Thrush – Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Whether you have been diagnosed with Thrush or you have a family history of it, there are steps you can take to help prevent this disease. Read on to learn about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention methods.
Symptoms
Symptoms of thrush may include a red or white coating in your mouth, throat, or other body parts. This condition can also cause pain or trouble swallowing. It is rare to develop a serious case of thrush, but complications can occur if not treated quickly.
There are several treatments for oral thrush, including antifungal medicine, which can be put directly on the mouth or throat. These medications should be used only under a doctor’s supervision.
Some people are at greater risk for developing thrush than others. This is because certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system, make thrush more likely to develop. If you have a weakened immune system, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. You may also need to follow up with a medical professional if the symptoms return.
Candida fungus is normally kept in check by other bacteria in the body. But under certain circumstances, this fungus can overgrow, causing infection in various parts of the body. Among the most common areas where this fungus can grow is the vagina. If it grows, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, resulting in septic shock.
When you see a healthcare provider, you will be asked to fill out a form about your medical history. They will also look at your mouth and throat. If they suspect thrush, they will also take a sample of vaginal discharge. This will be sent to a laboratory for testing. They will then diagnose you with thrush.
If the infection is severe, it can affect the esophagus. In addition, fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain can occur. A flexible scope with a camera can be used to examine the esophagus. If esophageal thrush is discovered, the doctor will need to perform an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin tube with a light and camera attached to the tip. The doctor will then insert the tube into the esophagus. The doctor will then remove a tissue sample and analyze it.
Those with certain medical conditions or medications, such as steroids or antibiotics, are at greater risk for developing thrush. You may also be at increased risk if you are pregnant or have a low birth weight.
Diagnosis
Thrush is an infection caused by the fungus Candida. The fungus can enter the bloodstream and spread to other body parts, including the mouth, lips, gums, and tongue.
Most people are infected with thrush at some point in their lives. Some people are at increased risk, such as those who take certain medicines or have a weak immune system. Fortunately, most cases of thrush are not serious, but it can be a bothersome situation. Identifying the source of the infection can help prevent recurrences.
To diagnose thrush, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and examine your mouth and throat. If your symptoms seem to be related to thrush, a doctor may recommend a throat culture. Throat cultures are performed by taking a sample of tissue from the back of the throat. The sample is then sent to a laboratory to be tested. If the results are positive, the diagnosis of thrush is confirmed.
You can tell if you have thrush by seeing white or yellowish patches on your mouth or tongue. The condition can also appear on the roof of your mouth, the skin of your lips and gums, and the inside of your mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment of thrush can be as simple as home remedies, but some people require more serious medications. There are several antifungal medications available in tablet form, liquid to swish in the mouth, and in a number of other forms. The amount of medicine you need and the length of time it takes to work depend on the severity of your thrush and any underlying medical conditions.
If you have a vaginal yeast infection, you should seek treatment as soon as you notice symptoms. Itching, stinging while you urinate, and vaginal discharge are some of the common symptoms of vaginal thrush. During sex, the infection can make you feel uncomfortable and interfere with your sexual functions.
If your doctor believes you have thrush, they will treat it. Depending on the severity of your infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine or refer you to a specialist.
Treatment
During the treatment of thrush, your healthcare provider will examine your mouth and throat. He or she will ask you about the symptoms and history of your condition. He or she may scrape the affected area with a tongue depressor. You may be asked to provide a tissue sample to be examined in a laboratory.
A doctor or dentist will prescribe an antifungal medicine for you. Some of the types of medication you can take include fluconazole, itraconazole, or polyenes. These medicines are taken as a pill or applied topically.
Oral thrush usually goes away on its own in a few weeks. However, some people need to take the medicine for up to six months. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe systemic antifungal medicines. The medicine is often given orally, in pills or liquids, but it can also be administered through an IV.
Vaginal thrush is caused by the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. It can also affect the lips, gums, and roof of the mouth. In this case, your healthcare provider may prescribe an antifungal mouthwash, a suppository, or drops. If you are pregnant, you may need to use a pessary to reduce the overgrowth of candida.
A simple lab test can confirm the diagnosis of thrush. You should also visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and brushing your teeth and mouth. It is important to remove your dentures before bed to prevent the fungus from spreading to your mouth.
If you experience recurrent thrush, your healthcare provider may recommend a physical exam to identify the cause of the infection. If your thrush is located farther down your throat, a procedure called endoscopy may be required. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the tip into the back of your throat. Light is also used to help the doctor see what is happening.
Your healthcare provider will also check to see if you have other diseases or illnesses that could be causing your thrush. If you have a weakened immune system, you are at risk for serious complications.
Prevention
Thrush prevention is a way of making your immune system stronger to avoid fungus. It involves changes in nutrition, hygiene, and other risk factors.
Babies, older people, and people with weakened immunity are more at risk for thrush. This can be accelerated by certain conditions.
Treatment of thrush can be as simple as changing your diet. This can include avoiding foods that are high in sugar. You can also use ointments that have antifungal properties. These are usually applied to the tongue and gums. They are much safer than taking pills. They should be used for about a month.
You should also keep your genitals clean after sex. You can also wash your mouth regularly. Make sure you choose a lubricant that is water-soluble. This will help maintain the pH balance in your mouth.
Pregnant women are also at risk for thrush. They should take care to follow the doctor’s recommendations. In addition, they should choose cosmetics that are proven safe.
During pregnancy, it is best to avoid using a lot of sugar and sweets. These types of foods may cause your body to produce an excessive amount of fungus. It is also best to wear comfortable underwear.
It is a good idea to get an endoscopy when you suspect thrush. An endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted camera mounted on a tube. The lining of your esophagus, throat and other areas is examined. This can detect underlying immunocompromising conditions.
You can also make a baking soda paste and apply it to your tongue. You should rinse the paste with warm water. It will help kill the yeast that causes fungal infections.
Some medicines can also prevent thrush. These can be taken as prescribed by your physician. They can be taken for up to 14 days.
Other medicines can prevent thrush by restoring the balance of microflora in your body. These drugs can be taken during antibiotic therapy. You can also take probiotics. This is a type of bacteria that can help your body maintain a healthy balance of the nervous and immune systems.
You can also prevent thrush by not smoking. It is a good idea to try to limit your consumption of alcohol and cigarettes.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
