Oral Thrush
How to deal with an oral yeast infection
Oral thrush is an oral yeast infection. It is caused when the yeast fungus Candida is present in the mouth and has become overgrown. Oral thrush is also known as monoliasis and candidiasis.
Candidiasis
Candida is present in about 50 percent of people at any given time. The fungus doesn't normally cause a problem. However, the chemistry of the mouth can shift, such as when diseases are present or there are changes in the general physical health of the patient. These changes can create a better environment for Candida to grow, and oral thrush is often the result.
Some medications can cause oral thrush, like antibiotics or chemotherapy. Diabetes, AIDS, illicit drug use, poor nutrition and a compromised immune system can also be causes. People who wear dentures are more prone to oral thrush, since dentures can cause scratches or breaks in mouth skin.
Symptoms of oral thrush include white or yellow raised spots inside the mouth. Generally, the spots themselves are painless, but there can be bleeding if the spots are touched or scraped. Often, there is a burning sensation in the throat and mouth.
Thrush often occurs in babies, but it can occur in adults as well. Sores in the mouth and burning in the mouth and throat can be symptoms of many serious diseases, so you should always talk to a doctor if these symptoms occur.
Oral Thrush Treatments
Diflucan for thrush is one possible treatment. Antifungal agents like nystatin, amphotericin and miconazole are also used. These treatments are orally ingested. Antifungal tablets or shots may be called for in serious cases, particularly when the fungus has spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.
The most important treatment consideration is to prevent oral thrust from reoccurring. If the patient is a denture wearer, then getting the dentures to fit better is important. For people with immune deficiencies, boosting the immune response is very important.