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What is Thrush?
Thrush, of the mouth and throat, also known as a Candidiasis or
oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), is a fungal infection that occurs
when there is overgrowth of fungus called Candida. Candida is
normally found on skin or mucous membranes. However, if the
environment inside the mouth or throat becomes imbalanced,
Candida can multiply. When this happens, symptoms of thrush
appear.
How common is OPC and who can get it?
OPC can affect normal newborns, but it occurs more frequently and
more severely in people with weakened immune systems, particularly
in persons with AIDS.
What are the symptoms of OPC?
People with OPC infection usually have painless, white patches in
the mouth. Symptoms of OPC in the esophagus may include pain and
difficulty swallowing.
How do I get OPC?
Most cases of OPC are caused by the person’s own Candida
organisms which normally live in the mouth or digestive tract. A
person has symptoms when overgrowth of Candida organisms
occurs.
How is OPC diagnosed?
OPC is diagnosed in two ways. A doctor may take a swab or sample
of infected tissue and look at it under a microscope. If there is
evidence of Candida infection, the sample will be cultured to
confirm the diagnosis.
How is OPC treated?
Prescription treatments such as, Oral fluconazole, clotrimazole
troches, or nystatin suspension usually provide effective treatment
for OPC.
What will happen if a person does not seek treatment for a OPC?
Symptoms, which may be uncomfortable, may persist. In rare cases,
invasive candidiasis may occur.
Can Candida-causing OPC become resistant to treatment?
Overuse of antifungal medications can increase the chance that
they will eventually not work (the fungus develops resistance to
medications). Therefore, it is important to be sure of the diagnosis
from before treating with over-the-counter or other antifungal
medications.
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