Don't swallow frogs

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the fungus Candida Albicans. This type of fungi is usually developed in warm and humid areas of the body, such as the eyes, mouth, or female genitals.

When it affects the mouth or throat, candidiasis is called oral candidiasis or more commonly "thrush" in babies and children.

Symptoms

• Presence of whitish plaques in the mouth, throat and / or tongue
• Throat and mouth redness and swelling
• Difficulty eating and swallowing
• Sore on the lips and at the corners of the mouth
• Pain
• Irritability
  
  

Risk factors

Oral candidiasis can affect any age group. It is more common in cases of:

• Weakened immune system (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation therapy, HIV)
• Use of inhaled antibiotics and corticosteroids
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Pregnancy
• Use of dental prostheses
  
  

Treatment

Oral candidiasis is treated with the local application of antifungal products (e.g., gels, sprays) between meals. If the infection is persistent, the doctor will prescribe oral antifungals to prevent reinfection.

As an adjunct to drug therapy, some measures are aimed at relieving the duration of the infection and reducing its transmission:

• Finish the treatment
• In infants, the application of antifungal products can be extended to objects that come into contact with their mouth (e.g., dummies and teats) and when the new-born is breastfed, antifungals are also applied on the mother's nipples
• Keep good hand hygiene habits before and after eating or feeding for babies
• In kindergartens, avoid dummy sharing
• Boiling cutlery, glasses, and plates for infected people
  
  

Prevention / Care

• carry out adequate oral hygiene - brush your teeth 3x a day and floss at least 1x a day
• use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth
• intake of plain unsweetened yoghurt and a supplement of Lactobacillus acidophilus (e.g., capsules, drops, powders) allow the rebalancing of the mouth and throat flora
• in the case of dental prostheses use, these must be thoroughly washed daily
• reduce your intake of sugary foods
• if you are diabetic - keep blood glucose under control
• in the case of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids - apply the correct inhalation technique, use a spacer device, and rinse your mouth after each inhalation

Oral candidiasis is contagious and can spread throughout the body, preventing proper nutrition, and causing serious health problems. To avoid problematic conditions, if you or your children have one or more symptoms, talk to your pharmacist.

Sources
iSaúde
Farmácia Distribuição Magazine

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