Oral yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans and can cause white or yellow lesions, pain, difficulty swallowing, and loss of taste. Newborns and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Treatment includes probiotics and antifungal medications. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the esophagus, digestive tract, and lungs. Diagnosis is made by evaluating lesions and testing mucus samples.
Oral yeast infections are caused by a very common fungus called Candida albicans, the same fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections. Candida lies dormant in most people’s mouths and throats without causing infection. If the immune system is weakened by disease, cancer or medications, however, the fungi can become active and cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. The most common symptoms of oral yeast infection include white or yellow lesions on the inner cheeks and tongue, pain and tenderness, difficulty swallowing, and loss of taste. Probiotics and antifungal medications can usually clear up oral yeast infection symptoms in about two weeks.
Newborns are at a higher risk of developing oral yeast infections as their immune systems aren’t strong enough to fight off the fungus. Older children, adolescents, and adults who have disorders that compromise the immune system such as HIV or cancer can also develop infections. Occasionally, an otherwise healthy individual may experience a mild infection. The symptoms of oral yeast infection are similar in most cases.
The early symptoms of oral yeast infection typically include creamy sores and dull sores in the mouth. Lesions can develop on the tongue, cheeks, gums, or palate. They are usually small, less than 0.5 inches (about 1.25 centimeters) in diameter, and rough to the touch. Mouth ulcers can be very tender and bleed easily when irritated by the tongue, toothbrush or food. Some children and the elderly have difficulty swallowing and speaking due to the constant pain.
Additional oral yeast infection symptoms may include desensitized taste buds, dry mouth, and cracking around the corners of the lips. Some patients report a cotton-like sensation inside the mouth due to dryness and irritation. Loss of appetite and resulting nutritional deficiencies can occur when a person cannot taste food and experiences painful swallowing.
Without treatment, Candida albicans can start spreading from the mouth into the esophagus. An infected throat can develop lesions similar to those found in the mouth and cause severe swallowing difficulties. It’s also possible for the mushrooms to spread to the digestive tract and lungs in people with very weak immune systems, which can cause shortness of breath, high blood pressure, and many other serious symptoms.
A doctor can diagnose a yeast infection by evaluating the appearance of the lesions and testing mucus samples for the presence of Candida. Patients in relatively good health may be instructed to rinse their mouth out with warm salt water and eat probiotic yogurt for a few days until symptoms improve. An oral antifungal drug may also be prescribed for infants and people with weak immune systems.
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