An Effective and Simple Thrush Treatment

Posted on July 7, 2010

Thrush is an infection that is caused by the fungus, Candida. These infections normally occur in the mucus membrane line in the tongue and mouth, but the skin and vagina are also susceptible to infection. The fungus is able to travel through the blood stream, which means the intestines, heart valves, and throat can also be affected.

Candia is regulated by the immune system, but if will grow, uncontrolled if the immune system is weakened because of the use of antibiotics, illness, or stress. People that are undergoing chemotherapy, are taking steroids, or are infected with AIDS or HIV have an increased chance of developing thrush.

Common symptoms of thrush in the mouth are yellowish white patches on the tongue and in the mouth. If the patches are scraped, the underlying reddish tissue is revealed. The infection can gradually worsen and in extreme cases it spreads to the esophagus. If this occurs, pain when swallowing can occur, resulting in a sensation of food being trapped in the throat. If the infection spreads beyond the intestines, fever is possible. Vaginal thrush can cause redness, soreness, itching, and burning in the vaginal area and cause a thick white discharge.

While its impossible to completely eliminate the Candida fungus because it is naturally present in the body, you can strengthen the immune system to prevent the infection from spreading. Some of these immune system strengthening preventative measures include taking bacteria friendly supplements, eat yogurt with live bacteria, avoid citric foods, avoid spicy foods and drinks, avoid sweet foods and drinks, eliminate the use of tobacco and alcohol, and use a soft toothbrush to clean your mouth and gums after every meal and before bedtime.

You can decrease the effects of thrush if you’re already infected by maintaining good oral hygiene. Rinse the mouth several times daily with a 3% diluted hydrogen peroxide. The infection can also be treated with antifungal drugs. Naturally treatments include adding green tea and yogurt to your diet.

Yogurt helps kill the fungus and quickly eliminate the condition while green tea will strengthen the immune system. For severe thrush, doctors might recommend using an antifungal mouthwash for 5-10 days. Other methods may be prescribed if medication is ineffective. Stronger medications will likely be used if the infection spreads throughout the body.

People with diabetes can decrease the chance of getting a thrush infection by maintaining good sugar levels. Babies with thrush won’t need any treatment because the condition naturally goes away. However, babies that continually develop thrush should be fed yogurt because it is an effective treatment for thrush. Additionally, soaking a pacifier with virgin coconut oil before giving it to a baby is effective. These are safe ways to treat thrush in babies and will help eliminate the infection.

Thrush can be painful, causing discomfort when talking or eating. If it reaches the esophagus, it will get worse so its critical to know how to prevent the spread of the infection, particularly if you’ve had previous infections. Your doctor can help you eliminate thrush permanently and should be consulted when the condition is recurring. There are other cures for thrush, but the ones discussed her are very effective.

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