Thrush is a common infection of the mouth and throat. It is caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. Thrush can occur in people of any age, but it is most common in babies, young children, and older adults. Symptoms of thrush include white patches on the tongue and inside the cheek, redness, and soreness in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Thrush is treated with antifungal medicines.
Causes
Thrush is a common infection that affects both men and women. It’s caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans. This yeast is normally found in small amounts in your body, but it can grow out of control if the conditions are right.
There are several things that can cause thrush, including:
-A weakened immune system: This can be caused by diseases like HIV/AIDS or diabetes, or by taking medications that weaken the immune system (such as steroids or chemotherapy).
-An imbalance in the normal bacteria in your body: This can be caused by antibiotics (which kill both good and bad bacteria), pregnancy, or hormone changes.
-Spermicides: These are chemicals that are used to kill sperm.
Risk factors
There are many factors that can contribute to developing thrush. Here are some of the other risks factors for this fungal infection:
Poor oral hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, you’re more likely to develop plaque. This sticky film provides a perfect environment for Candida to grow.
Dry mouth: Dry mouth is caused by a decrease in saliva. This can be due to certain medications, medical conditions, or treatments (such as radiation therapy). Without enough saliva, the mouth becomes dry and cracks can form. These cracks provide an entry point for Candida.
Smoking: Smoking irritates the lining of the mouth, making it more susceptible to infection. It also decreases saliva production, which further increases the risk of developing thrush.
Dentures: Dentures can trap Candida in the mouth and cause an infection. If you’re wearing dentures, make sure they are always clean and that you get them professionally cleaned regularly.
Symptoms
Thrush is a medical condition caused by the overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. The most common symptom of thrush is a sore, itchy throat. Other symptoms can include:
-White patches on the tongue or inside the cheeks
-Redness and swelling of the gums
-Cracks at the corners of the mouth
-Loss of taste or difficulty swallowing
If you think you may have thrush, it’s important to see your doctor so they can prescribe treatment. Left untreated, thrush can spread to other parts of the body, like the lungs and digestive tract.
Diagnosis
Thrush is a common infection that can be easily diagnosed by your doctor. Here’s what you need to know about how thrush is diagnosed.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also examine your mouth for signs of thrush.
If your doctor suspects that you have thrush, they will likely order a laboratory test called a fungal culture. This test can confirm the diagnosis.
Your doctor may also perform an endoscopy or blood tests to identify the medical condition.
Treatment
If you have ever had a yeast infection, then you know how annoying and uncomfortable they can be. Luckily, there are treatments available to help get rid of the infection. Here are some treatments for thrush that you can try.
One treatment for thrush is to take an over-the-counter antifungal medication. These medications can help to reduce the amount of yeast in your body and clear up the infection.
Another treatment for thrush is to use yogurt. Yogurt contains live and active cultures that can help to fight off a yeast infection. Simply apply yogurt to the affected area and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
Finally, you can also try using tea tree oil as a treatment for thrush. Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can help to kill off yeast infections.
Prevention
Prevention of thrush is possible by following good hygiene practices and taking care to avoid cross-contamination. Good hygiene practices include:
Washing your hands thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom or handling food
Wiping down counters and surfaces that may have come into contact with contaminated materials
Avoiding sharing personal items like towels, toothbrushes, or clothing
If you smoke quit smoking
If you are susceptible to thrush, it’s also important to take extra care when using public showers or pools. Wear shower shoes or sandals to avoid coming into direct contact with the fungus that causes thrush.
Complications
There are several potential complications associated with thrush, especially if the condition is left untreated. In some cases, the yeast infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the esophagus and lungs. This can lead to difficulty swallowing and breathing, as well as other serious symptoms. Thrush can also cause a serious complication called systemic candidiasis, which can be life-threatening. Finally, people with weakened immune systems are at risk for developing a severe form of thrush called invasive candidiasis.
When to see a doctor?
If you think you might have thrush, it’s important to see a doctor so they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the most effective treatment. In some cases, thrush can go away on its own without treatment. But if your symptoms are severe or don’t improve after a few days of home treatment, you’ll likely need an antifungal medication prescribed by a doctor.
Conclusion
Thrush is a common infection that can be painful and frustrating. However, there are treatments available that can help to clear the infection and provide relief. Overall, thrush is a manageable condition that should not be cause for alarm.
Published on November 22, 2022 and Last Updated on November 22, 2022 by: Mayank Pandey
