Symptoms of yeast infection in throat

Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus | Fungal Diseases

About

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Candida normally lives on the skin and inside the body, in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems.¹ Sometimes, Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus changes in a way that encourages fungal growth.

Candidiasis in the mouth and throat is also called thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis. Candidiasis in the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach) is called esophageal candidiasis or Candida esophagitis. Esophageal candidiasis is one of the most common infections in people living with HIV/AIDS.²

Symptoms

Candidiasis in the mouth and throat can have many different symptoms, including:

White patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, and throat (photo showing candidiasis in the mouth)
Redness or soreness
Cotton-like feeling in the mouth
Loss of taste
Pain while eating or swallowing
Cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth

Symptoms of candidiasis in the esophagus usually include pain when swallowing and difficulty swallowing.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms that you think are related to candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus.

Risk and Prevention

Who gets candidiasis in the mouth or throat?

Candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus is uncommon in healthy adults. People who are at higher risk for getting candidiasis in the mouth and throat include babies, especially those younger than 1 month of age, and people with at least one of these factors:^3-7

Wear dentures
Have diabetes
Have cancer
Have HIV/AIDS
Take antibiotics or corticosteroids, including inhaled corticosteroids for conditions like asthma
Take medications that cause dry mouth or have medical conditions that cause dry mouth
Smoke

Most people who get candidiasis in the esophagus have weakened immune systems, meaning that their bodies don’t fight infections well. This includes people living with HIV/AIDS and people who have blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. People who get candidiasis in the esophagus often also have candidiasis in the mouth and throat.

How can I prevent candidiasis in the mouth or throat?

Ways to help prevent candidiasis in the mouth and throat include:

Maintain good oral health
Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after using inhaled corticosteroids

Sources

Candida normally lives in the mouth, throat, and the rest of the digestive tract without causing any problems. Sometimes, Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus changes in a way that encourages its growth.

This can happen when:

a person’s immune system becomes weakened,
if antibiotics affect the natural balance of microbes in the body,
or for a variety of other reasons in other groups of people.

Diagnosis and Testing

Healthcare providers can usually diagnose candidiasis in the mouth or throat simply by looking inside. ⁸ Sometimes a healthcare provider will take a small sample from the mouth or throat. The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing, usually to be examined under a microscope.

Healthcare providers usually diagnose candidiasis in the esophagus by doing an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure to examine the digestive tract using a tube with a light and a camera. A healthcare provider might prescribe antifungal medicine without doing an endoscopy to see if the patient’s symptoms get better.

Treatment

Candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus is usually treated with antifungal medicine.⁶ The treatment for mild to moderate infections in the mouth or throat is usually an antifungal medicine applied to the inside of the mouth for 7 to 14 days. These medications include clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin. For severe infections, the most common treatment is fluconazole (an antifungal medication) taken by mouth or through a vein. If patient does not get better after taking fluconazole, healthcare providers may prescribe a different antifungal. The treatment for candidiasis in the esophagus is usually fluconazole. Other types of prescription antifungal medicines can also be used for people who can’t take fluconazole or who don’t get better after taking fluconazole.

If you are a healthcare provider, click here to see the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of CandidiasisExternalexternal icon.

Statistics

The exact number of cases of candidiasis in the mouth, throat, and esophagus in the United States is difficult to determine. This is because there is no national surveillance for these infections. The risk of these infections varies based on the presence of certain underlying medical conditions. For example, candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus is uncommon in healthy adults. However, they are some of the most common infections in people living with HIV/AIDS.² In one study, about one-third of patients with advanced HIV infection had candidiasis in the mouth and throat. ⁹

Thrush: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Overview

A thrush infection in your mouth looks like cottage cheese — raised, white lesions that may bleed when you scrape them.

What is thrush?

Thrush is a fungal (yeast) infection that can grow in your mouth, throat and other parts of your body. With oral thrush (oral candidiasis), you may develop white, raised, cottage cheese-like lesions (spots) on your tongue and cheeks. Thrush can quickly become irritated and cause mouth pain and redness.

Thrush happens when there’s an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus. Another name for thrush in your mouth or throat is oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Healthcare providers treat thrush with antifungal medication. If your immune system is healthy, thrush is a minor problem that goes away a couple of weeks after you start treatment.

Who can get thrush?

While thrush can affect anyone, some people are more at risk, including:

Babies under 1 month old.
Toddlers.
Adults aged 65 or over.
People with weakened immune systems (where symptoms are harder to control).

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of thrush?

Thrush usually develops suddenly. A common sign is the presence of creamy white, slightly raised lesions in your mouth — usually on your tongue or inner cheeks. You may also have lesions on the roof of your mouth, gums, tonsils or back of your throat.

Other symptoms may include:

Redness and soreness inside and at the corners of your mouth.
Loss of sense of taste (ageusia).
Cottony feeling in your mouth.

The lesions can hurt and may bleed a little when you scrape them or brush your teeth. In severe cases, the lesions can spread into your esophagus and cause:

Pain or difficulty swallowing.
A feeling that food gets stuck in your throat or mid-chest area.
Fever, if the infection spreads beyond your esophagus.

Thrush can spread to other parts of your body, including your lungs, liver and skin. This happens more often in people with cancer, HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system.

What causes thrush?

Most people have small amounts of the Candida fungus in their mouth, digestive tract and skin. When illnesses, stress or medications disturb this balance, the fungus grows out of control and causes thrush.

Medications that can make yeast flourish and cause infection include:

Corticosteroids.
Antibiotics.
Birth control pills.

Is thrush contagious?

Thrush can be contagious to those at risk (like people with weakened immune systems or who take certain medications). In people with healthy immune systems, it’s unusual to pass thrush through kissing or other close contact. In most cases, thrush isn’t particularly contagious (meaning, it doesn’t spread from person to person), but it is transmittable (meaning, you can catch it in other ways).

If you’re worried about getting thrush from another person who has it, avoid coming into contact with their saliva (spit). It’s smart to wash your hands as often as possible if you’re near someone who has thrush.

What are the risk factors for thrush?

Candida infection is more likely to develop in babies and people with:

Diabetes.
Anemia.
HIV/AIDS (thrush in your esophagus — or swallowing tube — is common in this group).
Cancer.
Dry mouth (xerostomia).
Pregnancy (due to the hormonal changes that occur).
Smoking.
Ill-fitting dentures.

What are the complications of thrush?

Thrush rarely causes complications in people with healthy immune systems. But if you have a weakened immune system, Candida can enter your bloodstream and spread to other areas of your body, such as your eyes, brain or heart. This type of infection is serious and may lead to septic shock, a life-threatening condition.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is thrush diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can usually tell right away if you have thrush by looking for the distinctive white lesions on your mouth, tongue or cheeks. Lightly brushing the lesions away reveals a reddened, tender area that may bleed slightly. A microscopic exam of tissue from a lesion can confirm whether or not you have thrush.

If thrush extends into your esophagus, your healthcare provider might:

Take a throat culture (swab the back of your throat with sterile cotton and study the microorganisms under a microscope).
Perform an endoscopy of your esophagus, stomach and small intestine (examine the lining of these areas with a lighted camera mounted on the tip of a flexible tube).
Take X-rays of your esophagus.

Management and Treatment

How is thrush treated?

The typical treatment for thrush is antifungal medications:

Antifungal medications

Healthcare providers usually prescribe antifungals (like nystatin) to treat thrush. These medicines are available in tablets, lozenges or liquids that are “swished” around in your mouth before swallowing. Usually, you need to take these medications for 10 to 14 days. Your healthcare provider will recommend specific treatment based on your age and the cause of the infection.

Kids and adults with healthy immune systems typically respond well to antifungal treatment. But thrush symptoms may be more severe and harder to treat in those with weakened immune systems.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

Antifungals can clear up thrush in one to two weeks. You may need to continue the medication for a few more days to kill any fungus that’s left behind.

Prevention

How can I lower my risk for thrush?

You can do these things to reduce your risk for thrush:

Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
Avoid certain mouthwashes or sprays. Some of these products can destroy the normal balance of microorganisms in your mouth. Talk to your dentist or doctor about which ones are safe to use.
See your dentist regularly. This is especially important if you have diabetes or wear dentures.
Limit the amount of sugar and yeast-containing foods you eat. Foods such as bread, beer and wine encourage Candida growth.
Avoid smoking and other tobacco use. Ask your healthcare provider about ways to help you quit smoking.

Outlook / Prognosis

What can I expect if I have thrush?

With treatment, thrush usually goes away within one to two weeks. But if your symptoms linger or get worse, let your healthcare provider know.

Living With

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you develop signs or symptoms of thrush — such as soreness, bleeding or raised white areas inside your mouth — schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.

If you’ve already taken antifungals for thrush but your symptoms return, call your provider right away. It could indicate a more serious infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any home remedies for oral thrush?

You’ll need antifungal medication to clear up thrush. But you might try some of these home remedies to ease your symptoms:

Swish with warm saltwater.
Take probiotics.
Eat yogurt that contains healthy bacteria.

Why is thrush a concern during breastfeeding (chestfeeding)?

Because infants are more at risk, getting or giving thrush during breastfeeding (chestfeeding) is a concern among parents. It’s a common breastfeeding issue, and in some cases, treatment can be tricky.

If your baby has thrush, they can pass the infection to you during breastfeeding. Likewise, if you develop a thrush infection around your breasts or nipples, you can pass the infection to your baby.

If you and your baby both have thrush, it’s important to receive treatment at the same time to prevent an ongoing exchange of the infection.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Thrush is a fungal infection that affects your mouth, throat and other areas of your body. It’s an uncomfortable and inconvenient condition. But in people with healthy immune systems, it’s easily treatable with antifungal medications. People with compromised immune systems may have a more difficult time getting rid of thrush. If you develop thrush symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Prompt treatment can get you back on track and feeling better.

Oral candidiasis or thrush, symptoms and underlying causes

Oral candidiasis: what is it?

A fungus of the genus Candida can settle on the lining of the oral cavity, which causes a disease called candidiasis, or oral thrush. With this disease, white plaques appear on the tongue and the inner surface of the cheeks. During tongue cleaning, they can cause soreness and even slight bleeding. Without treatment, candidiasis can spread to other parts of the mouth, such as the back of the throat, tonsils, gums, and palate.

Although no one is immune from oral candidiasis, the disease is more common in immunocompromised people, denture wearers, patients taking inhaled corticosteroids, and infants. Oral thrush also occurs in people undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, patients with a history of dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia) and smokers.

Causes of oral candidiasis

A number of well-defined factors contribute to the development of oral thrush. The causes of the disease can be both a weakening of the immune system (caused by illness or the use of certain drugs), and the use of antibiotics, which changes the natural microbial balance in the human body.

The result of failures in the natural defense mechanisms can be a significant imbalance of "beneficial" and "harmful" microbes. Under normal circumstances, the immune system fights viruses and bacteria that are dangerous to humans, but with a weakened immune system, this fight becomes less effective, which allows the fungus that causes oral candidiasis to multiply.

Vaginal fungal infections, diabetes, most forms of cancer, HIV/AIDS all weaken the body and make it more vulnerable to oral thrush.

Oral candidiasis in immunocompromised adults

Oral candidiasis can spread to other organs such as the lungs, liver, and digestive tract. With the penetration of infection into the intestines, a violation of its work and an even greater weakening of the body are possible.

Depending on the severity of your illness, you may be prescribed antifungal medicines that come in the form of tablets, lozenges, and a mouthwash to be swallowed. Amphotericin B, which is often used in the treatment of advanced HIV and other antifungal drug-resistant infections, may also be prescribed.

Because some antifungal drugs can damage the liver, your doctor will likely do regular blood tests and monitor your liver (especially if it has already been infected). This same strategy should be used if you are on long-term treatment or if you have liver disease.

Symptoms of oral thrush in children and adults

In some cases, the symptoms of oral candidiasis may not appear immediately: sometimes they can appear completely unexpectedly. Here are some tell-tale signs that you may have oral thrush:

White, cheesy plaques anywhere in the mouth
Unusual pain with habitual movements of the tongue and jaw
Bleeding of plaques when rubbed
Cracks and redness in the corners of the lips (more often when wearing prostheses)
Dry mouth
Marked loss of taste in eating and drinking

Although thrush most often develops in the most visible areas of the mouth, lesions can also occur in the esophagus. This makes swallowing difficult or feels like the food is stuck in the throat. This happens in the most severe cases, and if you have any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact your dentist or GP.

While waiting for treatment, you can relieve pain yourself if you have any. Eat unsweetened yogurt or take probiotics containing lactobacillus acidophilus. Neither is a cure in the truest sense of the word, but it can help restore normal microflora. If the infection persists, your doctor will likely prescribe you an antifungal medication or antibiotics.

Symptoms of oral candidiasis in infants and nursing mothers

With oral candidiasis, the infant may have difficulty feeding or become more restless and irritable than before. A manifestation of thrush is most likely to be white plaques in the child's mouth. Mothers should keep a close eye on their baby's oral health because candidiasis is transmitted through breastfeeding, and if this happens and the baby then recovers, the mother may inadvertently infect it again.

As a breastfeeding mother, look out for the following signs and symptoms:

Itching, tenderness or unusual redness of the nipples
Shiny or flaky skin around alveoli
Unusual pain during or between feedings
Severe, piercing pain in the chest

If white plaques appear in your mouth or in your child's mouth, contact your doctor or dentist immediately. Do not postpone a visit to the doctor if symptoms of candidiasis occur in older children or adolescents, since diabetes may be the main disease against which thrush has developed.

Because there are two people to treat, the doctor may use a special strategy, such as starting with two different antifungals: a cream for your breasts and another medicine for your baby.

If you are breastfeeding, use lactation pads to prevent fungus from getting on your clothes. Do not buy liners with plastic membranes, as they only encourage fungus to thrive. Reusable liners (and, of course, the bra itself) should be washed in hot water with bleach to help keep the infection from spreading.

If you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and giving your baby a pacifier, wash all items that come into contact with the baby's mouth daily in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. After washing, let things air dry to prevent the growth of fungus. In the same way, you need to process all parts of the breast pump, especially its removable parts.

Physician or dentist consultation

If you suspect that you have an oral disease that requires medical attention, make a list of all the symptoms you have, including any that you may think are not related to thrush: the doctor will understand whether they are important or not. Also include non-medical events in this list, such as increased stress levels and causes of anxiety. Indicate if you are in the company of people with a weakened immune system.

You will also need to have a list of all the medicines you take. Also, write down the questions you want to ask the doctor. This will help you find out all the details you are interested in and get a comprehensive consultation, regardless of whether you have oral candidiasis or not.

Your doctor may ask you follow-up questions that will allow him to narrow down his search for a diagnosis based on the symptoms he has identified and the symptoms you describe. Try to answer as frankly and honestly as possible so that the doctor can quickly diagnose the disease and begin treatment without waiting for complications.

If an examination of the oral cavity does not allow the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis, he will definitely take a small sample and either examine it himself or give it to the laboratory for analysis.

If the infection has already affected not only the oral cavity, but also the esophagus, a couple of studies may be required. First of all, the doctor will take a swab from the back of the throat to determine which bacteria or fungi have become (and have become) the cause of the symptoms. Then you may need to have an endoscopy, in which your doctor uses an endoscope (flexible tube with light) to look at your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. This will determine how far the infection has spread.

Lifestyle and home remedies for oral thrush

At the initial stage of candidiasis, good oral hygiene will help to contain the development of the disease - brushing your teeth twice a day and at least daily flossing will help to timely remove food debris and plaque from the surface of the teeth , from interdental spaces and along the gum line. Instead of a regular rinse, use a solution that you will need a teaspoon of salt and a glass of warm water to prepare. Rinse your mouth with this solution for two minutes; after that, the solution must be spit out.

Oral candidiasis is a contagious disease that can spread to the internal organs and cause serious damage to them, making it impossible for you to eat normally (if the esophagus, stomach and intestines are affected). If you suspect that you have one or more of the symptoms of oral thrush, contact your dentist immediately for an accurate diagnosis. By identifying candidiasis early, your doctor can help relieve symptoms and stop the infection.

Candidiasis (thrush) of the oral cavity - symptoms and treatment

Oral candidiasis is an inflammatory disease that develops against the background of damage to the mucous membranes by fungi of the genus Candida. This is usually associated with a deterioration in local and general immunity. According to studies, up to 90% of the adult population is carriers of this fungus, but the disease most often does not develop, since under normal conditions the pathogen does not act aggressively.

Causes of candidiasis

Thrush in the mouth in an adult is a mucosal lesion that may indicate serious health problems. For the reproduction of the fungus, special conditions are necessary. Most often, the disease occurs in patients who neglect oral hygiene. The presence of caries, inflammatory gum disease increases the chances of developing fungal inflammation. This is due to the fact that a large number of pathogenic microorganisms depletes the defense mechanisms.

The second group of reasons is the weakening of the immune system due to a number of diseases and conditions:

HIV, diabetes mellitus;
oncological diseases;
dystrophy, deficiency of vitamins, minerals;
surgeries, severe infections, etc.

There are also specific reasons for the development of thrush. It may appear after prolonged and powerful antibiotic therapy. The use of antibiotics leads to the destruction of beneficial flora and imbalance. This causes the active reproduction of Candida.

Oral candidiasis also develops against the background of inhaled corticosteroids. Usually the lesion has the appearance of erythema and appears in areas where the drug has come into contact with the mucosa: in the palate, tongue.

Diet influences the likelihood of developing candidiasis. So, the predominance of carbohydrates predisposes to the activity of the fungus. The growth of Candida and its attachment to the mucosa are enhanced in the presence of sugars.

Bad habits increase the chances of developing leukoplakia, lichen planus and other diseases. Especially when it comes to smoking. Candidiasis often develops in patients with tongue piercings.

The presence of removable dentures is also a risk factor if the patient does not follow the rules of hygiene. In the absence of high-quality cleansing, the prosthesis is covered with a biofilm, which contains a lot of fungi. Disinfection is the main measure for the prevention of the disease and part of the complex treatment for progressive oral candidiasis. If the patient does not remove the structure at night, this also increases the likelihood of developing the disease. The mucous membrane remains without oxygen for a long time, is not washed by saliva - these conditions are suitable for the development of fungi and anaerobic microorganisms. The prosthesis can injure the mucous membranes if it does not fit. Microtraumas weaken local defenses and contribute to the onset of the development of a fungal infection. Injuries can also be associated with sharp chipped teeth and fillings, chemical and thermal burns.

Dryness of the oral cavity due to decreased salivation, changes in the viscosity of saliva, its composition is one of the causes of candidiasis. This may be due to other diseases, so it is important to find out the causes of dryness in order to effectively deal with the consequences.

Oral candidiasis is more common in children. The immaturity of the immune system, the colonization of the oral cavity by Candida from the vaginal canal of the mother during natural childbirth lead to the fact that the disease develops in early infancy. However, older children can also suffer from an illness, which is associated with a weakening of the immune forces.

Types of oral candidiasis and symptoms

Manifestations of oral candidiasis may vary from patient to patient. This is due to the degree of damage to the mucous membranes, as well as the specific type of disease. There are four forms:

acute pseudomembranous;
acute atrophic;
chronic atrophic;
chronic hyperplastic.

Despite the fact that the treatment regimen for all forms is almost the same, the symptoms can vary significantly. Let's consider them in more detail.

Acute pseudomembranous candidiasis

This form of oral candidiasis may be asymptomatic. There is slight discomfort due to a white film or small plaques rising above the mucosa. With a mild course, one or more plaques appear, they are easily removed by scraping, and the mucosal area under them has a bright red color. In severe cases, large plaques appear in large numbers. They can merge, forming large areas of damage. Sometimes the symptoms cover the entire mucous membrane. When the plaques thicken, their removal becomes problematic. A severe course is more typical for infants, as well as in adult patients after antibiotic therapy, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants.

Acute and chronic atrophic candidiasis

Acute atrophic candidiasis is accompanied by severe burning. There may be no white plaque, and the mucous membrane becomes bright red. Many patients report a metallic, sour, salty, or bitter taste in their mouths. A characteristic manifestation of the disease is dry mouth. This form of the disease is often associated with drug therapy.

In chronic atrophic candidiasis, redness and burning are less pronounced. Usually the disease develops against the background of the installation and wearing of prostheses.

Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis

This form of the disease is typical for adults. Oral thrush can spread to the mucous membranes of the cheeks, the corners of the mouth and lips, the back of the tongue, and the soft palate. One of the symptoms is the appearance of white plaques that tend to merge with each other. As the disease progresses, their surface becomes rough, rough. Over time, the elements may turn yellow. Formations merge with mucous membranes and it is impossible to remove them.

Diagnostic methods

Treatment by a general dentist. Diagnosis begins with an examination and a detailed survey: the doctor will find out what drugs you have taken recently, whether there are chronic and infectious diseases. A cytological examination of plaque taken from the mucosa is mandatory. This is important because the accumulation of non-fungal flora can be easily confused with a fungal infection.

Scraping is performed in the morning on an empty stomach, it is not necessary to brush your teeth before the procedure. On the eve, it is important to refuse to eat foods rich in carbohydrates so as not to provoke the growth of pathogenic flora. Studies allow not only to accurately determine the pathogen and type of Candida fungus, but also to find out the sensitivity of fungi to the main antifungal drugs. Based on the results of the tests, the doctor will determine the fungus in the oral cavity and prescribe medication.

Features of treatment

The basis of treatment is systemic and local antifungal drugs. Today they are widely represented on the pharmaceutical market, but it is important to know that the level of Candida fungus resistance to fixed assets is growing every year. For example, resistance to drugs such as Fluconazole is almost complete. Previously, this remedy was used in almost all cases of the disease, but today doctors are forced to revise standard treatment regimens.

Treatment of thrush in the mouth in adults is selected individually. The choice of a systemic antifungal agent is based on the type of pathogen, the patient's condition and the individual characteristics of his health. There are agents to which the infection has minimal resistance. The doctor may prescribe drugs based on nystatin, imidazole derivatives, etc.

In addition, local funds must be used:

mouth rinses;
gels and suspensions for application to affected areas;
topical lozenges and lozenges;
irrigation solutions and aerosols;
ointments for laying in the oral cavity on a cotton-gauze swab, etc.

Your healthcare professional may prescribe an over-the-counter antiseptic or mild saline rinse. Usually, solutions based on iodine, chlorhexidine, potassium permanganate, gentian violet, sodium tetraborate in glycerin are used. Some pills the doctor may recommend laying on the cheek.

Conditions for effective treatment

Effective treatment of oral thrush involves addressing the underlying cause. It is very important to sanitize the oral cavity: to cure teeth destroyed by caries, to remove non-viable teeth and roots that can no longer be restored. These are chronic foci of inflammation, so simultaneous sanitation will shorten the treatment time. Tartar and plaque should also be removed. This is especially true in cases of candidal stomatitis associated with trauma to the gums with sharp edges of hard dental deposits.

Patients with removable dentures should be retrained in hygiene and disinfection of prosthetic structures. If the time of using the prosthesis comes to an end, it is important to replace it in a timely manner. Treatment of candidiasis will be useless if a person uses the prosthesis incorrectly and again creates conditions for the reproduction of fungi in the oral cavity.

Unsuitable crowns, bridges and other structures are also subject to replacement. It is also important to eliminate enamel chips, which become a source of injury to the gums, mucous membranes of the cheeks and tongue.

Smokers should, if possible, reduce their smoking episodes or give up smoking habits. If the disease developed while taking corticosteroids, it is important to explain the rules of treatment: you should rinse your mouth with plenty of warm water after spraying the drug.

In the treatment of oral candidiasis that has developed against the background of antibiotic therapy, measures should be taken to restore the normal microflora of the intestine and oral cavity. It may be necessary to consult another narrow specialist or therapist: you will need to take probiotics and prebiotics.

For all patients treated for candidiasis, a few general guidelines apply:

maintaining oral hygiene;
refusal of food rich in carbohydrates;
Refusal of sugary drinks.

It is necessary to exclude from the diet food that can irritate the mucous membranes: dishes prepared with vinegar, marinades, spicy, peppery foods, smoked meats, sour fruits and berries. Also, you can not eat confectionery, pastries with yeast, sugar. It is better to give preference to warm dishes. It is necessary to observe such a diet for another 1.5-2 months after recovery.

In some cases, it is advisable to use toothpastes with glucose oxidase, lysozyme, lactoferrin. They improve the protective forces of the oral mucosa and can be part of a comprehensive prevention of inflammation. The choice of toothpaste must be agreed with the doctor, he will recommend the best remedy, and also tell you which brush is suitable.

Possible complications

If treatment is started late or incorrectly selected, acute oral candidiasis can be transformed into chronic or complicated by the transition to an invasive process that is difficult to treat.

Prevention of candidiasis

Specific prophylaxis of oral candidiasis is carried out only in the presence of HIV infection, the patient undergoing radiation therapy, immunosuppressive or antibiotic therapy. In the absence of these risk factors, the doctor will make recommendations for a specific case.

Prevention of fungal diseases in patients with diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, chronic systemic diseases involves control of the underlying pathology. It is important to regularly see a doctor of your profile, take the prescribed funds.

If antibiotic therapy is necessary, the following rules must be followed:

take antibiotics only as directed by your doctor;
observe a sufficient duration of the course of treatment - do not cancel self-prescribed drugs when relief occurs;
If a long course of treatment is needed or in case of repeated antibiotic therapy, take the prescribed antifungal agents for prophylaxis.

Talk to your doctor about using nebulizers when treating asthma. After inhalation, it is important to rinse the mouth in order to prevent the negative effects of the drug components on the mucous membranes.

If oral candidiasis often recurs, it is better to undergo a comprehensive examination: a standard medical examination or use specific diagnostic methods that the doctor will select. Fungal infections of the mucous membranes can be a manifestation of an underlying disease that you do not know about. Consult a therapist to find out the exact causes and take action in time.

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