Thrush, also known as tongue fungus, is a fungal infection that occurs in the tissues in the mouth and is associated with white plaque and rashes on the tongue. There are many microorganisms in the mouth. These microorganisms work in a balanced and organized way with the body. It is a fungal infection called 'Candida albicans' that occurs when the number of microbes increases too much after the immune system weakens.
Tongue fungus can be seen in everyone regardless of age and gender. The fact that the immune systems of infants and elderly people are weaker than other groups increases the likelihood of occurrence in these groups. People who have some health problems or who use drugs that suppress the immune system are more likely to have tongue fungus. It is not a problem for healthy people. However, the emergence and symptoms of the disease are more common in people with a weakened immune system.
Why does thrush occur?
The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from harmful viruses, bacteria and fungi. This balance is disrupted due to the weakening of the system and its inability to fulfill its task. After the weakening of the immune system, the fungi in the mouth increase too much and cause infection. These microorganisms, which are normally kept in balance, can occur due to the use of drugs that suppress the immune system and different diseases experienced.
Weakening of the immune system is one of the main reasons for the development of the disease. The factors that cause this system to weaken and increase the risk of fungus formation are as follows:
Some Medical Conditions: A number of diseases weaken the immune system and leave the body powerless against infections. AIDS can be an example among these diseases. Drug treatments and methods applied in the treatment of some diseases also suppress the immune system. Cancer can lower immunity, as well as weaken the system in the methods used in treatment.
Diabetes: In cases where this disease is not treated or the methods applied are inadequate, patients have high levels of sugar in their salivary glands. This rate supports the formation of fungus.
Vaginal Fungal Infections: Types of fungi that can cause infection in the vaginal area can cause the development of the disease in the mouth.
Medications: Various cortisone drugs and antibiotics have a negative effect on the immune system and increase the likelihood of this disease.
In addition to such situations, any apparatus, dental prosthesis and braces used in the mouth can cause this condition. In addition, experiencing too much dry mouth also increases the likelihood of occurrence.
How to Prevent Thrush?
There are a number of measures that can be taken to prevent and reduce the development of this disease. It is necessary to pay attention to dental hygiene, use dental floss and brush at least twice a day. Drugs used in the treatment of asthma and COPD diseases can cause this condition, and the person can consult a specialist doctor about this issue.
Since people with diabetes may experience this condition depending on blood sugar levels, it should be controlled. The person should regularly check the dental prostheses used in addition to dental cleaning and remove them before going to sleep.
What Causes Thrush in Babies?
Babies' immune systems are weaker and underdeveloped compared to a normal person. This can cause bacteria and fungi to increase rapidly. It is mostly seen when the baby or nursing mother uses antibiotics. While antibiotics cure infections caused by bacteria, they destroy good bacteria. This causes the disease to develop.
What are the complications that can occur?
The disease is very rare and rarely seen in normally healthy people. However, for people with a weakened immune system due to different causes such as cancer, cancer treatment, diabetes or AIDS, this disease can cause significant consequences. If left untreated, it can cause more serious problems by reaching the esophagus or different parts of the body.
What are the Symptoms and Types of Thrush (Tongue Fungus)?
There are symptoms that differ from person to person. Not all people have the same symptoms. Some individuals may have many of the symptoms, while others may not have a different symptom except for the formation of whiteness on the tongue. Common symptoms of thrush are as follows:
- Whiteness on the tongue
- Puffiness of the tissues inside the mouth
- Redness, pain, burning in the mouth
- Difficulty eating and drinking
- Cracking and redness in the corners of the mouth
- Taste problem
- Bleeding of lesions in the mouth on contact
In people with important diseases such as cancer and AIDS, which can cause this disease, this condition is more severe and can spread to the esophagus. This condition, called "candida esophagitis", can cause difficulty in swallowing and pain. White mouth lesions, which are very prominent in babies, can cause them to have difficulty during feeding and to be uncomfortable and restless. In addition, the infection in the baby can be transmitted to the mother's breast during breastfeeding.
How is thrush diagnosed?
In order to diagnose the patient, the person must be examined by a specialist doctor. The doctor may ask some questions to learn about the patient's history and different health problems. Since it is a disease that develops in the mouth, the doctor can take a small sample of the lesions by examining this area under a microscope. In addition, if the doctor thinks that there is a different condition that may cause this disease, he or she may ask the patient to undergo some tests to reveal this condition.
Different methods, such as endoscopic examination, may be needed to diagnose if the lesions have spread to the esophagus. The doctor may ask for some blood tests to determine the different causes of the disease in the person's esophagus.
How is thrush treated?
The first aim of the methods used to treat the disease is to prevent and stop the spread of the fungus. The course of treatment is determined by the person's age, health condition and the level of infection. In possible cases, the aim is to eliminate the underlying problems of the disease and prevent its recurrence. The disease can be treated with antifungal medicines recommended by a doctor. These medicines can be given as lozenges, tablets or mouthwashable liquids. If these medicines do not cure the disease, the doctor may prescribe medicines that can have an effect on the whole body. For people whose immune system is low for various reasons, the doctor may recommend antifungal medicines.