Oral Thrush
(Candidiasis · Moniliasis · Yeast Infections)
In this condition factsheet:
The Facts on Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth caused by uncontrolled growth of an organism called Candida albicans. Candida albicans is an organism that normally makes a quiet home for itself on your skin and doesn't bother anyone. We all carry this organism on our skin, in our mouth, in our gastrointestinal tract (gut), and, in the case of women, in the vagina. Occasionally the yeast multiplies uncontrollably, causing pain and inflammation. When this occurs, it is called candidiasis. It is also known as moniliasis or a yeast infection.
Causes of Oral Thrush
You don't catch oral thrush. The yeast is already there. A number of factors can increase the chance of the yeast growing out of control. The leading cause is overuse of antibiotics. Yeast must compete with various other organisms, many of them bacteria. These bacteria, which live on the skin and in the intestine and vagina, among other places, are harmless but good at fighting off yeast. When we take antibiotics to deal with disease-causing bacteria, we kill the harmless bacteria as well. Yeast, which is unaffected by antibiotics, is no longer controlled by the bacteria and starts to grow and multiply.
Steroids and some cancer medications weaken the immune system and can also allow yeast to flourish. Oral thrush most often develops in people with diseases that weaken the immune system, such as cancer and AIDS. It can also develop in people with diabetes or in people who have long-term irritation resulting from dentures. Some medications can also change the environment in the mouth, causing the yeast to grow out of control. A common culprit is inhaled corticosteroids, medication used by people with asthma or chronic lung conditions.
Symptoms and Complications of Oral Thrush
Oral thrush causes curd-like white patches inside the mouth, on the tongue and palate and around the lips. It may also cause cracked, red, moist areas on skin at the corners of the mouth. Thrush patches may or may not be painful.
Did you find what you were looking for on our website? Please let us know.
