|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Signs & Symptoms of a Yeast Infection in the Mouth

Thrush, the term for an oral yeast infection, most commonly affects infants, toddlers, and people with weakened immune systems. Stress, medication and poor oral hygiene can all contribute to the development of thrush. Brought on by an imbalance in candida fungus within the oral cavity, thrush presents with several common signs and symptoms.

  1. Symptoms

    • Thrush can develop suddenly and become a chronic condition, especially in those with weakened immune systems. The presence of white lesions in your mouth, typically along the tongue and cheeks, indicate oral thrush. Lesions may bleed during normal and routine teeth brushing or brushing of the tongue. If left untreated, lesions can spread to the esophagus leading to pain, difficulty swallowing and a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat. Additional symptoms include fever, cracking in the corners of the mouth, loss of taste and a cottony feeling in the mouth.

    Identification

    • Your physician can examine your symptoms and present a formal diagnosis should you believe you have an oral yeast infection, or thrush. Upon initial review, your physician will document your symptoms and request additional testing to confirm the presence of thrush. This includes a throat culture, to study microorganisms, and samples of lesion tissue. For cases of thrush which your doctor believes has spread to the esophagus, an endoscopy of the esophagus and small intestine may be performed to confirm the spread and severity of the condition.

    Treatment

    • Signs and symptoms of thrush which go untreated can become severe in some instances and can lead to poor nutrition. Thrush can spread to the lungs, the liver and the skin. Though this occurs more often in those with weakened immune systems, the spread of thrush should concern anyone who develops the condition. Your physician will prescribe anti-fungal medication to help control the yeast infection and reduce symptoms associated with thrush, including lesions. In addition, your physician will recommend you maintain good oral hygiene, avoid foods with sugar and yeast and quit smoking if you smoke.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles