Effective Treatment of Thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection that causes white lesions on the tongue and the inside of the cheeks. It occurs in people with weak immune systems, such as the elderly and babies. Though more common in them, it can occur in someone of any age. Anti-fungal medications treat the condition in babies and adults.

Symptoms

• An abundance of the fungus Candida albicans causes oral thrush. Usually, this fungus is kept under control by healthy bacteria in the body. When this fungus, or yeast, grows out of control, infections such as thrush occur. Yeast can cause infections that result in skin rashes, diarrhea and respiratory problems.

  The first sign of thrush is usually patches of white lesions on the tongue and mouth of infected people. Brushing or bumping the lesions during teeth brushing may cause the lesions to bleed. The symptoms and lesions usually go away on their own, but some cases need additional treatment.

Medications

• Apply anti-fungal medications directly to the lesions in babies and adults. Women who are breastfeeding should treat their breasts with the medication as well to prevent the fungus from traveling back and forth between mother and child. Treatment typically lasts for two weeks.

  Clean bottles and pacifiers regularly to stop growth of the fungus after the items are used. Clean the parts of breast pumps that are exposed to the breasts to stop another area of fungus growth. Fungal infections can pass back and forth between mother and child many times if preventative measures are not taken. Thoroughly clean toys and other items that have been exposed to thrush.

  Adults with thrush may use medicated lozenges to treat the infection.

Severe Thrush

• Cases of thrush that are more severe require treatment longer than two weeks. When the fungal infection spreads to the throat and esophagus, treatments with topical medications and mouth rinses may be used. Oral anti-fungal medications are prescribed for cases of thrush that recur repeatedly.

  Weakened immune systems are more susceptible than normal immune systems to thrush infection. Oral anti-fungal medications are prescribed on a continuous basis for these patients.

  Eating unsweetened yogurt regularly can keep Candida albicans under control and prevent yeast infections such as thrush. Practice good oral hygiene at all times for thrush prevention, too. Eat a healthy diet to boost your immune system so it can fight off fungal infections such as thrush.