Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast, commonly known as Candida, that can affect the mouth, throat, and other areas of the body. Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, presents as white, raised lesions that resemble cottage cheese on the tongue and cheeks. This can lead to irritation, mouth pain, and redness.
Most folks already naturally have some of the Candida fungus in their digestive system and mouth. Things like stress, illness, and even some medications can throw off the body’s natural balance, causing the fungus to grow out of control. This eventually leads to thrush.
Some medications, including corticosteroids, antibiotics, and birth control pills can encourage the growth of yeast, causing those taking them to develop thrush.
Healthcare providers typically treat thrush with antifungal medications. For those with a healthy immune system, thrush is usually a minor issue that resolves within a couple of weeks after starting treatment.
Symptoms of Thrush
Thrush can develop very suddenly and the most common sign is often the appearance of slightly raised creamy white lesions on the inner cheeks and/or tongue. These lesions can also develop on the gums, roof of the mouth, tonsils, and back of the throat.
Additional thrush symptoms may include:
- Soreness and/or redness at the corners of the mouth
- Soreness and/or redness at the corners of the mouth
- Ageusia (Loss of one’s sense of taste)
- A cottony feeling inside the mouth.
- Pain or bleeding when the lesions are scraped such as during brushing the teeth.
If you have any of these symptoms, even if they're mild, it's important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Thrush will sometimes clear on its own, without treatment, but it takes much longer to resolve without antifungal medications. Without treatment, you also run the risk that the infection will progress and become severe.
In severe cases of thrush, lesions may spread into the esophagus which causes more symptoms, including:
- Pain when swallowing
- Difficulty swallowing
- A sensation of food becoming trapped or stuck in the throat or mid-chest area
- If the infection spreads beyond the esophagus, a fever may develop.
- Thrush can spread to other parts of your body, including your lungs, liver and skin.
- This happens more often in people with cancer, HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system.
Thrush Vs. Yeast Infection
Here we have primarily discussed the symptoms of oral thrush but the term “thrush” can also be applied to an overgrowth of yeast that can occur in the vagina and is commonly referred to as a yeast infection. Symptoms of a yeast infection can include:
- Itching and soreness in the vaginal area
- Burning sensation during urination
- Thick, white vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese
Talking About Thrush
Thrush is a decidedly unsexy topic and might feel like something folks just don’t want to discuss with partners, but it’s also something that should be discussed. Thrush can be triggered by sexual activity and its symptoms can also be aggravated by it. There is also the chance that partners could pass yeast infections on, which isn’t fun for anyone.
Demystifying the topic is a big first step towards making that conversation way easier.
“Thrush is an overload of yeast,” says Vicki Lyons, Sexual Wellness Expert & Chief Editor at Bodyjoys, “nothing to be ashamed of. Having this conversation shows respect and responsibility and your partner will feel reassured that you've approached them about it, rather than trying to hide away.”
