Fact 2: It’s Not Externally Induced
The symptoms of BMS might sound eerily similar to those of a burn caused by hot foods or liquids. However, BMS isn’t induced by external stimuli. In fact, one of the defining characteristics of this syndrome is the lack of an external cause. People with BMS haven’t necessarily consumed anything hot or irritating – the burning just begins, often out of the blue.
Understanding the non-external nature of BMS is crucial for both diagnosis and management. It separates BMS from other conditions where the oral burning is directly linked to an external source. This distinction ensures that those suffering from the syndrome receive the targeted care they need and aren’t mistakenly treated for external burns or injuries.
However, this absence of an external cause can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it means that sufferers can take solace in the fact that they haven’t done anything to induce this pain. On the other, it can also lead to feelings of helplessness since there isn’t a clear action to avoid or a behavior to modify to prevent the onset of symptoms.
From a diagnostic perspective, this feature makes BMS a condition of exclusion. That is, healthcare professionals often need to rule out external causes before landing on a BMS diagnosis. While this might make the diagnostic journey lengthier, it ensures that once diagnosed, the patient can access the most appropriate care tailored to BMS. (2)
