Mister Pharmacist can prescribe for Oral Thrush (January 2023)

 

A throat and mouth infection known as oral thrush or oral candidiasis presents typically as creamy white lesions on the inner cheeks, gums, tongue, palate, and back of the throat are its defining features.

Some people may feel like they have cotton wool in their mouths, which is a common sensation.

Denture wearers who have oral thrush may also experience redness in their mouths (without the white lesions)

 

Causes of Oral Thrush

A yeast infection known as oral thrush is brought on by the fungus Candida albicans.

Although it is a fungus that normally exists in our mouths, it can occasionally grow and lead to an illness. The same fungus also causes vaginitis in females and diaper rash in infants.

Anyone can get thrush, however some people are more susceptible, such as:

Babies  (see section below)

Older adults (especially those who wear dentures)

Antibiotic-treated individuals those who treat their asthma with inhalation corticosteroids those whose immune systems are weak (e.g., due to chemotherapy or HIV)

Treatment of Oral Thrush

Antifungal medications on prescription are used to treat thrush. Here are some steps that could help avoid repetitions: Brushing your teeth two to three times a day, after each meal, will keep your mouth healthy.

After using a corticosteroid inhaler, rinse your mouth. If you take the inhaler daily, use a spacer and change the spacer every 12 to 24 months. Once the infection has cleared up, switch to a fresh toothbrush. Sugary foods should be avoided because they can encourage yeast growth.

The following oral hygiene practices should also be included in a denture wearer's daily routine: 

use a disinfectant to thoroughly clean dentures every day (e.g., Polident). After cleaning, let the dentures completely dry. After each meal, brush your dentures.

When should I make an appointment with a doctor? If you are in excruciating discomfort, have a fever, or have a lot of trouble swallowing also. if the infection does not go away or the symptoms get worse.

 

 

Thrush in Babies

A mother and her nursing child are both susceptible to contracting the virus. Infected breasts can cause symptoms including red or sensitive nipples, shiny or flaky areolar skin, unusual pain when nursing or in between feedings, or sharp, deep aches inside the breasts.

Causes 
A yeast infection known as oral thrush is brought on by the fungus Candida albicans. Although it is a fungus that normally exists in our mouths, it can occasionally grow and lead to an infection, for example, after taking specific medicines. Diaper rash in infants is also brought on by the same fungus.

Treatment
Thrush outbreaks that are not severe typically go away on their own in a few days. A prescription antifungal drug can be used to treat the infection if it does not go away. It is crucial to maintain treatment for at least another two days after the infection has subsided.

Here are some steps that could help avoid recurrences

Wash your hands and the hands of your child frequently with soap and water.
After each usage, wash bottle nipples, pacifiers, and everything else that goes in the infant's mouth in hot, soapy water.
Throw away all of the aforementioned items and purchase new ones after a week of thrush treatment.

When breastfeeding, as a mother you should:

Be treated concurrently with your child, even if you are symptom-free.
Use disposable nursing pads that can be discarded after each feeding
Every day, put on a clean bra.
Every day, wash your breasts with mild soap and warm water.

In extremely hot water, wash any linens and clothing that come in contact with the infant or the breasts.

When should you make an appointment with Mister Pharmacist?

• if you are a nursing mother.
• if diaper rash is present on your child.
• if your child's thrush symptoms persist after age 9 months.