Oral candidiasis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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|---|---|
| Oral thrush | |
| ICD-10 | B37.0 |
| ICD-9 | 112.0 |
| DiseasesDB | 29743 |
| MedlinePlus | 000966 |
| eMedicine | derm/68 ped/2245 |
Oral candidiasis, is an infection of yeast fungus, Candida albicans, (or, less commonly, Candida glabrata or Candida tropicalis) in the mucous membranes of the mouth. Oral thrush refers to temporary candidiasis in the mouths of babies, whilst if occuring in the mouth or throat of adults it may also be termed candidosis or moniliasis.
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[edit] Symptoms
Oral infections of candidia usually appear as a thick white or cream-colour deposits. Underlying the deposites the mucosa of the mouth may appear inflammed (red and possibly slightly raised). In babies the confition is termed thrush and is usually painless and causes no discomfort. Adults may experience discomfort or burning.
[edit] Who is at special risk?
- Newborn babies.
- Denture users.
- Poorly controlled diabetes.
- As a side effect of medication, most commonly having taken antibiotics. Inhaled corticosteroids for treatment of lung conditions (e.g, Asthma or COPD) may also result in oral candidiasis which may be reduced by regularly rinsing the mouth with water after taking the medication.
- People with poor nutrition, specifically vitamin A, iron and folate deficiencies.[citation needed]
- People with an immune deficiency (e.g. as a result of AIDS/HIV or chemotherapy treatment).
- Women undergoing hormonal changes, like pregnancy or those on birth control pills
- People who perform cunnilingus or fellatio on a sexual partner who has thrush.
[edit] Treatment
Any underlying cause, such as poor glucose control in diabetics, should be addressed. Oral candidiasis can be treated with topical anti-fungal drugs, such as nystatin (mycostatin), miconazole or amphotericin B. Patients who are immunocompromised, either with HIV/AIDs or as a result of chemotgerapy, may require systemic treatment with oral or intravenous administered anti-fungals.
Pro-biotic yogurt is recommended,[citation needed] along with minimizing the amount of sugar and yeast products consumed.[citation needed]
[edit] References
- John Pillinger, Flemming Andersen and Ulla Søderberg (6 July 2005). Oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth). NetDoctor. Retrieved on March 30, 2007.
