Thrush in adults is painful whitish spots that appear on the tongue, inside cheeks, gums and the roof of the mouth. What are the most common causes of thrush in adults? How to recognize their symptoms? What is the treatment?

Thrush in adultsis a white coating on the oral mucosa. If thrush occurs in adults, it could indicate a serious he alth problem.

Adult thrush - causes

The most common cause of thrush is yeastCandida albicans . Yeasts are part of the intestinal flora. They are also found in the mouth and esophagus of he althy people (without symptoms of infection). The infection may develop as a result of:

  • immunodeficiency (e.g. in people infected with HIV, congenital immunodeficiency, cancer, decompensated diabetes, undergoing immunosuppressive therapy)
  • nutritional errors (malnutrition)
  • antibiotic therapy (especially chronic use of these drugs)

Thrush may be just one symptom of a larger gastrointestinal fungal infection. It can be suspected when thrush is accompanied by symptoms such as indigestion, epigastric pain, belching, nausea, diarrhea. Moreover, thrush can appear in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Thrush can also be the result of eating very spicy and spicy foods and vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12, iron, and folate.

People with damaged or unstable dentures can also struggle with thrush.

Adult thrush - symptoms

Thrush is a form of numerous white, shapeless spots that are most often located on the tongue, less often on the palate. They can also take the form of haughty, grayish fields.

The accompanying symptoms are pain and discomfort, therefore patients have problems with biting and swallowing food.

Adult thrush - diagnosis

A thrush swab is taken for microbiological testing.

Adult thrush - treatment

Treatment of thrush usually involves topical application of antifungal drugs.

Orally administered antibiotics are givenvery rarely. Rinsing the mouth with disinfectant liquids or herbal infusions, e.g. sage, also brings relief.

You should also follow the rules of personal hygiene, incl. wash your hands often, avoid using the same cutlery as he althy people (so as not to infect them), etc.

It is different if thrush is a symptom of a larger fungal infection. Then the drugs are administered orally. The therapy usually takes quite a long time.

Thrush

Thrush looks like the milk left over in your baby's mouth after feeding. This proves a superficial infection with Monilla albicans. Usually the thrush is small, but if neglected, it can cover the mucosa in an infant's mouth with a uniform layer.

Category:

Infectious diseases