Thrush is a medical condition which is caused when yeasts from the Candida genus colonize the mouth, creating a series of painful, tender lesions and a creamy coating which superficially resembles cottage cheese. Although thrush itself is not inherently harmful, it can spread, causing systemic infection which could potentially be seriously dangerous. Thrush is also painful and unsightly, and it reflects an imbalance of bacteria in the body which should be addressed.
Several groups are at greater risk for thrush; this condition almost never develops in healthy individuals. Most commonly, thrush strikes people with compromised immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, and the elderly. Thrush is also common in infants and children, who tend to be much more bold, as a whole, about what they will put in their mouths. Breastfeeding mothers and babies often experience a bout of thrush, with each passing the fungus to the other, prolonging the condition.
Identifying thrush is usually fairly easy. It starts with soreness and tenderness in the mouth and throat, often with patches of discoloration. Within a few days, the characteristic creamy white coating will appear, indicating that the infection is indeed thrush. Many doctors diagnose thrush on physical appearance alone, but it is also possible to take a culture.
Yeasts are among the many organisms which call the human body home, but they can be disruptive when the body gets out of balance. Depending on the severity of the thrush and the patient, a doctor may recommend minimal treatment, so that the balance isn't disturbed further. Often yogurt is recommended, as yogurt with active cultures will help balance the organisms in the body, eliminating the thrush. In more severe cases, or in the instance of a patient who could be endangered by a thrush infection, an antifungal medication will be used to kill the yeast.
When a nursing mother is diagnosed with thrush, it is important to treat both her and the baby, otherwise the infection will recur. Nursing mothers may find it helpful to use a mild moisturizer and breast pads when dealing with a thrush infection, to soothe the inflamed skin and to prevent the fungus from spreading. If breast pads are used, plastics should be avoided, as Candida fungi adore plastic.
Thrush prevention starts with good oral care; it's a good idea to floss and brush regularly to avoid a wide variety of infections, including thrush. Mouthwash can also help to reduce the risk of thrush, as can saltwater gargles, and people who consume yogurt with live cultures on a regular basis generally don't need to worry about thrush infection.
Men suffering from genital candidiasis may not show any symptoms at all, and may develop a more serious condition later. However, some men experience symptoms of thrush including red sores, itching, and burning on the genitalia. The symptoms of thrush affecting the genitals are similar to those of many different types of infection, so it is important to determine the cause of the symptoms before following treatment.
Thrush is easily passed between mother and baby; if you both receive treatment at the same time, even if one of you is not experiencing any thrush symptoms, you will have the best chance of stopping the cycle in its tracks. In some cases, the pediatrician may be able to treat you both at the same time, thereby saving a trip to your primary care doctor.
These treatments for thrush include topical creams for the treatment of vaginal thrush and oral lozenges for oral thrush. If a patient has a compromised immune system, antifungal treatments for thrush may be recommended immediately to prevent the spread of the infection and to avoid complications.
Those with HIV, other autoimmune disorders, or who are undergoing chemotherapy may be prone to thrush and it may be more difficult to treat. While topical antifungal agents are the preferred treatment for simple cases, these more complex cases may require stronger medications in pill form.