Today is our topic of discussion Oral candidiasis
Oral candidiasis
Definition:
Oral candidiasis or oral thrush is an infection in the mucous membranes of the mouth due to the fungus, Candida albicans.
Predisposing factors:
Local:
Babies with poor oral hygiene, xerostomia (dry mouth), mucosal damage, dentures, antibiotic mouthwashes.
Systemic:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics, steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, radiation, HIV infection, malignancies, neutropenia, iron-deficiency anemia, cellular immunodeficiency, endocrine disorders, OCP consumers.
Signs & symptoms:
Children and adults:
1. Creamy, white, cheese-like lesions on tongue, inner checks, roof of mouth, gums and and tonsils.
2. There is usually no pain in the area underneath the spots
3. Slight bleeding if the lesions are rubbed or scraped
4. Cracking at the corners of mouth
5. Sometimes the lesion may spread to the hard palate, tonsil, posterior pharyngeal wall and gum.
6. Loss of taste
Infants and mothers:
Infants may have trouble feeding. They pass the infection to their mothers during breast- feeding. The infection then passes back and forth between mother’s breasts and baby’s mouth. Women whose breasts are infected with candida may have following features –
a. Red, sensitive or itchy nipples
b. Shiny skin on the areolas
c. Stabbing pains deep within the breast
Fig: Oral candidiasisa
Treatment:
1. In babies, oral thrush may clear spontaneously without treatment.
2. Topical antifungal agents – Oral drops held in the mouth before swallowing (nystatin, amphotericin and miconazole).
3. Systemic antifungals (Ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole) – In complicated cases and in
immunocompromised individuals.
4. Treatment of the cause – Wearing new and better fitting dentures, controlling diabetes etc.
[For children, 100000 units (1 ml) of nystatin should be dropped into the mouth four times daily. The longer the suspension kept in contact with the affected area before swallowing, the greater its effect. For adults, the dose is 5 ml]
Prevention:
1. Maintain good oral hygiene: by brushing teeth after each meal.
2. Avoid mouth trauma: Use a soft toothbrush, don’t eat food or drinks that are too hot or too spicy.
3. Giving the child sterilized water immediately following rinsed away.
4. Sterilizing all feeding equipment and mouth toys.
Candidiasis
Definition:
Candidiasis is a fungal infection (mycosis) due to of any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is the most common. Candidiasis may range from superficial (oral or vaginal candidiasis), to systemic and life-threatening diseases.
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