What is 'thrush?' What are its symptoms and what are the treatment options?

Thrush is an infection caused by the fungus Candida Albicans.

It usually occurs in the mouth but can also affect other parts of the body.

It can affect anyone, but usually toddlers, and adults with weakened immune systems.

The symptoms of thrush as described in the web site MedicineNet.Com are as follows:

"A common sign of thrush is the presence of creamy white, slightly raised lesions in your mouth—usually on your tongue or inner cheeks—but also sometimes on the roof of your mouth, gums, tonsils, or back of your throat. The lesions, which may have a "cottage cheese" appearance, can be painful and may bleed slightly when you scrape them or brush your teeth. In severe cases, the lesions may spread into your esophagus, or swallowing tube, causing:

• Pain or difficulty swallowing


• A feeling that food gets stuck in the throat or mid-chest area.


• Fever if the infection spreads beyond the esophagus

Thrush can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, and skin. This happens more often in people with cancer, HIV, or other conditions that weaken the immune system."

Only a certified medical practitioner after a careful examination can prescribe anti fungal medicines. Some of the common anti fungal medicines are fluconazole and clotrimazole.

However, maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping sour yogurt in the mouth for a minute or two have proved to be helpful.