If left untreated, the symptoms will often persist and your mouth will continue to feel uncomfortable. In severe cases that are left untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading further into your body, which can be serious.
With treatment, oral thrush should clear up in about two weeks. Without treatment, it may last up to eight weeks or longer. Monitor your symptoms and visit a doctor immediately if you believe it has spread to your esophagus, as this can cause more serious infection.
Oral thrush usually doesn't cause any serious health problems, but it can be very unpleasant. If the fungus spreads to your food pipe, for example, it may cause problems swallowing. Together with the usual symptoms, this may cause people who have oral thrush to eat less and lose weight.
Does thrush go away on its own? Thrush often goes away on its own once you stop whatever is causing the problem. “For example, if antibiotics led to thrush, just waiting a few weeks may give the body time to return to a natural yeast balance,” says Dr. Reisman.
In some cases, the symptoms of oral thrush can make eating and drinking difficult. If left untreated, the symptoms will often persist and your mouth will continue to feel uncomfortable. In severe cases that are left untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading further into your body, which can be serious.
In very bad cases, thrush can spread into your esophagus and cause: Pain when you swallow or difficulty swallowing. A feeling that food is stuck in your throat or in the middle of your chest. Fever, if the infection spreads beyond the esophagus.
Usually it develops on mucous membranes (in the mouth, genitals, etc.) but the infection can also be in your bloodstream. When Candida is in your bloodstream, the condition is called Candidemia. Candida infection can spread from your bloodstream to other parts of your body (such as your eyes, kidney, liver, and brain).
The yeast gets into your bloodstream and spreads to other areas, such as your eyes, heart, brain and kidneys.
In most cases, thrush isn't a medical emergency. Call your pediatrician if your baby develops symptoms of thrush. Teens and adults should see their healthcare provider. If symptoms are severe, seek emergency care if you can't reach your doctor.
Thrush is a fungal (yeast) infection that can grow in your mouth, throat and other parts of your body. In your mouth thrush appears as a growth that can look like cottage cheese – white, raised lesions on your tongue and cheeks. The condition can quickly become irritated and cause mouth pain and redness.
Symptoms of candidiasis in the esophagus usually include pain when swallowing and difficulty swallowing. Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms that you think are related to candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus.
Symptoms of oral thrush
white patches (plaques) in the mouth that can often be wiped off, leaving behind red areas that may bleed slightly. loss of taste or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. redness inside the mouth and throat. cracks at the corners of the mouth.
redness or soreness in the mouth. the mouth feeling like cotton. not being able to taste things. pain when eating or swallowing.
Not only can chronic diseases trigger thrush outbreaks, they can make them harder to treat too. Don't use mouthwashes too frequently. While they are good for keeping bacteria at bay on the teeth and gums, they can also throw necessary bacteria into disarray, which can trigger an oral thrush episode. Don't smoke.
In many cases, thrush goes away on its own without treatment. A persistent yeast infection may require antifungal medications. These can be taken orally or applied as ointments directly to your mouth. Antifungal rinses are another option for treating thrush.
The risk of oral thrush is higher in people who have a weakened immune system, for instance due to a chronic disease or cancer treatment. It is also common in people who have HIV/AIDS, and is often quite distressing.
No, anxiety itself doesn't cause thrush. However, the stress caused by anxious behavior can contribute to the development of thrush since stress can disturb the balance between other bacteria and microorganisms in the body, allowing thrush to flourish.
Hairy leukoplakia causes fuzzy, white patches that resemble folds or ridges, usually on the sides of your tongue. It's often mistaken for oral thrush, an infection marked by creamy white patches that can be wiped away, which is also common in people with a weakened immune system.
Oral thrush is not considered contagious, but it can be passed back and forth between at-risk individuals or from mother to infant while breastfeeding. In otherwise healthy people, it is very unusual for thrush to be passed by kissing or other close contact.
Candida is commonly called thrush, and if left unchecked for a period in the mouth, it can spread to the pharynx and the esophagus and cause severe symptoms such as erosions and ulcerations of the tissues.
According to the Mayo Clinic (opens in new tab), Oral thrush or oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection that can cause bad breath. While oral thrush is more common in infants or older people, it can happen to anyone at any stage of their life. It can be caused by taking some medications too.
Symptoms of an Oral Yeast Infection
White mucus (candida mucus) Cracking and redness at the corners of your mouth. A smooth, red area in the center of the tongue. A tickly cough.