Oral Infections Candidiasis
Appearing as creamy white patches/spots on the tongue and inner cheeks, oral thrush is a yeast fungus (candida albicans) infection of the mouth. When occurring in adults oral Candidiasis can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat.
Other Symptoms
One of the first signs may be an increase bad taste in the mouth or a decrease in the ability to taste.
Thrush may cause difficulty/pain swallowing, feeling that something is stuck in the throat or mid chest.
Fever may occur if
thrush moves into the esophagus.
- Inner or lip rashes in the corners of the mouth
- Scrapping thrush patches may cause bleeding
- Swelling or smooth red patches on the roof of the mouth
- Lesions on the tongue
Those At High Risk For Oral Candidiasis Infection
It is normal to have traces of the candida fungus in the mouth, skin and digestive track but in small amounts. Other bacteria in the body work to control the levels of the fungus so they remain safe. But this balance can shift due to the intake of medications for asthma (containing corticosteroids) and birth control pills.
Other risks would include illness, HIV infection, diabetes, improperly fitted dentures, hormonal changes during pregnancy and dry mouth.
The connection between dry mouth (xerostomia) and medications often go hand in hand. Drugs that reduce mouth moisture (saliva) lower the balance of good bacteria that fight oral infection.
Even pregnant mothers can infect newborns with the candida fungus if she has an active vaginal yeast infection during delivery.
Diseases such as diabetes mellitus if uncontrolled increase glucose levels in the saliva creating a breeding ground for candida to spread.
HIV/Aids is an illness in which the immune system is severely weakened and highly susceptible to infection. When the aids disease progresses to a more advanced stage thrush can spread into the esophagus. Candida esophagitis is considered one of the hallmark signs that HIV is progressing into full blown aids.
Treating Thrush
Treatment for thrush fungus usually includes anti-fungal drugs like:
- Miconazole
- Nystatin
- Amphotericin
- Noxafil
- Sporanox
- Nilstat
- Mycelex Troche
- Bio-Statin
- Nizoral and diflucan are used in aids patients for infections that have spread throughout the body.
- If outbreaks are frequent, your doctor may recommend anti-fungal medication on a regular basis as a means of prevention.
Anti-fungal drugs do run the risk of liver damage, so your healthcare provider will probably take blood test to monitor any changes in the function of your liver.
Treatment can last 7-14 days.
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