Oral thrush
Treat infections with effective antifungal treatments.
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UK clinicians
Oral thrush is a fungal infection found in the mouth. It’s caused by the yeast candida.
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Oral thrush is a fungal infection that affects the mouth. It isn't contagious, and it’s usually quite easy to treat. You shouldn’t have any long-lasting effects if you’ve suffered from oral thrush, as its effects and symptoms aren’t usually severe.
Anyone can get oral thrush, but it’s more common in children, people with dentures and if you have a weaker immune system. People who have bad oral hygiene, smoke a lot, or regularly use treatments containing inhaled corticosteroids (such as some COPD or asthma treatments) might also face a higher risk of suffering from it.
Oral thrush is a common infection, especially for babies and toddlers. But it should be easy to treat and not very dangerous, unless you suffer from any other conditions which affect your immune system.
Oral thrush is caused by a type of infectious fungus. There are a few kinds out there but the most common one is called candida albicans. This fungus is always present in your mouth; it’s only when it starts to become excessive that it causes any problems. It’s normally kept in check by your body’s immune system, but certain conditions or treatments that lower your immune system, such as AIDS or chemotherapy, can increase your risk of suffering from it. Prolonged use of antibiotics, COPD medications and bad oral hygiene can also increase your risk.
Oral thrush can be identified by a white coating on your lips, tongue or other areas of your mouth. These lesions can be painful, and can occasionally bleed. Loss of taste can also be a warning sign that an infection is starting. You might start to experience quite a nasty taste too. Other symptoms can include cracks at the side of your mouth, or a painful burning sensation that makes eating difficult. If you’re suffering from a less severe infection, then your symptoms might not even be noticeable.
Once your condition is treated, you won’t normally face any further issues. It’s only when oral thrush is left untreated that it can spread and cause a more serious infection. You’re especially at risk of this if you’re undergoing treatment or have a condition that suppresses your immune system. This includes the immunosuppressed.
There are a few oral thrush treatments available. The more common ones come as a gel, like Daktarin Oral gel, or as an oral suspension, like Nystan Oral Suspension. These treatments contain antifungal ingredients called mizocole and nystatin which work to kill the infection.
The ‘best’ oral thrush treatment really depends on you and the severity of your infection. There isn’t any one treatment that can be labelled as the “best” for all oral thrush infections. You’ll find that prescription medications are stronger than ‘over the counter’ ones, so they can sometimes be more effective.
It’s possible that your immune system can deal with oral thrush naturally. But it has a high risk of spreading, so it’s recommended that you treat the infection as soon as possible. The infection is also very easy to deal with, and medication can usually be bought over the counter, so treatment is always recommended.
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A powerful oral gel used to combat fungal infections of the mouth and throat.
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