Thrush, also known as tongue fungus, occurs as a result of the development of a fungal infection in the tissues in the mouth. The disease is especially characterized by the formation of whiteness on the tongue. Here you can find the answers to the questions “What is thrush, how does it pass?” related to this common situation in society.
What Is Thrush (Tongue Fungus)?
The condition known as thrush or tongue fungus is a fungal infection that develops in the mouth. A type of fungus called Candida albicans multiplies in different structures, especially the tongue, in the mouth and causes the formation of thrush. In fact, this type of fungus is also found in the mouth of healthy people. However, when the immune system is not strong enough, Candida Albicans multiplies excessively and leads to the development of thrush disease. For this reason, this fungus can be defined as an opportunistic microorganism.
Thrush is mostly seen in young children and people in the advanced age group. This is because the immune systems of these groups are relatively weak. Of course, it is possible to encounter mouth fungus in people outside of this group. Oral thrush usually does not cause serious problems in healthy people. However, the treatment of thrush in people with weak immune system can be challenging.
What Causes Thrush?
Under normal conditions, the immune system is responsible for destroying harmful microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi that enter the body. When the immune system fully performs its task, the balance between 'good' and 'bad' microorganisms in the body is achieved. However, a weakness in the system can lead to the disruption of this balance. This is also the case in the development of oral fungus, i.e. thrush. Candida, which is also found in the mouth of healthy people, is kept at a certain level by the immune system. However, a weakening in the protective effect of the immune system causes the overgrowth of the Candida fungus. As a result, this type of fungus accumulates in the mouth and causes thrush on the tongue.
Weakened immune system is one of the main causes of thrush formation. There are various conditions that cause weakening in this system. weaken immunity Factors that increase the risk of developing tongue fungus:
Some Medical Conditions: Some of the diseases weaken the immune system and make the person vulnerable to infections. AIDS can be given as an example of these diseases. Again, some treatment methods can suppress the immune system. Drugs used to prevent tissue rejection in organ transplant patients suppress the immune system. Cancer itself can weaken the immune system, and its treatment can weaken the immune system.
Diabetes: Diabetes patients who do not receive treatment or do not apply their treatment properly have high amounts of sugar in their saliva. This high amount of sugar has a positive effect on fungal growth.
Vaginal Yeast Infections: Sometimes the type of fungus that causes infection in the vagina can cause thrush in the mouth.
Medicines: Cortisone-derived drugs increase the risk of thrush formation by suppressing the immune system. Antibiotics, on the other hand, can disrupt the balance of 'good' and 'bad' microorganisms in the body and pave the way for fungal growth in the mouth.
In addition to the above-mentioned conditions, the use of oral apparatus also poses a risk for thrush. Apparatuses such as dental prostheses and braces can be given as examples. Conditions that may cause dry mouth also increase the likelihood of thrush in the mouth.
It is possible to prevent the development of thrush disease. The practices that can be done to prevent the disease are as follows:
- Keeping the immune system strong by eating a balanced and regular diet
- Brushing the teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss, showing the necessary importance to oral hygiene
- To have regular dental and oral health checks
- In the presence of a problem such as dry mouth, to apply to a health center and get the necessary treatment
- If an oral apparatus is used, remove the apparatus before going to bed, regularly every day cleaning and making sure that the device fits properly in the mouth
- Brushing the teeth after the use of corticosteroid inhaler medication
- Keeping blood sugar under control if diabetes is present
What Are the Symptoms of Thrush (Tongue Fungus)?
Thrush can cause many different symptoms. However, these symptoms not all can be seen. While some people have most of the symptoms, others may not show any signs other than the whiteness of the tongue. visible lesions
Candida infection in the breast can cause the following symptoms:
- A different than usual redness, cracking, itching or tenderness of the nipples
- Glossy or scaly skin in the dark area (areola) around the nipple
- Feeling a different pain from the nipple during breastfeeding or in the periods between breastfeeding
- Having a stabbing-like pain in the deep tissues of the breast
How Thrush Is Treated?
Tongue fungus treatment aims to prevent the rapid proliferation and spread of the fungal disease that causes the disease in the mouth. When planning the treatment of thrush It is very important to determine the general condition of the patient, his age and the underlying cause of the disease. Correctly determining the underlying cause and making the appropriate treatment prevent the recurrence of thrush disease. For the treatment of thrush, antifungal (anti-fungal) drugs can be used in children and adults who do not have any additional disease. These medications can be in lozenge, tablet, or liquid form.
Treatment of thrush in infants and nursing mothers prevents the infection from entering a vicious circle between mother and baby. Babies can be given mild doses of antifungal medication and the mother can be given an antifungal cream to apply to her breasts.
Strong antifungal drugs are preferred in the treatment of thrush in patients whose immune system is severely weakened.
People with mild thrush can reduce the severity of symptoms with simple methods they can apply at home. For example, rinsing the mouth with salty, carbonated (cooking soda) water, a little lemon squeezed or mixed with apple cider vinegar can help to remove the fungal lesions on the tongue. . Although this disease resolves spontaneously in a few weeks, some groups in particular need treatment to fully heal. In this context, especially infants, the elderly, those with weakened immune diseases, nursing mothers and those using immunosuppressive drugs; If thrush is suspected, he should apply to the nearest health center without wasting time.
You can ask the expert team of Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals about the issues you are wondering about, and you can ask for suggestions regarding your question. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
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