Yeast infection or candidiasis or thrush is caused by the fungus Candida albicans which accumulates on the lining of your mouth and throat. Candida albicans is a normal resident in your mouth; however, occasionally it may overgrow and cause symptoms.
Yeast infection is seen as white lesions, usually on the tongue, roof of the mouth, inner cheeks and back of your throat.
Signs And Symptoms Of Yeast Infection In The Throat
At first, there may not be any symptoms at all. Over a period of time, the following signs and symptoms develop:
- Creamy white lesions on the tongue, roof of the mouth, inner cheeks, and throat.
- Raised lesions with a cottage cheese appearance.
- Soreness of throat.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Sensation as if the food is getting stuck in the throat.
- Bleeding in case the lesions get scraped.
- Cottony sensation in the mouth.
- Loss of taste.
- Infants will be fussy and will refuse feed.
Causes Of Yeast Infection In The Throat
The immune mechanism fights off harmful invading organisms, and maintains a balance between the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ microbes.
These diseases and conditions may make you vulnerable to yeast infection:
- Human immunodeficiency virus destroys cells of your immune system, making you vulnerable to opportunistic infections that your body would normally oppose.
- If you have a malignancy, your immune system is weak from the disease and from chemo-radiotherapy.
- Diabetics are at great risk of developing thrush. In case of neglected or untreated diabetes mellitus, your saliva contains large quantities of sugar, and this promotes the growth of candida.
- Genital yeast infections are caused by candida too. If you’re pregnant and have thrush, you tend to pass on the infection to your baby during delivery. Consequently, your newborn may develop oral thrush.
Home Remedies For Yeast Infection In The Throat
- Oral hygiene is very essential. Brush twice daily and floss at least once every day. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or oftener until your infection clears up. An electric toothbrush makes brushing easier. Avoid mouthwashes; they affect the normal flora in your mouth. Never share toothbrushes. Talk to your dentist about the best way to disinfect your dentures.
- Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Use this solution as a rinse and spit it out, do not swallow. Salt is an effective disinfectant which helps battle the infection.
- Vitamin C is beneficial in fighting of yeast infection. Confer with your doctor for supplements. Also, step up your intake of vitamin C rich foods.
- Yogurt is an excellent remedy. It is loaded with pro-biotics – live or active cultures of the lactobacilli species which help treat thrush. Consume 2 – 3 cups of yogurt every day for a few weeks.
- In case you are breastfeeding and develop oral thrush, make sure that you use pads to prevent the yeast from spreading to your clothes. If not using disposable pads, wash the nursing pads in hot water.