Thrush (cont.)
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP
Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.
In this Article
- Thrush facts
- What is thrush?
- What causes thrush?
- What are risk factors for thrush?
- What are thrush symptoms and signs?
- How is thrush diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for thrush?
- Are there home remedies for thrush?
- What is the prognosis of thrush?
- Can thrush be prevented?
What causes thrush?
An overgrowth of the Candida fungus in your mouth or throat is what causes thrush.
Thrush in infants is relatively common and is only a concern if it causes poor feeding or is associated with weight loss or other symptoms of systemic illness. Consult your doctor if thrush in your infant lasts more than a couple of weeks.
What are risk factors for thrush?
The risk factors for having thrush are similar to the causes. Healthy adults generally do not get thrush without having some of these risk factors. Patients with weakened immune systems for whatever varied reason are at most risk for getting thrush. Risk factors associated with thrush include the following:
- Illnesses, including poorly controlled diabetes, HIV/AIDS infection, cancer, and dry mouth
- Pregnancy
- Taking medications such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and birth control pills
- Having an organ transplant
- Smoking
- Having dentures that are poorly fitted
- Stress
In general, thrush is not contagious. However, a nursing infant with thrush may transmit it to the mother's breast by contact.
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