Light therapy to prevent and treat mucositis (1992)
Key points below
What is light therapy?
Light therapy (also known as PBM therapy) uses a low-level laser to prevent and treat mouth sores from chemotherapy or radiation. It does not cause any harm to the skin.What is mucositis?
Mucositis are sores in the mouth and gut. They can happen with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. These treatments kill fast-growing cells, like cancer cells. But they also kill cells that line the mouth and gut, and cause sores. These sores increase the risk for infection. They also cause symptoms like:
- Mouth pain
- Upset stomach (nausea)
- Throwing up
- Loose poops (diarrhea)
- Belly pain
Why is light therapy needed?
Light therapy protects against sores in the mouth. It can stop some sores from forming. If sores do happen, they are smaller and less painful.How do patients get light therapy?
- Light therapy is given to your child by a nurse.
- The light from light therapy is bright. Your child will wear sunglasses to protect their eyes during the treatment.
- The light is aimed at the cheeks and inside of the mouth.
- It is done once a day and it lasts less than 5 minutes.
- Your child should not feel any discomfort during light therapy.
For more information:
Light therapy information from St. Jude’s:https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/stories/promise-magazine/summer-2021/shining-a-light-on-mucosis.html
For other health and wellness information:
https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents