3. Ulcers in the Mouth: A Gruesome Milestone in Noma Progression
Let’s talk about mouth ulcers for a moment. Most of us have had them. They’re painful, annoying, and yet, mostly harmless. Not so in the case of Noma. The emergence of ulcers in this context is a substantial leap from the previous symptoms and marks a disturbing milestone in the disease’s progression.
The ulcers that arise from Noma are anything but typical. They are usually necrotic, meaning that the tissue around them is dying or already dead. You won’t just find one or two; these ulcers multiply, occupying increasingly larger areas of the oral cavity. This makes even the simplest tasks like speaking or swallowing an agonizing endeavor.
As the ulcers continue to grow, the necrotic tissue becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. The gums, cheeks, and even the throat can get consumed by these ulcerations. The terrifying part is how rapidly this happens. What starts as a couple of small sores can multiply into a mouthful of agonizing wounds within a day.
Contrary to common ulcers that might be caused by stress, acidic foods, or minor injuries, these are not conditions that improve with a simple rinse or over-the-counter medication. They signify the presence of a much more significant problem: rampant infection and dying tissue that’s taking over the oral cavity. (3)
