Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)

White, raised patchesRed, slightly raised patchesDischarge with a curd-like appearance (like cottage cheese)Thick, dark brownish coating in the mouthDry mouthFissures or cracks in the mouth If the infection spreads down your esophagus, you may also experience: Difficulty or pain with swallowingSensation of something stuck in your throatIf thrush spreads systemically, you may develop a fever. DiagnosisThe 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. TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to restore the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the mouth. Treatments may include: Antifungal Medication 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: NystatinClotrimazoleMiconazoleGentian violet (occasionally)Breastfeeding mothers of babies with thrush can use a topical antifungal medication on their nipples to reduce the baby's infection. Treatment of Underlying Medical ConditionsUnderlying conditions that may contribute to thrush can be identified and treated.

Proper Oral Hygiene Oral hygiene practices that may aid in healing include: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt waterGently scraping off patches with a toothbrush Prevention There are some preventive measures that can be taken to reduce your risk of thrush. Thrush in adults is associated with AIDS. Obtain a blood test for HIV and follow recommended prevention guidelines: use condoms and other protection and avoid needles except under sterile conditions.If you are at high risk or prone to thrush, you may be given an antifungal medication as a preventive measure.If you are prone to thrush, avoid overuse of mouthwashes and mouth sprays. These can upset the normal balance of yeast and bacteria in your mouth.If your baby is prone to thrush and drinks from a bottle, use disposable nipples.Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.If you must take antibiotics, consider eating yogurt or using acidophilus tablets during antibiotic treatment and for several weeks thereafter.Decrease intake of sugar and yeast-containing foods and beverages, such as bread, wine, and beer.If you use a cortisone inhaler, rinse your mouth thoroughly after each use. RESOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)http://www.cdc.gov

National Foundation for Infectious Diseaseshttp://www.nfid.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Dental Associationhttp://www.cda-adc.ca/ Canadian HIV/AIDS Information Centrehttp://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 InformationHome Edition . 18th ed. Pocket Books; 2006. The Merck Manual of Medical InformationHome 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 January 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MDPlease 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.