There is an erroneous opinion that thrush is exclusively an unhe althy condition of the female genital organs. However, it is not. Thrush is a fungal disease that can affect any mucous membranes, both in women and men. Even children are not immune from this disease. One of its common forms is thrush (candidiasis) of the tongue.
Plaque on the tongue in adults and children is quite common, but with thrush, not only its surface is directly affected, but also other mucous membranes of the mouth. If you start the disease, even internal organs can suffer.
Causes of the disease
The fungus that causes thrush (Candida) is present in the body of every person, and in about a quarter of people this fungus "lives" directly in the mouth.
Under certain conditions, it can begin to actively multiply. The most common cause is a decrease in immunity, but it is also possibleother options:
- hormonal disorders;
- tongue damage:
- abuse of certain drugs;
- dental problems and others.
Also at risk are people suffering from some serious diseases, such as tuberculosis or AIDS.
Sometimes thrush on the tongue in adults occurs due to poor oral hygiene. The disease is often transmitted to young children during childbirth from the mother.
From person to person candidiasis is most often transmitted by airborne droplets and direct contact.
Types of candidiasis
Symptoms and treatment of thrush on the tongue in adults differ depending on the type of disease. The two most common varieties are:
- Hyperplastic candidiasis. A particularly common form of the disease, which is chronic. Deterioration in the patient's well-being is usually not observed, only red and white spots appear on the tongue. Ulceration occurs when trying to remove plaque.
- Atrophic. The tongue with this form becomes abnormally smooth, followed by plaque and swelling.
Two more forms of oral candidiasis are much less common - granulomatous and rhomboid.
Symptoms of disease
In adults, thrush on the tongue often resolves without visible symptoms - approximately 50% of patients do not notice the course of the disease.
Obvious signs appear mainly in acute forms of the disease or in relapses of chronic forms. The main symptom in both children and adults is a white coating on the tongue. Other manifestations of oral candidiasis in adults are:
- development of a tumor of the tongue and the inner surface of the cheeks;
- pain while eating;
- Increased sensitivity of the tongue;
- bleeding is possible when plaque is removed.
With children, the picture is somewhat different. In babies, as a rule, not only the tongue suffers, but also other mucous membranes of the oral cavity.
Redness of the throat occurs, the child may often act up and cry, loss of appetite is possible. Also, in children with thrush, cracks in the tongue are often observed. In adults, this is only possible with an advanced degree of the disease or a severely weakened immune system.
Complications of thrush of the mouth
If not properly treated, especially if the disease is asymptomatic, the fungus can spread to other mucous membranes of the body and internal organs. In this case, the treatment is much more complicated. Common complications in adults are glossitis and gingivitis. In children, seizures and cheilitis most often appear
Glossit
Glossitis can be candidal or atrophic. The first type is nothing more than a more severe form of the course of the usual thrush. The symptoms are the same, but more pronounced. For example, swelling of the tongue up to the appearance of problems with speech. Halitosis and altered taste sensations are also possible.
Symptoms of atrophic glossitis:
- language is becomingsmooth, taste buds disappear;
- appear red spots and ulceration;
- tongue becomes thinner due to the death of muscle fibers.
This type of complication can be caused not only by candida fungi, but also by herpes, oral injuries, and streptococcus.
Gingivitis
In gingivitis, the fungus spreads from the tongue to the gums, causing them to become inflamed and bleeding. This complication is dangerous because it can lead to gum infections and dental disease.
Zeeds
Most often this disease affects children aged 5 to 7 years, especially if they have problems with their teeth. It appears, as a rule, immediately after the development of thrush of the tongue. In the corners of the lips, bleeding cracks are formed, covered with a white coating. The movements of the lips and the opening of the mouth cause pain to the child.
Heilitis
With this complication, dry lips and a feeling of tightness appear. The red border of the lips swells and becomes wrinkled. Cheilitis can lead to disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, if you do not pay attention to it in a timely manner.
Diagnosis of candidiasis
If there are severe symptoms, thrush is easily diagnosed by external examination (except for the initial stage in children).
In some cases, a smear is taken from the surface of the tongue, and in case of complications, a blood test is prescribed for the presence of the disease and antibodies to it. One of the surest signs of the presence of thrush in recent years is an elevated blood glucose level.patient. In some cases, he is sent for examination to a specialist - an endocrinologist or a dermatologist to determine the cause that led to the development of the disease.
Therapy of the disease with traditional means
How to treat thrush on the tongue, the doctor determines based on the results of the examination. In a mild form of the disease, it is enough:
- rinsing (boric acid solution or soda);
- medicinal lozenges for sucking ("Dekamin" - antibacterial and antifungal drug);
- ointments or oils ("Kanesten", "Lugol", "Iodinol", sea buckthorn or wild rose).
In more serious cases, especially in adults, thrush on the tongue is treated with antimycotic drugs, the best of which are Nystatin, Levorin and Amphotericin B (the latter is prescribed for especially severe forms of the disease). Another good remedy is Diflucan, a powerful antifungal drug based on the active ingredient fluconazole. Taking these drugs lasts about two to three weeks, after which the main symptoms of thrush, as a rule, disappear. However, treatment is recommended to continue for about a week to prevent a possible relapse.
A good addition to medical treatment would be some physiotherapy, such as electrophoresis.
In case of severe neglect of the disease, immunostimulating therapy is prescribed, it is possible to takevitamins, since weak immunity always leaves a chance for the reappearance of the disease.
In case of concomitant diseases (dysbacteriosis, colitis, diabetes), the treatment of candidiasis should proceed in parallel with their treatment.
Folk remedies against thrush
There is a certain range of folk methods for treating thrush on the tongue in both adults and children, who have earned positive feedback from patients. These are various rinses: tinctures of calendula and kombucha, carrot juice, viburnum and cranberry juices. It is also recommended to lubricate the oral cavity with juniper tincture and remove white plaque with a cotton swab lubricated with sea buckthorn oil.
Of course, you should not completely rely on folk remedies - it is best to use them in parallel with the methods of official medicine and only after agreement with your doctor.
Nutrition during treatment
During the treatment of the disease, it is important to follow an appropriate diet, which will help enhance the therapeutic effect. It is necessary to give up sweet and rich foods, limit the consumption of pickles, smoked and fatty foods. It is recommended to consume more fermented milk products, but milk itself is contraindicated. You should eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible, especially fresh garlic, which has a strong disinfecting effect.
Of course, it is highly recommended to stop smoking and drinking alcohol both during treatment and in everyday life, which is gooda preventive measure against both thrush and many other diseases.
Prevention of oral candidiasis
The most important step to prevent thrush is good oral hygiene.
You should visit the dentist at least twice a year and do not start diseases that can provoke the appearance of thrush. Removable dentures should be carefully monitored to prevent fungal growth at their junction with the gums.
