Thrush is common term used to describe candidiasis of the mouth and throat. The formal term used to describe Thrush is Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC). Oropharyngeal Candidiasis or Thrush is a fungal infection that occurs when there is overgrowth of candida fungus. Candida is normally found in small amounts on skin and/or mucous membranes. However, if the conditions inside the mouth or throat become out of balance, candida will multiply and cause symptoms of Thrush to start to appear.

Thrush will in most cases affect newborns; however, Thrush occurs more frequently and more severely in people with weakened immune systems, particularly in persons with AIDS or other serious diseases affecting the immune system.

Symptoms of Thrush can included but are not limited to the following:

• painless, white patches in the mouth
• pain and difficulty swallowing.

OPC or Thrush is diagnosed by a doctor by taking a swab or sample of infected tissue and then examining it under a microscope. If evidence of Candida Infection exists, the sample will be cultured to confirm the diagnosis. Consider the following prescription treatments:

• Oral Fluconazole
• Clotrimazole Troches
• Nystatin Suspension