CATARRHAL STOMATITIS Nature, Local Changes.—Catarrhal sfornatitis is characterized clinically by the special symptoms of inflammation, namely, redness, swelling, pain and a hypersecretion of the affected mucous membranes. A dark red color, as a rule, precedes an evanescent grayish white dis coloration produced by cloudy swelling of the superficial epithelial layer. After dcsquamation of the epithelium an intense red color remains throughout the course of this benign disease. As a rule, the disease involves chiefly the gums and the tongue. Occasionally the lips, the cheeks and the palate are also implicated, so that the lining of the whole oral cavity is more or less intensely inflamed. The inflammation is usually limited to the oral cavity without spreading to the structures of the pharynx.
to the mouth is most commonly (Erected by the fact that children have pain during eating, and for this reason it is at times necessary to stop feeding. In recognition of this fact it is best to give the children only cool and non-irritating fluids.
The salivation, which accompanies the inflammation, is sometimes so profuse that the saliva flows from the corners of the mouth and irri tates the external surface. A sensitive skin reacts with a more or less
intense redness. The temperature, RS ft rule, is normal or very slightly elevated. Swelling of the lymphatic nodes is absent. Nevertheless, the general condition suffers, as is evidenced by the stationary weight, or even loss, and the evident lassitude and irritability of temper.
catarrhal inflammation of the mouth arises mostly as a result of local irritants of a mechanical, chemical, or thermic nature. This disorder precedes and attends all other forms of stomatitis.
Among the mechanical causes a prominent part is played by the irritation that attends the eruptiou of the milk teeth; for it cannot be considered entirely accidental that stomatitis most frequently occurs during the period of dentition (first and second year).
special treatment is required, since spontaneous recovery occurs in a few days.