Burning mouth syndrome new terminology

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic condition characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, or throat, without any apparent cause or visible signs of inflammation. The condition is also known as glossopyrosis, stomatodynia, or oral scalding syndrome.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the complexity and heterogeneity of BMS, leading to the development of new terminology and classification systems. Here are some examples:

  1. International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11): The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a new classification system for BMS in the ICD-11, which was published in 2018. According to the ICD-11, BMS is classified as a chronic pain disorder (code 7A41.0) and is characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, or throat, without any apparent cause or visible signs of inflammation.
  2. Burning Mouth Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria: In 2019, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) published a set of diagnostic criteria for BMS, which includes the following:
    • A burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, or throat that is persistent or recurrent.
    • The burning sensation is not explained by another medical condition or medication.
    • The burning sensation is not limited to a specific area of the mouth, tongue, or throat.
    • The burning sensation is not accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling.
  3. Subtypes of Burning Mouth Syndrome: Researchers have identified several subtypes of BMS, including:
    • Primary BMS: This is the most common type, characterized by a burning sensation in the absence of any underlying medical condition or medication.
    • Secondary BMS: This type is associated with an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or neurological disorders.
    • Atypical BMS: This type is characterized by a burning sensation that is not limited to the mouth, tongue, or throat, but may also involve other parts of the body.
  4. Burning Mouth Syndrome Spectrum: Some researchers have proposed a spectrum model of BMS, which suggests that the condition may be part of a broader spectrum of chronic pain disorders that affect the mouth, tongue, and throat.

These new terms and classification systems reflect a growing understanding of the complexity and heterogeneity of BMS, and may help to improve diagnosis, treatment, and management of the condition.