Understanding Noma: Causes, Prevention And Treatment

Abstract

Noma (Cancrum oris) is a neglected, preventable debilitating disease of orofacial diseases (1). The majority of cases seen involve children  from poor backgrounds who lack access to a proper diet and adequate health care (1). It starts as an infection in the oral cavity before  involving the hard tissue and finally perforating the skin, causing serious damage to the face (2). Noma significantly impacts patients’  quality of life, often leading to serious morbidity and mortality (1). Complications include severe facial deformities, difficulty eating and  speaking, and heightened mortality from infections (2). Timely treatment involving antibiotics, fluid therapy, and surgical intervention can  mitigate its devastating effects (3).