Author(s)

Byung Woo Lim¹, Hae Dong Kim¹, Jin Soon Chang², Ick Soo Choi^1*

¹Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Korea.
²Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea.

Background: The clinical characteristics of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) are not fully understood. We investigated the profiles of BMS patients, characteristics associated with BMS, and the available treatment methods and their effects. Methods: Seventy-four BMS patients without oral mucosal lesions were enrolled. Their medical history, medications taken, and symptom scores were investigated via questionnaires. Laboratory investigations of parameters potentially associated with BMS were performed. Regarding treatment, 0.01% dexamethasone gargle, amitriptyline, and clonazepam were administered individually or in combination, depending on the degree of symptom improvement. Symptoms were scored from 0 - 10 points; these scores were used to evaluate treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction. Results: Mean age of the patients was 63.6 ± 14.2 years; mean symptom prevalence period was 15.5 ± 24.7 months. BMS was not significantly associated with a history of hypertension, diabetes, or any specific medications. Treatment reduced the symptoms of 85.1% subjects (63/74). Conclusions: Contrary to that in previous studies, we observed significant improvements in BMS patients following combination treatment with dexamethasone gargle, amitriptyline, and clonazepam.

Burning Mouth Syndrome, Dexamethasone, Amitriptyline, Clonazepam

Lim, B. , Kim, H. , Chang, J. and Choi, I. (2018) Burning Mouth Syndrome: Patient Profiles, Clinical Symptoms, Affecting Associated Factors, and Treatment Responses. International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, 7, 237-248. doi: 10.4236/ijohns.2018.74025.