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Thrush

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Thrush facts

  • Thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis) is a medical condition in which a fungus called Candida albicans overgrows in the mouth and throat.
  • Thrush may be caused by a variety of factors including illness, pregnancy, medications, smoking, or dentures.
  • Thrush in infants is common and usually not harmful.
  • Risk factors for thrush include weakened immune systems, medications, smoking, or stress.
  • Symptoms of thrush include white patches in the mouth, inner cheeks, throat, and tongue, as well as pain and soreness in the mouth.
  • Thrush is usually diagnosed by clinical examination by a physician or dentist.
  • Treatment for thrush depends on the severity and the cause, and can include simple home remedies, oral medications, or systemic medications.
  • The prognosis for mild cases of thrush is good. The outlook for severe cases depends on the underlying cause and the status of the patient's immune system.
  • Thrush can be prevented in most cases by risk factor modification.

What is thrush?

Thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis) is a medical condition in which a fungus called Candida overgrows in the mouth and throat. Candida is normally present in the mouth, the digestive tract, and skin of most healthy people. The immune system and the body's normal bacteria usually keep Candida in balance. When this balance is interrupted, it can result in an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, causing thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth or throat.



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Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/thrush/article.htm

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