Mucositis is an inflammatory response of the mucosal epithelium to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, causing pain and severe oral ulceration. In the studies of recent years, the use of honey has been proposed in the management of oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy in pediatric patients. Honey reduces the severity and duration of mucositis, reduces pain and is a child-friendly product. Therefore, it could be an effective product both in the prophylaxis and in the treatment of oral mucositis. However, the small amount of human research is not enough to establish widespread recommendations. Therefore, research in this field should be increased. With this, it will be possible to examine the efficacy and possible complications in the short and long term, explore its possible synergistic effect with other therapies, analyze its economic profitability and the most appropriate type of honey. In this way, healthcare professionals will be able to offer pediatric patients the best care based on the latest scientific evidence.
KEYWORDS: mucositis, honey, children, treatment |
