Oral thrush

Thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth. It usually begins on the tongue and on the inside of the cheeks, and may spread to the palate, gums, tonsils and throat. It is a form of yeast infection called oral candidiasis.

 

Severe, untreated thrush can spread to the intestine, urinary tract, vagina or the entire body, causing multiple organ failure and death.

 

Causes  

Thrush is caused by a fungus. There are many microorganisms that normally live in the mouth. When these organisms become imbalanced, the fungus can grow and cause thrush. The imbalance of organisms may be caused by a medical condition or medication.

 

Children also develop oral thrush when their immune system is not working properly.

 

Risk factors

Factors that may increase a child’s chance of getting oral thrush include contamination from caregivers, contamination during breastfeeding, birth complications such as preterm birth, premature rupture of membrane, vaginal yeast infection in the mother at the time of birth, health conditions that suppress the immune system, such as HIV, cancer or medical treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy. Again, prolonged illness and use of antibiotics can contribute to developing oral thrush.

 

Symptoms  

Thrush may cause irritability, decreased interest in feeding, white, lacy patches on the inside of the cheeks or tongue that don’t come off when rubbed, sore mouth and throat, and difficulty swallowing.

 

Other symptoms include white or red patches on the inside of the cheeks or tongue that may or may not come off when rubbed, fissures or cracks in the mouth. The patient may also have creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes on the roof of the mouth, gums and tonsils, redness or soreness. In severe cases, the lesions may spread downward into the esophagus (Candida esophagitis). If this occurs, one may experience difficulty swallowing or feel as if food is getting stuck in the throat.

 

Diagnosis

A physical exam will be done, including an inspection of the mouth. Diagnosis can usually be done after physical exam. The doctor may take a sample of cells from the affected area. The sample will be examined under a microscope to confirm thrush or the doctor may look for other infections.

 

Treatment  

The goal of treatment is to restore the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the mouth. If any underlying conditions contribute to thrush, they will also be treated.

 

Breastfeeding mothers of babies with thrush can use a topical antifungal medication on their nipples to reduce the baby’s infection.