We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Thrush?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,565
Share

Thrush is a medical condition which is caused when yeasts from the Candida genus colonize the mouth, creating a series of painful, tender lesions and a creamy coating which superficially resembles cottage cheese. Although it is not inherently harmful, it can spread, causing systemic infection which could potentially be seriously dangerous. It is also painful and unsightly, and it reflects an imbalance of bacteria in the body which should be addressed.

Several groups are at greater risk for thrush; this condition almost never develops in healthy individuals. People with compromised immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, and the elderly, are particularly at risk. It is also common in infants and children, who tend to be much more bold, as a whole, about what they will put in their mouths. Breastfeeding mothers and babies often experience a bout of thrush, with each passing the fungus to the other, prolonging the condition.

Identifying thrush is usually fairly easy. It starts with soreness and tenderness in the mouth and throat, often with patches of discoloration. Within a few days, the characteristic creamy white coating will appear. Many doctors diagnose this condition on physical appearance alone, but it is also possible to take a culture.

Yeasts are among the many organisms which call the human body home, but they can be disruptive when the body gets out of balance. Depending on the severity of the infection, and the patient, a doctor may recommend minimal treatment, so that the balance isn't disturbed further. Often yogurt is recommended, as yogurt with active cultures will help balance the organisms in the body, eliminating the thrush. In more severe cases, or in the instance of a patient who could be endangered by a yeast infection, an antifungal medication will be used to kill the yeast.

When a nursing mother is diagnosed with thrush, it is important to treat both her and the baby, otherwise the infection will recur. Nursing mothers may find it helpful to use a mild moisturizer and breast pads when dealing with an infection, to soothe the inflamed skin and to prevent the fungus from spreading. If breast pads are used, plastics should be avoided, as Candida fungi adore plastic.

Prevention of this condition starts with good oral care; it's a good idea to floss and brush regularly to avoid a wide variety of infections. Mouthwash can also help to reduce the risk of thrush, as can saltwater gargles, and people who consume yogurt with live cultures on a regular basis generally don't need to worry about an infection.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-thrush.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.