Oral candidiasis
Oral Candidiasis
Oral candidiasis, also known as thrush (pronounced /ˈθrʌʃ/), is a common fungal infection that occurs in the mouth or throat due to the overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans.
Etymology
The term "oral candidiasis" is derived from the genus name Candida, which was taken from the Latin word candidus, meaning "white", and the suffix "-iasis", which is used in medical terminology to denote "disease" or "condition". The term "thrush" comes from the Old English word "þrȳscan", which means "to thrust" and is used to describe the white, cheese-like appearance of the lesions typical of this condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of oral candidiasis include white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes on the roof of the mouth, gums, and tonsils, slight bleeding when the white patches are wiped away, redness or soreness, difficulty swallowing, and cracking at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis).
Causes
Oral candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast that normally lives in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina without causing problems. However, certain conditions can cause the yeast to multiply and lead to infection. These conditions include a weakened immune system, certain medications, smoking, dentures, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
Treatment
Treatment for oral candidiasis typically involves antifungal medications. These can be in the form of tablets, lozenges, or a liquid that you swish in your mouth and then swallow. If the infection is severe or if the patient is immunocompromised, systemic treatment may be necessary.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oral candidiasis
- Wikipedia's article - Oral candidiasis
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