Causative & risk factors
The fungus Candida albicans resides in the oral cavity of most healthy individuals. Since the quantity is small, they do not produce any symptoms. Certain factors cause this fungus to accumulate in large numbers producing oral thrush. Poor oral hygiene or underlying illnesses such as HIV, cancer or diabetes predispose to oral thrush. It can also result as a side effect of certain medications like contraceptive pills, certain antibiotics and corticosteroids.
Clinical presentation
White colored raised lesions are seen on the tongue or other parts of the oral cavity. They have a typical cottage cheese appearance. Scraping these lesions produces pain and bleeding. Your mouth may feel sore. The sensation of taste becomes subdued or lost. If the lesions spread downwards into the esophagus, they may produce difficulty in swallowing.
Investigations
Examination of the oral cavity is usually adequate to make a diagnosis of oral thrush. Sometimes a sample of the lesion is scraped off for microscopic examination.
Certain blood tests may be carried out to rule out underlying conditions like diabetes or HIV.
Treatment
Antifungal medication is prescribed to treat oral thrush. Any underlying condition if present must also be treated. The patient is advised to practice good oral hygiene in order to prevent recurrence.
Recent updates
Scientists have recently found that a certain type of unusual immune cells known as TH17 present naturally in humans prevent oral thrush. Factors which disturb these cells lead to thrush formation.
