Having bad breath is usually a minor issue that can be resolved with mouthwash or other oral hygiene products. However, if you live in Sub-Saharan Africa and experience symptoms such as bad breath, mouth sores, and pain, it could be an indication of a devastating disease known as Cancrum Oris.
This disease usually affects young, malnourished children between the ages of 2 and 5 years and is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and unsanitary drinking water. It starts with swollen gums and cheeks, followed by canker sores with a foul odor. Cancrum Oris destroys tissue, attacks the face, and tears the lips, cheeks, and face, causing severe and permanent damage to the sufferer. Unlike most infections, this disease can spread through anatomical barriers such as muscles.
Cancrum Oris is more likely to affect malnourished, dehydrated, and immunocompromised children, such as those born with HIV. Unfortunately, in most cases, the disease is fatal, with only one in ten sufferers surviving but with permanent facial disfigurement and long-lasting scars.
The disease is too terrible and too destructive, and the thought of catching it is terrifying. Its onset and progression are still a mystery, and most patients do not report until the disease is at an advanced stage. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to managing this disease.