Thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth caused by an overgrowth of the yeast organism Candida albicans . Thrush usually begins on the tongue and inside of the cheeks and may spread to the palate, gums, tonsils, and throat. In severe cases, the infection may spread to the larynx (voicebox), digestive tract, respiratory system, or skin.
Many microorganisms live in the mouth, including yeast and bacteria. Thrush occurs when the normal balance of these organisms is upset. This allows an overgrowth of Candida (a form of yeast) to occur.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. In this case, your risk factors are:
The symptoms of thrush occur in the mouth. Symptoms include:
If the infection spreads down your esophagus, you may also experience:
If thrush spreads systemically, you may develop a fever.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and examine your mouth. A sample of cells from the affected area may be scraped off and examined under a microscope.
The goal of treatment is to restore the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the mouth. Treatments may include:
Thrush may be treated with lozenges, troches (a type of lozenge that dissolves in your mouth), tablets, or oral rinses, which you swish around your mouth and then swallow. Medications that are active against yeast, include:
Breastfeeding mothers of babies with thrush can use a topical antifungal medication on their nipples to reduce the baby's infection.
Underlying conditions that may contribute to thrush can be identified and treated.
Oral hygiene practices that may aid in healing include:
If you are diagnosed with thrush, follow your doctor's instructions .
There are some preventive measures that can be taken to reduce your risk of thrush.
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
http://www.nfid.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca/
Canadian HIV/AIDS Information Centre
http://www.aidssida.cpha.ca/
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov .
Cohen & Powderly: Infectious Diseases . 2nd ed. Mosby; 2005.
HIV-related oral disease. Lancet . 1996 Sep 14.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information—Home Edition . 18th ed. Pocket Books; 2006.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information—Home Edition . Pocket Books; 1999.
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www.nfid.org .
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/ .
A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of nystatin on the development of oral irritation in patients receiving high-dose intravenous interleukin-2. Journal of Immunotherapy .2001 March/April.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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