Yeast Infection In Throat

Yeast infections can occur in the throat, caused by an abnormal growth of fungus called candida albicans. A yeast infection in throat in medical terms is known as candidiasis, also called thrush, and can occur in both men and women as well as children and infants. Nursing babies infected with thrush can pass along the yeast infection to their mothers.

The major cause of a yeast infection in throat is a compromised immune system brought on by poor nutritional choices, lack of proper rest and constant stress in addition to other health conditions such as HIV/AIDS and Diabetes. A yeast infection in throat can also be transmitted via oral sex from an partner infected with a yeast infection. Certains diseases of the immune system often make yeast infections in the throat recur repeatedly.

Symptoms of a yeast infection in the throat are small white lesions appearing in the inner cheek area of the mouth, the tongue, the upper palate and the back of the throat. These lesions cause mild to severe pain, including a burning or itching sensation and can also bleed when scratched. There may be difficulty or pain in swallowing. If left untreated, the condition can worsen and become life threatening to patients with weak immune systems, affecting the lungs, digestive tract and liver.

The test to diagnose whether a yeast infection is present in the throat is a very simple physical examination by a physician who shines a light down the patient's throat to look for the telltale white lesions. A physician will usually treat thrush infections by prescribing such antibiotic drugs as amphotericin B, nystatin and myconazole, taken orally as a gargle or mouthwash. Effective natural remedies include eating plain unsweetened yogurt which has probiotic or active live cultures, rinsing the mouth and throat with a gargle made from apple cider vinegar mixed with water as well as gargling with tea tree oil or coconut oil.

The best way to avoid getting a yeast infection in the throat is to maintain a strong immune system. If the infection was sexually transmitted, it's best to avoid sexual activity with the infected partner until the yeast infection has completely cleared up.