Thrush in adults can be every bit as disturbing as discovering that it has infected and infant. Knowing what to look for when oral candidiasis attacks will help to keep it from getting out of control. The first place to begin is with what exactly Candida is. Oral candidiasis is the over production of a yeast fungi that appears naturally in the body. This naturally occurring yeast aids in the digestive process when it exists in the proper levels. When out of control Candida albicans creates the condition known as thrush in adults.
Thrush in adults presents itself as white or cream colored thick deposits that are usually noticed on the tongue or inside of the cheeks. The mucous membranes of the mouth will appear to be inflamed and quite red, and the lesions will normally be painful and sometimes bleed a bit. This condition can also spread to the throat and roof of the mouth. It is seen most prevalently in individuals who have a weakened immune system, and those who have been on a lengthy regimen of antibiotics.
Though thrush in adults is often thought to be a condition only seen in female adults, it does also occur in men. As mentioned previously, thrush in adults is most commonly seen in people with compromised immune systems. Those with diabetes see an increased incidence of thrush, as well as those undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Denture wearers also see an increased incidence of thrush. Thrush in adults can cause a burning sensation in the mouth particularly around the moist areas. The characteristic whitish deposits sometimes connect and create larger patches that can cause the color to change to gray or yellowish.
Other causative factors of thrush in adults are the over use of mouthwashes that are antibacterial in nature, and there is even some evidence that hand sanitizers are also culprits when it comes to destroying beneficial bacteria in the body which are known for their ability to keep Candida under control. Steroid medications, when used on a long-term basis, also create a favorable environment for the over growth of Candida. Any time the immune system is compromised, there is always a possibility that thrush in adults can occur.
Oral thrush in adults is most often diagnosed using an oral exam only. However, when in doubt, a scraping of the tissue affected can be analyzed in order to make a definitive diagnosis. Once properly diagnosed, a treatment plan is sure to follow which will generally include changing medications that may be causing the condition, and other known treatments that have been successful in the past. Each case should be considered separately in order to treat the underlying cause of thrush in adults.
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