Fungal Infection in Mouth
By: Paul FryattTotal Views: 240, Word Count: 521,
Mouth fungus, also known as fungal infection in mouth is an infection of yeast fungus, Candida albicans, in the mucous membranes of the mouth. Human body is generally a host to various funguses that are kept in check by other microorganisms and bacteria. These funguses are present in small amounts in the mouth, skin and the digestive system. Due to some factors, the level of useful microorganisms gets low which results in the production of these fungi, which results in fungal infection.
This infection causes white spots on the inner cheeks or tongue and is often painful. It not treated it could develop into a chronic condition. Anti fungal drugs is the best way to treat mouth fungus.
Information on Mouth Fungus
Mouth fungus or oral thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the Candida fungus, also called yeast. This infection is not restricted to the mouth and it can arise in other parts of the body as well, thus causing rash in infants or vaginal yeast infections in women. Anyone can be affected by mouth fungus, although it occurs most often in toddlers and babies, other adults and people with weak immune systems.
Causes of Mouth Fungus
Small amounts of the Candida fungus exist in the mouth, digestive area and skin of most healthy people and are usually kept in check by other microorganisms and bacteria in the body. However, certain stress, illnesses or medications can upset the fragile balance causing the fungus Candida to grow out of control causing infection. Corticosteroids, antibiotics and birth control pills are some medications that upset the balance of microorganisms.
Medical situations or illnesses that make Candida infection more likely to develop include HIV infection, cancer, dry mouth, diabetes or pregnancy (caused by the hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy). People who wear dentures that don’t fit properly or smoke are also at increased risk for fungal infection in the mouth. In addition, babies could pass this infection to their mothers during breast feeding.
Symptoms of Mouth Fungus
Mouth fungus usually develops unexpectedly, but it might become chronic, and persisting over a long period of time. A frequent sign of mouth fungus is the presence of creamy white, somewhat raised lesions in the mouth generally on the inner cheeks or tongue, but also at times on gums, roof of the mouth, tonsils or on the back of the throat.
The lesions which have a cottage cheese appearance can be painful and might bleed slightly when brushed or scraped. In serious cases, the lesions could spread into the esophagus or swallowing tube causing pain or difficulty in swallowing, a sense that food is stuck in the throat or mid chest area and fever.
Treatment for Mouth Fungus
Antifungal medications which are usually taken for ten to fourteen days are often prescribed to treat the fungal infection in mouth. These medicines are available in liquids, tablets or lozenges.
Thus, the fungal infection in mouth must be treated properly as it is quite painful to have fungal infection in the area from where we eat our food.
About the Author
Allergist Paul Fryatt, M.D. has been in this profession from last 24 years. He made great achievements in his profession. He made an initiative to open a Family Allergy Clinic in 1985 to help his patients who were not reacting to traditional allergy treatment programs. Moreover he has explored the treatment to overcome allergy symptoms to reclaim quality of life through his convenient, no-shots therapy.
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