What is thrush and how to treat it?

Answer 1

The mouth normally contains many microorganisms. One of these normal microorganisms is the fungus Candida albicans, which is the same fungus associated with vaginal yeast infections or other Candida infections. The growth of Candida is normally kept under control by the presence of normal bacteria.

Uncontrolled overgrowth of Candida in the mouth may be caused by factors that reduce the natural resistance, such as illness, stress, long-term use of corticosteroids or medications that suppress the immune system, and immune disorders such as (AIDS).

It may also be caused by conditions that upset the balance of normal microorganisms in the mouth. This is most commonly associated with use of antibiotics, but it may also occur with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and with the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or the use of birth control pills.

Oral thrush is most common in infants and toddlers, in the elderly, and in people who are debilitated or whose immune system has been suppressed by disease or medical treatments.

Thrush in infants is common and is usually not associated with other diseases. Infant thrush that resists treatment or recurs frequently should raise suspicions for an underlying disorder.

In adolescents, young adults, and middle age adults, an oral Candida infection should always be viewed as a possible symptom of an underlying medical problem, such as diabetes or HIV infection, and should be evaluated.

Symptoms Return to top

Ulcer/skin lesion in the mouth (usually on the tongue or inner cheeks)
Painful
Slightly raised area
Creamy white appearance
May appear curd-like ("cottage cheese" appearance)
Dry mouth
Signs and tests Return to top

An examination of the mouth by the health care provider or dentist shows distinctive lesions of the mouth, tongue, or cheeks. Lesions are easily brushed away revealing a reddened, tender area that may bleed slightly.

A microscopic examination of tissue from a lesion can confirm Candida infection, but usually the diagnosis is made by simple physical examination.

Treatment Return to top

The goal of treatment is to control the growth of Candida. Antifungal medications (such as nystatin, clotrimazole, and miconazole) are given for 5 to 10 days. They are administered in the mouth (swallowing the medicine after "swishing" it around).

A single-dose oral medicine called Diflucan is available if these treatments do not work. Underlying conditions/disorders should be identified and treated.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

For infants, oral thrush may be painful, but is rarely serious. It can interfere with eating because of the discomfort. The infection is usually controlled with treatment, but it may recur. Thrush may spread to the palate, tongue, cheeks, or throat. Other spread of the infection is uncommon, but it may occur.

For adolescents and adults, the significance of thrush is dependent on the underlying disorder.

Complications Return to top

Insufficient nutrition
Esophagitis Candida
Spread of Candida to the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin, or other area
Calling your health care provider Return to top

Infants: If your infant has thrush, a period of watchful waiting may be appropriate, since uncomplicated thrush is frequently self-limiting. If the condition does not resolve in 2 weeks, call for an appointment with your health care provider.

Adolescents and adults: If you think you have oral thrush, call for an appointment with your health care provider. If you are being treated for thrush and symptoms worsen or persist despite treatment, symptoms recur, or new symptoms develop, call your physician.

Prevention Return to top

People with recurrent outbreaks of oral thrush, or those who are at very high risk for development of the disorder, may be given prophylactic (preventive) antifungal medications. If an infant who is breast feeding has oral thrush, the mother also should use a topical antifungal medication on her nipples to prevent continuous spread to the infant.

In bottle-fed babies, discard the nipples and buy new ones as the babies mouth begins to clear because the fungus may get into the nipples and can not be easily eradicated.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Thrush, also known as candida or candidosis, is a yeast infection caused by the Candida species of fungus, usually Candida albicans.

You can get treatments over the counter at the chemist. If it doesn't clear up after the time stated on the packet, go to see a doctor who can prescribe something stronger.

Apparently it also helps to eat live natural yoghurt.

Once you've had an attack, it's more likely it'll recur – but you'll know how to best treat it if it does.

Answer 4

Thrush is a fungal infection which is caused by a change in the levels of candida (fungus) in the body change. It usually occurs in moist areas of the body ie; mouth,genitals,folds of skin, between the toes etc.
The best treatment is a clotrimazole cream such as canasten or a one-off dose of fluconazole (canasten tablet). If you are under 16, over 65, pregnant or have had thrush more than twice in the last 6 months then you should see your doctor as it may be something more serious.

Answer 5

Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth. Sometimes it's caused by antibiotics or a bad immune system. Go to the doctor and get a prescription for a medicine that you swish and swallow for about 10 days. It's not too bad of a taste....not great either. If it's a child then there's a medicine you brush on it and it goes away.

Answer 6

Thrush is a vaginal infection which is not an STD but can be passed back and forth throuth sex. It itches like hell and needs to be treated with something like Cannestan cream. Also take the cannestan pill. Keep the cream in the fridge as it is very cooling whrn you put it on. Stay off sex for a week and you should be OK.

Answer 7

Some sensible answers here. You can treat it your self with a pessary and cream from the pharmacy. Ask for Canesten Once.
OR if you rather just take Diflucan (a tablet bought over the counter) Tesco pharmacy have their own brand and it's cheaper.
You dont need to have unprotected sex to get thrush, it can be something as simple as soap in contact with the tissues.
But you are putting yourself at risk of contracting all kinds of STI's if you have unprotected sex, NEVER HAVE SEX WHEN YOU ARE DRUNK that goes what ever sex you are.

Answer 8

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is thrush and how to treat it?

Answer 9

Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth. It takes antibiotics to cure usually.

Answer 10

thrush, or a yeast infection are do to the overgrowth of the bacteria candida. it's a normal bacterica found in your digestive tract. it can get out of control with the use of antibiotics or large consumptions of sugar/yeast products.
thrush usually shows up in either the mouth or genital area (men can get it too but are often asymptomatic) depending on your location will determine your treatment.

chat with your MD on the best path. you can also supplement your gut with accidophilus and baccilus.. healthy bacteria that will normalize the area. you can get it in plain yogurt.

Answer 11

its a yeast infection and pending on where it is.. is how you treat it.

You can go get Canesten which is a topical thursh cream for vaginal or pelvis related thrush or you can have mouthwash if its onyour tounge

Go talk to your pharmacist or call NHS direct open 24/7