A fungus or thrush in the throat is an inflammatory fungal disease that occurs on the mucous membrane of the larynx. The role of the causative agent of the disease are yeast fungi of the genus Candida. This fungus exists in the body of any person, but the cause of the development of the disease is not always the case. The fungus in the throat is activated only under certain conditions, for example, when taking certain types of antibiotics and other drugs, as well as with a general decrease in human immunity.
The most susceptible to this disease are babies 1-3 years old, premature babies, children with congenital pathologies of the digestive system. In addition to children, the risk group for the development of throat fungus includes elderly people with a low protective barrier and slowed down regeneration of the mucous membrane. The likelihood of encountering thrush is high in cancer patients, patients with HIV and AIDS.
Symptoms of Fungal Thrush
When examining the throat, you can notice white discharge of a cheesy character. The main signs of thrush on the mucous membranes of the larynx are:
– cracks;
– microerosion;
– bubble inflammation.
As a result of damage to the throat mucosa, the process of swallowing is difficult, itching occurs. On the mucous membrane of the throat, a spotted plaque of white color and small red dots appear. If plaque is removed, small erosive lesions become visible on the tissues. During swallowing, the patient experiences pain.
A fungus in the throat is a common cause of tonsil inflammation. In severe cases, there is a risk of infection by the fungus of the esophagus.
If throat candidiasis does not begin to be treated in a timely manner, serious complications may appear. Most often this is the attachment of a secondary bacterial flora, the appearance of abscesses and pustules. Violation of swallowing and sudden weight loss with thrush in the throat cause cachexia (extreme exhaustion), as well as other serious conditions requiring inpatient treatment.
Treatment methods. Prevention
A fungus in the throat requires an extremely comprehensive treatment. For local treatment, antifungal ointments and creams are used, systemic treatment involves the use of oral medications. Patients are recommended to rinse the oral cavity and larynx with antiseptic solutions – Stomatophyte, Chlorophyllipt, Hexoral, Fukortsin.
The therapeutic diet excludes hard, fried, spicy and solid foods. Fortified foods must be included in the diet. For babies who are breastfeeding, it is recommended to carry out treatment without stopping breastfeeding.
To optimize the treatment of fungus in the throat, doctors recommend the use of safe folk remedies. You can gargle with decoctions of medicinal herbs (sage, chamomile, calendula, oak bark) or a solution of soda. Procedures should be performed at least 3 times a day.
Prevention of candidiasis in the throat in young children is to comply with the rules of oral hygiene, regular examination by a dentist, pediatrician. At the slightest suspicion of a fungus, you need to contact an otolaryngologist.
During seasonal epidemics, it is necessary to sanitize the throat. It is important to monitor the diet of the child and regularly steam toys, nipples, bottles, jars.
Prevention of candidiasis in adults is carried out by slightly different methods. It is necessary to maintain hygiene not only in the oral cavity, but also in the whole organism. Excellent prevention of the disease is sanatorium and resort treatment, rational nutrition, hardening, timely treatment of infectious diseases and chronic pathologies, increasing immunity with moderate physical exertion.