Oral Thrush

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of oral thrush depends on whether the infection is limited to the mouth or has spread to the esophagus.

If thrush is limited to the mouth, your healthcare professional may:
• Look inside your mouth for white patches or spots.
• Take a small scraping from affected areas to examine under a microscope.
• Perform a physical exam and possibly order blood tests to identify any underlying condition contributing to oral thrush.

If symptoms also seem to involve your esophagus, your healthcare professional may recommend:
• An endoscopic exam to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine using a lighted, flexible tube with a camera.
• A biopsy, where a tissue sample is taken for laboratory analysis to determine the presence of bacteria or fungi causing the infection.
• A physical exam and additional tests to identify any underlying medical condition that may be causing thrush in the esophagus.

Treatment

The main goal of oral thrush treatment is to stop the rapid growth of the fungus and prevent it from coming back. The specific treatment depends on your age, overall health, and the root cause of the infection.

• Healthy adults and children: Antifungal medications are usually recommended. These may be lozenges, tablets, or a liquid solution to swish and swallow. If topical treatments are ineffective, systemic antifungal medicine may be prescribed.
• Babies and nursing mothers: When both baby and mother are affected, mild antifungal treatments are given for both to prevent reinfection. The baby may receive an oral antifungal, while the mother applies antifungal cream to the breasts.
• Adults with weakened immune systems: Antifungal medications are typically prescribed to control the infection and prevent complications.

Preventing recurrence involves addressing underlying causes such as poorly cleaned dentures or improper inhaled steroid use. Regular dental hygiene and medical follow-up help reduce the risk of reinfection.