Oral thrush
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, also known as Oropharyngeal candidiasis (pronounced: or-o-fa-rin-ge-al can-di-di-a-sis), is a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of the mouth.
Etymology
The term "oral thrush" comes from the white, thrush-like appearance of the fungal overgrowth. The term "thrush" is derived from the Old English word "þrūsce" and the Middle English "thrush" which refers to a type of bird, but has been used in medical terminology to describe the white, bird-like appearance of the fungal overgrowth.
Symptoms
Oral thrush causes white lesions, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. The lesions can be painful and may bleed slightly when scraped. Oral thrush is most common in infants and the elderly, particularly denture wearers, or in people with weakened immune systems. People who have certain health problems, such as diabetes or HIV, are also more likely to get thrush.
Causes
Oral thrush is caused by Candida albicans, a type of fungus that is naturally present in the mouth, digestive tract, and skin of most people. The fungus usually doesn't cause any problems, but when there's an imbalance in the body's normal flora, Candida can multiply and cause an infection.
Treatment
Treatment for oral thrush involves the use of antifungal medications, such as Nystatin (pronounced: nys-ta-tin) or Fluconazole (pronounced: flu-con-a-zole). These medications can be in the form of tablets, lozenges, or a liquid that you swish in your mouth and then swallow.
Related Terms
- Candidiasis: A fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida.
- Esophageal candidiasis: A type of candidiasis that occurs in the esophagus.
- Candida albicans: A type of fungus that can cause infections in humans.
- Nystatin: An antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections.
- Fluconazole: An antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oral thrush
- Wikipedia's article - Oral thrush
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