A world where all is free: Blame it on the lymphocyte!

Thursday, December 02, 2004

Blame it on the lymphocyte!
I have a large ulcer on the tongue. I attribute it to Atul's hidden martian forces since the evidence is too compelling. Happy budday Atul!

Meanwhile the net seems to suggets I suffer from a case of "recurrent minor aphthous ulcers" and the causes are the following. Clearly in my case it is emotional/psychic stress caused by Atul's psychic powers.
[ http://www.animated-teeth.com/canker_sores/t1_canker_sores.htm]

What are canker sores?
Canker sores are a type of mouth ulcer. Some of the medical terms used to refer to canker sores are "recurrent minor aphthous ulcers" and "recurrent minor aphthous stomatitis" (thus differentiating canker sores from other types of aphthous ulcers or aphthous stomatitis). Canker sores are the most commonly occurring type of mouth ulcer.

What causes canker sores?
The precise mechanism by which canker sores form has not been definitively determined [drat!] but it is likely that their development is related to a reaction of an individual's own immune system. Canker sores are thought to form when, for unexplained reasons, a person's immune system identifies the presence of chemical molecules that it does not recognize. The presence of these molecules activates an attack by the immune system's lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), somewhat like when a person's immune system attacks a transplanted organ. The carnage [feels like carnage alright] of the lymphocytes' attack on these unrecognized molecules results in the type of mouth ulcers we term canker sores.

What triggers outbreaks of canker sores?
Several factors that seem to trigger outbreaks of canker sores have been identified. Any one or a combination of the following items may play a significant role in the formation of canker sores for any one individual:

1. Toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate
2. Mechanical trauma
3. Emotional stress / Psychic stress
Psychological stress has been shown to adversely affect the health of people in a number of ways. Many people who suffer from canker sores will frequently report that the timing of their ulcers coincide with periods of stress.
4. Nutritional deficiencies
5. Allergies and sensitivities
6. Hormonal changes
7. Genetics
8. Infectious agents (both bacterial and viral)
9. Medical conditions
10. Medications

Other characteristics of canker sores.

Canker sores can usually be expected to heal within 4 to 14 days. Usually this healing is uneventful and with no residual scarring. [you bet, uneventful!]
Once a person has initially experienced an outbreak of canker sores the probability of recurrence is high, although the rate of recurrence is quite variable. A recurrence rate of one outbreak every 1 to 3 months would be considered typical (encompassing 50% of people who get canker sores). 30% of people who suffer from these lesions deal with their presence on a monthly basis. [Haven't tracked, but sounds reasonable!]
Usually a person's first canker sores will appear between the ages of 10 and 20 years and then decrease in frequency and severity as the person ages. [MY FOOT decrease in frequency!]
Some studies have suggested that women are more likely to experience canker sores than men (but not all studies have confirmed this fact). [Well, even if they were to confirm it wouldn't make me feel any better!]
Its been estimated that roughly 20% of the general population experiences canker sores. [Now that gives me some comfort!]
There is no evidence to suggest that canker sores are contagious. [Congrats, humans!]
The presence of canker sores appears to be unrelated to race. The occurrence of these lesions does seem to be more common in people who live in North America as opposed to people who live on other continents. [Huh?!]

- posted by Rallix @ 5:42 AM

Comments:

Atul is born, Ralli has a mouth ulcer and resounding slap of thunder is heard all around the world!

# posted by

mehersioglu : Thu Dec 02, 07:09:00 AM

About Me