Oral thrush is a yeast or fungal infection of the genus Candida that develops on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Oral candidiasis is another name for oral thrush. Show Oral thrush most commonly occurs due to the fungus Candida albicans. However, the following can also cause the infection:
For the majority of individuals, oral thrush does not cause any serious problems. However, if a person has a weakened immune system, their signs and symptoms may be much more severe. This article will cover all aspects of oral thrush, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment. Doctors will usually prescribe anti-fungal medications, such as nystatin or miconazole, in the form of drops, gel, or lozenges. Alternatively, a doctor may prescribe a topical oral suspension. To take this treatment, a person washes it around their mouth for a few minutes and then swallows or spits out the solution (depending on the formulation). According to a 2021 article, a healthcare professional will prescribe the following treatment options based on the severity of the condition:
For people who also have advanced cancer, a doctor may prescribe 150 mg of fluconazole as a single dose. Alongside medical treatment, the following can help reduce the risk of worsening the condition:
The National Health Service notes that the use of steroid inhalers, or corticosteroid inhalers, can increase the chance of developing oral thrush. A person can use a spacer or rinse their mouth after use to help prevent oral thrush from developing Oral thrush in babies presents as a white coating on the tongue that resembles cottage cheese. A caregiver will not be able to rub the coating off easily. However, they will be able to scrape the coating off, leaving a red area. Oral thrush in adults generally appears as thick, white, or cream-colored deposits on the mucous membrane of the mouth. The inside of the mouth may appear swollen and slightly red and may feature raised spots. The white spots may join together to form larger ones, also known as plaques. These plaques may then take on a grayish or yellowish color. Occasionally, the affected area simply becomes red and sore, with no detectable white spots. If a person scrapes the cream or white-colored deposits, bleeding may occur. Other symptoms include:
Individuals who wear dentures may have areas that are constantly red and swollen under their dentures. Poor oral hygiene or not taking the dentures out before going to sleep may increase the risk of oral thrush. A 2015 reviewnotes that medical professionals sometimes divide oral thrush into three groups based on appearance, although the condition can sometimes sit between categories. The three groups are:
There are a number of other lesions that can also appear with oral thrush. Sometimes, these lesions might be due to other types of bacteria that are also present in the area. These can include:
Oral thrush is not contagious in adults. However, thrush can pass between an infant and parent during breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Some people may find oral thrush painful. The spots can become raised, and a person may experience discomfort and a burning sensation. In other instances, a person may develop no spots but experience a general soreness in the mouth. If a person scrapes their spots, they may bleed and experience some mild pain. Tiny quantities of Candida fungus exist in various parts of our body. It is present in the digestive system, skin, and mouth. Generally, these fungi cause no problems to healthy individuals. However, people on certain medications, with reduced immune systems, or with certain medical conditions are susceptible to oral thrush when C. albicans grows out of control. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , those under 1 month of age have a higher chance of developing oral thrush. Adult oral thrush is more likely to become a problem for the following groups:
Other risk factors include:
The CDC states that the doctor can look into the person’s mouth and ask some questions about symptoms to diagnose oral thrush. The doctor may scrape some tissue from the inside of the mouth for analysis. If the doctor believes that medication or some other underlying cause is behind the thrush, then they will attempt to deal with it accordingly. Treatments in such cases depend on the underlying cause. Oral thrush is a fungal infection that develops on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Common symptoms of oral thrush include thick, white, or cream-colored spots on the mucous membrane. These spots may be raised and can cause some pain and discomfort, For most people, oral thrush does not cause serious problems. However, people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms and a higher chance of the infection spreading into the bloodstream. Doctors can treat oral thrush with anti-fungal drugs, such as nystatin or miconazole. They may also prescribe a topical oral suspension. Some circumstances may increase a person’s risk of developing oral thrush. These include smoking, diabetes, the use of dentures, the use of antibiotics, and a weakened immune system. What is the strongest treatment for oral thrush?For severe infections, the most common treatment is fluconazole (an antifungal medication) taken by mouth or through a vein. If patient does not get better after taking fluconazole, healthcare providers may prescribe a different antifungal.
What gets rid of oral thrush fast?Common medications include:. Antifungal mouthwash (nystatin). Lozenges (clotrimazole). Antifungal medicines like fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox). These are taken in tablet or liquid form.. What happens if oral thrush doesn't go away after treatment?They may include a swish and swallow medicine or an antifungal lozenge. They target the Candida overgrowth. If the thrush doesn't respond to topical treatment, your healthcare provider will likely switch treatment to an antifungal pill. This medicine is often stronger against Candida.
Why do I still have oral thrush after treatment?Thrush may return even after it's been treated if the underlying cause, such as poorly disinfected dentures or inhaled steroid use, isn't addressed.
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