Oral candidiasis
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| Oral candidiasis | |
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| Oral thrush | |
| ICD-10 | B37.0 |
| ICD-9 | 112.0 |
| DiseasesDB | 29743 |
| MedlinePlus | 000966 |
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Oral candidiasis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Oral candidiasis On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Oral candidiasis |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Synonyms and related key words: OPC; thrush; oral thrush; candidiasis of the mouth and throat; candidosis; oral moniliasis.
Natrual History, Comoplications, Prognosis
There are no sequela with appropriate antifungal therapy. In contrast, among immunocompromised patients with disseminated infections, the mortality rate is almost 50%.
Thrush and Breastfeeding
Because of the increased use of antibiotics in laboring women to reduce the transmission of Group B streptococcal infection to the infant, thrush has become more prevalent. Symptoms include:
- An oral rash in the infant's mouth
- A diaper rash that does not heal with conventional diaper rash treatments and ointments,
- Burning, painful nipples for the breastfeeding mother.
The rash and pain experienced by the mother can range from severe to mild and may complicate breastfeeding. Because thrush is assumed to be benign, it may be difficult to obtain treatment for an outbreak in the diaper area of an infant or mother's nipples. Over the counter yeast infection cream, that comes in the 7-day package, can be applied to the skin with good results within 24 - 48 hours. It should be washed off nipples before breastfeeding.
Diagnosis
Symptoms
Adults may experience discomfort or burning in the mouth. Symptoms of candidiasis in the esophagus may include pain and dysphagia (difficult swallowing).
In babies the condition is termed thrush and is usually painless and causes no discomfort.
Physical Examination
Oral infections of candidia usually appear as thick white or cream-colour deposits. Underlying the deposits the mucosa of the mouth may appear inflamed (red and possibly slightly raised). Oral lesions are painless, white patches in the mouth.
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Oral manifestations of HIV infection and AIDS. Chronic oral candidiasis in patient with AIDS. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology
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Soft palate showing extensive oral candidiasis in patient with AIDS. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology
Laboratory Studies
Treatment
Any underlying cause, such as poor glucose control in diabetics, should be addressed. Oral candidiasis can be treated with topical anti-fungal drugs, such as nystatin (mycostatin), miconazole or amphotericin B. Patients who are immunocompromised, either with HIV/AIDS or as a result of chemotherapy, may require systemic treatment with oral or intravenous administered anti-fungals.
For adults, mild cases can be first treated by drinking acidic substances, such as orange juice, to make a harsher environment for the yeast and eating yogurt to replenish bacterial count that controls the yeast. If home treatment is not effective a physician may need to be consulted.
Prevention
Nosocomial disease surveillance is conducted by NNIS in selected hospitals. Active population-based surveillance for candidemia is being conducted in selected U.S. sites.