Thrush Symptoms

Thrush, which is otherwise known as candidiasis or yeast infection is a fungal infection, that affects the mucosal surfaces of the body, which includes the mouth, vagina and intestines. It is caused by the candida species of fungus, especially, Candida albicans. The most common forms of candidiasis include oral and vaginal thrush, but, in immunocompromised persons (like AIDS and cancer patients), the condition may affect the bodily systems and may become life-threatening too. This condition is termed as candidemia. However, superficial infections are far more common.

Symptoms of Thrush

As mentioned above, this fungal infection affects the mucosal surfaces of the body and the most common among them are the mouth and the vagina. Oral thrush symptoms vary from the symptoms of thrush in the vagina. The most common among the symptoms of thrush in mouth is a thick white coating (mostly seen in babies) or raised lesions inside the mouth, especially on the tongue and inner cheeks. Such lesions may also appear on the gums, tonsils, roof of the mouth or back of the throat. In some cases, these lesions can be painful and may bleed slightly, when you brush your teeth. The affected person may find it difficult to taste foods and also may develop a bad taste in mouth. Severe cases of oral thrush may cause fever too and the infection may spread to esophagus and other parts of the body. The most common symptoms of thrush in babies are white patches inside the mouth, difficulty while swallowing and poor appetite.

As far as vaginal candidiasis is concerned, itching and burning are the most common thrush symptoms. It can also cause redness and swelling of the genital area. In some cases, the affected woman may experience pain while touching the genital area, during urination and/or sexual intercourse. Vaginal thrush may cause severe discomfort and may affect the daily activities of the person. Another symptom is vaginal discharge, which can be more thick, sticky and white in color. In some women, the vaginal discharge can be greenish in color with a strong smell of yeast.

Thrush Treatment

In case of oral thrush in babies, antifungal medication are administered. If the infant is being breast-fed, then the mother has to be treated in order to prevent spreading of this infection back and forth from baby to mother and vice versa. The mother has to apply antifungal creams on her breasts. Oral thrush symptoms in children and healthy adults are also treated with antifungal medication. Consuming yogurt has also been found to be effective in controlling this condition. In case of immunocompromised persons, antifungal medication are administered for this fungal infection of the mouth. If these drugs fail to control the condition, then other drugs are prescribed. In case of mild vaginal candidiasis, a short-term treatment with antifungal medication may be sufficient. However, severe cases require a longer treatment, in order to get rid of this fungal infection.

Even though, the most common types of thrush are the superficial ones, that affect the mouth and the vagina, the term thrush is more often used to denote the oral one. The candida species of fungus is part of the normal flora in the human body. However, when it multiplies rapidly due to various factors, candidiasis or thrush symptoms develop in the affected person. This condition can be prevented to some extent by controlling the intake of refined food and sugar. Ill-fitting dentures can be a causative factor for oral thrush, so, you should change them at the earliest. Avoid sex with multiple partners and practice good oral and personal hygiene. It can be controlled with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.