How Is Thrush In the Mouth Treated?

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by Michael Abdoney – 07/17/2020 -Orthodontist Tampa FL

Overview
Oral thrush, also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis, oral candidiasis or thrush occurs when a yeast infection develops inside the mouth. It is quite common in toddlers and infants, often manifesting as white or yellow bumps on the tongue and inner cheeks, which usually disappear with treatment. While the infection is often mild and hardly causes any serious issues, it can be quite problematic in people with compromised immune systems as it spreads to other body parts.

Symptoms
There may be no symptoms during the early stages of infection. However, as the infection worsens, these or more symptoms may develop:
⦁ White or yellow bumps on the tongue, inner cheeks, lips, gums or tonsils
⦁ Slight bleeding when the bumps get agitated
⦁ Burning sensation in the mouth
⦁ Difficulty swallowing
⦁ Loss of taste
⦁ Bad taste in the mouth
While uncommon, oral thrush can sometimes affect the esophagus.

Causes
Oral thrush occurs due to an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus that typically resides in the mouth, throat and other parts of the digestive tract in small amounts. A disruption in the balance of beneficial bacteria or a sudden compromise of the immune system gives this fungus a chance to thrive, multiply and cause infection.

Risk factors
Typically, elderly people, toddlers and babies have a higher risk of developing oral thrush. In addition, certain lifestyle factors, medical treatments and medical conditions increase the risk of infection by disrupting the balance of useful microbes or weakening the immune system. For instance, you may have a higher likelihood of developing the infection if you:
⦁ Smoke cigarettes
⦁ Receive cancer treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy
⦁ Have HIV, leukemia, diabetes or anemia
⦁ Take immunosuppressant drugs, corticosteroids or antibiotics
⦁ Suffer from a condition that dries your mouth

Diagnosis
Your doctor may perform a simple diagnosis of the infection by examining different parts of your mouth e.g. the tongue and inner cheeks, for the distinctive bumps it causes. In some instances, your doctor may seek to confirm the diagnosis by performing a biopsy of the affected areas. Doctors perform biopsies by scraping off small portions of the bumps in your mouth, then testing them for Candida albicans in a laboratory. In case your doctor surmises that the infection has reached other parts of your digestive tract, they may perform an endoscopy or throat swab culture to prove it.

Treatment
If your doctor diagnoses you with this infection, they may prescribe the following medications or more:

1.Clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche)
Antifungal medication often administered as a lozenge.

2.Fluconazole (Diflucan)
A commonly prescribed type of oral antifungal medication.

3.Nystatin (Nystop, Nyata)
Common among babies and toddlers, you can administer this antifungal mouthwash by swabbing or swishing it in the baby’s mouth.

4.Amphotericin B (AmBisome, Fungizone)
This medication is often prescribed for people with severe cases of the infection.

5.Itraconazole (Sporanox)
If you happen to have HIV or do not respond to other oral antifungal medications, then this may be on your prescription list.

Infection usually goes away a few weeks after commencing treatment. If you experience recurring cases of infection without any apparent causes, then your healthcare provider may evaluate you for underlying medical conditions.

Mycelex Troche (Clotrimazole lozenges) Oral / Mucous Membrane: Uses

1 What is Mycelex Troche?

Mycelex Troche are antifungal drugs to prevent and treat fungal infections of the mouth and throat called thrush. This drug is dissolved slowly in the mouth. This drug requires a prescription.

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2 What to Know Before Using

To use Mycelex Troche properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.  Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. 

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. This drug is not recommended for use in children under 3 years of age since they may be too young to use the lozenges safely. 

It is still unknown whether these drugs work exactly the same way in younger adults and elderly. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. 

Discuss with your healthcare professional the possible risks and benefits before taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.  

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as Fentanyl, Tacrolimus, or Trimetrexate. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with magnesium is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. 

Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as liver disease.

3 Proper Usage

To use Mycelex Troche properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. This drug must be held in the mouth and allowed to dissolve slowly and completely for about 15 to 30 minutes. Do not chew the lozenges or swallow them whole but you may swallow your saliva. 

This drug is not recommended for use in infants or children under 3 years of age.   Take this drug for the full time of treatment to ensure complete drug therapy and prevent any relapses.  This may take two weeks or more. 

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.  

Adults and children 3 years of age and older with thrush are advised to dissolve one 10-milligram lozenge slowly and completely inside the mouth, taken five times a day for at least fourteen days. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. 

However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. 

Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Mycelex Troche, there are some precautions you must take. Consult with your healthcare professional If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse within 1 week.

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5 Potential Side Effects

Side effects using Mycelex Troche may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.