Thrush
Alternate Names : Candidiasis - Oral, Oral Thrush
Definition
Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Thrush is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This organism lives in your mouth and is usually kept in check by healthy organsims that also live there. However, when your resistance to infection is low, the fungus can grow, leading to lesions in your mouth and on your tongue.
The following circumstances can lessen your resistance to infection and increase your chances of getting thrush:
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Taking antibiotics or using steroid medications
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Having HIV or AIDS
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Receiving chemotherapy for cancer or drugs to suppress your immune system following an organ transplant
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Extremes of age -- very old or very young
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Being in poor health
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Having diabetes
Thrush is commonly seen in infants. It is not considered abnormal in infants unless it lasts too long.
Candida albicans can also cause yeast infections in the vagina.
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