolled pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the mouth, or a fever or rapidly worsening illness. Breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat needs emergency care.

Could my treatment be causing these sores? Which rinse and pain medicine should I use? What foods and drinks are easiest to manage? How will you check hydration or infection? Should my next treatment be adjusted if eating and drinking remain difficult?