Oropharyngeal mycosis. Causes, symptoms and treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis

Fungal diseases are leading among all other infections, and oropharyngeal candidiasis or thrush is the lot of every fourth person suffering from inflammation of the oral cavity and pharynx. Many people do not even suspect about it, they are unsuccessfully treated, and meanwhile the disease becomes chronic.

What you need to know about this oropharyngeal candidiasis in order to take effective measures in time, to prevent the disease from “registering” in the body, and how to prevent it? As the great Confucius said: "The benefit of existing knowledge in their application."

Causes of the disease

The causative agent of candidiasis are yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (Candida Albicans). Getting on the mucous membranes, they multiply, forming a white coating of milky color, from where the name of the disease comes from. But these fungi are constant companions of a person, living in the oral cavity, intestines, and on the genitals. They peacefully coexist with the body without harming it, and only under certain conditions are activated and acquire pathogenic properties. These conditions are: prolonged antibiotic treatment, weakened immunity, hormonal disorders, exposure to environmental factors, high sugar content in the body, intoxication, depletion of the body, infancy and old age.

  • The influence of antibiotics. Among the many invisible inhabitants of the body, there are both beneficial and pathogenic species. A balance is maintained between them, in which beneficial microbes inhibit pathogens and do not allow them to develop. When a patient receives broad-spectrum antibiotics, it is the defending microorganisms that are most sensitive to them. As a result, the balance shifts towards pathogenic microbes and fungi, they begin to develop, causing disease.
  • Weakened immunity. A decrease in the protective properties of the body can be during serious illnesses, after operations, radiation and chemotherapy, stressful situations, in HIV-infected people, when education is inhibited. immune cells. Such a decrease in immunity in this category of people often leads to the development of candidal lesions of the mucous membranes.
  • Hormonal disorders. Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a fairly common occurrence in people taking hormonal therapy (corticosteroids), as well as in women taking hormonal contraceptives during pregnancy, ovulation (in the 2nd half menstrual cycle). Hormonal disruptions lead to disturbances in the mucous membrane, making it vulnerable to the introduction of the fungus.
  • Impact of environmental factors. The greatest role is played by hypothermia and the ingress of harmful environmental factors into the oral cavity with inhaled air: dust particles, harmful gases. All this negatively affects the condition of the mucous membrane - it contributes to its drying out, weakening the protective properties.
  • Increased sugar content. Fungi of the genus Candida are big “sweet lovers”, they develop rapidly with a high concentration of glucose in the tissues. Therefore, oropharyngeal candidiasis is a frequent companion of patients with diabetes mellitus, and also often develops in sweet teeth.
  • With regard to toxic effects and general depletion of the body, they are accompanied by a decrease in protective properties, in which the fungal flora is activated. The mechanism of the development of the disease is similar in young children, when immunity is not yet developed, and in the elderly, when the defenses are already weakened.

Ways of transmission of infection

The defeat of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity has 2 sources of occurrence:

  • activation of their own fungi-inhabitants, its causes are mentioned above;
  • infection with active fungi from a patient with candidiasis.

The causative agent of oropharyngeal candidiasis can be transmitted by contact and airborne droplets: when using shared utensils, when coughing and sneezing, when kissing, during oral sex with a partner with genital candidiasis. Infants are more likely to become infected from a sick mother during feeding, as well as when the rules of hygiene and child care are not followed. They are especially prone to disease because they have not yet "acquired" their own set of microorganisms.

Predisposing factors are the presence of damage to the mucous membrane, including from improperly selected prostheses, carious teeth, dryness and cracks in the mucosa in smokers and drinkers.

Types and clinical forms

Depending on the location and extent of the mucosal lesion, thrush can be of the following types:

  • candidal pharyngitis - foci on the pharyngeal mucosa;
  • glossitis - localization on the surface of the tongue;
  • fungal tonsillitis - inflammation of the palatine tonsils;
  • gingivitis - damage to the gums;
  • cheilitis - located on the mucous membrane of the lips;
  • "zaedy" or angular (angular) cheilitis - foci in the corners of the mouth;
  • candidal stomatitis - the mucous membrane of the tongue, cheeks, hard palate is affected.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis is candidiasis of the oral mucosa (tongue, gums, palatine tonsils, pharynx and lips). All of the above organs can become inflamed at the same time - this is diffuse oropharyngeal candidiasis, or separately (small local processes that are chronic).

Causes

Oropharyngeal candidiasis may occur as a result of external infection, or as a result of the reproduction of its own yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, which are present in the oral cavity of all adults.

Exogenous (external) infection is typical for infants - after all, they do not yet have Candida fungi in their bodies, and they can become infected from the mother, other relatives or medical staff of the maternity hospital.

Endogenous (internal) reproduction of fungi of the genus Candida often occurs in adults with reduced immunity.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis can occur in people who are immunocompromised. The appearance in the elderly indicates that this category of people suffered for a long time chronic diseases which depleted their immunity. It is believed that oopharyngeal candidiasis is a complication of the intestinal. The development of this type of candidiasis is facilitated by the use of glucocorticoid hormones, antibiotics, contraceptives, alcohol and drugs. All of the above drugs suppress local and general immunity.

Types of oropharyngeal candidiasis:

  • Acute (often - generalized, that is, it affects the mucous membranes of the oropharyngeal region).
  • Chronic (individual organs of the mucous membranes are affected).

By localization, this type of candidiasis is distinguished:

  • Throats (fungal pharyngitis).
  • palatine tonsils (candidiasis tonsillitis).
  • Lips (candidal cheilitis).
  • Gum (candidiasis gingivitis).
  • Tongue (fungal glossitis).
  • buccal mucosa, hard and soft palate(candidiasis stomatitis).
  • Corners of the mouth (mycotic seizure).

According to morphological changes in the mucosa, the oropharyngeal type of candidiasis is divided into:

  • Pseudomembranous (common in children and the elderly).
  • Atrophic or erythematous (occurs in acute or chronic form). Often, it develops after treatment with antibiotics and steroid hormones, as well as in people who wear dentures.
  • Hyperplastic (candidiasis leukoplakia) is a thrush of the oral cavity, prone to malignant transformation.

Symptoms of acute oropharyngeal candidiasis

The onset of this disease is accompanied by deterioration general condition and the advent subfebrile temperature(small). There is also weakness, malaise, which are often mistaken for bacterial or viral infection. After that, characteristic white plaques of a curdled type appear on the inflamed mucous membrane, which at the beginning are easily removed with a spatula, and after some time they merge tightly with the mucous membrane, increase in size, merge with each other and form films.

For candidiasis of the oral mucosa, characteristic is the manifestation on the inside of the cheeks and lips, passing to the outside of the lips (candidiasis cheilitis) and the corners of the lips (angular cheilitis or seizures).

It should be noted that acute candidiasis of the oral cavity is more common in children under the age of one year, which rarely passes to the mucous membrane of the palatine tonsils and the posterior pharyngeal wall. But it must be treated in a timely manner, since this disease will reduce the immunity of a small child.

Acute candidiasis of the tongue(candidiasis glossitis). Manifestations characteristic of thrush, which are visible on the tongue, on the palatine tonsils and on the back of the pharynx (candidiasis tonsillitis).

Acute atrophic candidiasis(oropharyngeal). It is manifested by soreness, burning, dryness in the mouth and throat. The mucous membrane of the oral cavity and pharynx becomes red, becomes dry, and the tongue turns crimson. There is almost no plaque characteristic of thrush, which often makes it difficult to establish a diagnosis.

Chronic oropharyngeal candidiasis

Chronic oropharyngeal candidiasis is a combination of cheilitis, candidal stomatitis and pharyngitis. There are two types: atrophic and hypertrophic.

Hyperplastic chronic oropharyngeal candidiasis is manifested by white plaque and plaques on the reddened and edematous mucosa of the organs of the pharynx and mouth. If the process is delayed, in this case, the plaque turns into yellow films that are tightly associated with the mucous membrane. If they are scraped off with a spatula, then small sores will appear in this place. For this type of candidiasis characteristic features is dryness, soreness and burning sensation in the mouth. This type of candidiasis often develops while wearing dentures.

Treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis

Of great importance in the treatment of this type of candidiasis are the external manifestations of the disease, the state of immunity, concomitant diseases, so the treatment is performed differently in each case.

On the initial stage use medication local action until the disease disappears completely (about 3 weeks). And after a course of treatment for another week.

Local antifungal drugs are prescribed in the form of sprays, lozenges, rinsing solutions (Ketoconazole, Fluconazose, Natamycin). Candida cheilitis (lips are treated with aniline dyes such as methylene blue and an antifungal ointment is used, such as Nystatin).

With a running form, antifungal drugs of systemic action are prescribed. At the same time, immunity is corrected and intestinal candidiasis is treated.

  1. It is necessary to collect anamnesis from mothers (presence of candidiasis of the vagina, hands and mouth) in order to determine risk groups for the development of oropharyngeal candidiasis in children.
  2. In children at risk for the development of this type of candidiasis, it is necessary to limit the use of antibiotics of the penicillin and tetracycline series, steam inhalations, corticosteroids and physiotherapy - microwave, UHF.
  3. The complex of antifungal therapy should include such drugs: azole derivatives, polyene antibiotics, pyrimidine derivatives, terbinafine, allylamines, triazole derivatives, antiseptics. For children of the first year of life - the drug Diflucan.
  4. The choice of drug for the treatment of IFN-status disorders in oropharyngeal candidiasis is Viferon. The scheme of application is as follows: for children under 3 years old - Viferon-150. Children from 3 to 8 years old - Viferon-500. Children from 8 years old and above - Viferon-1 million; 1 suppository twice a day daily (12 hour interval) for 10 days. Further - the same dose twice a day - 3 times a week (treatment month).
  5. For local treatment oropharyngeal candidiasis in children, an inducer of IFN-ointment Megasin is used.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a thrush of the oral cavity, which manifests itself in the form of a white curdled plaque on the tongue, gums, tonsils and lips. In complicated cases, yeast-like microflora also affects the pharynx. The inflammatory process can affect the entire oral mucosa at the same time, which in medicine is called the diffuse form of the disease. What to do with oropharyngeal candidiasis? How to recognize this disease and take timely measures to eliminate it.

Smoking can provoke oropharyngeal candidiasis

Oropharyngeal candidiasis develops mainly in children. The protective functions of the body of an adult are able to cope with the causative agent of the disease, suppressing its activity. Please note that on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, the fungus of the genus Candida is found in every person, without exception. That is why children can become infected with thrush from their parents, if elementary preventive measures are not followed.

The oropharyngeal form of thrush in children can develop under the influence of a number of predisposing factors:

  • Taking antibacterial drugs.
  • Hormonal imbalance.
  • Failure to comply with hygiene rules.
  • The presence of chronic diseases.
  • Mucosal injury.
  • Intestinal infections.

In an adult, such a disease develops extremely rarely. Most often this occurs in immunodeficiency states and taking hormonal drugs. Smoking can provoke the growth of yeast-like microflora in the oral cavity.

Symptoms

Manifestations of a fungal disease are related to the form in which it occurs. Each of them is characterized by a certain symptomatology.

acute form

Dryness of the oral mucosa and cracks in oropharyngeal candidiasis

It is characterized by the appearance of redness of the mucosa in the region of the tonsils and throat. Over time, small white spots appear that look like grains of semolina. This is accompanied by discomfort. Further, the white spots are combined until the mucous membrane of the mouth is covered with a dense curdled coating, which acquires a grayish-yellow hue.

General symptoms of oropharyngeal candidiasis:

  1. Pain while eating.
  2. Burning and itching, compelling to put hands in mouth.
  3. White plaque, which is difficult to remove and leaves on the mucous membrane of the ulcer.
  4. Eruptions and redness on the mucosa, resembling fluid-filled papules.
  5. Dryness of the mucosa and the appearance of deep cracks and wounds.
  6. Swelling and swelling of the areas affected by the fungus.
  7. Swelling of the tongue and cracked lips.

In the absence of timely treatment, intoxication of the body occurs. This condition is characterized by an increase in body temperature, a decrease in appetite and the appearance of nausea. If therapeutic measures are not taken, then the symptoms of the disease subside, because thrush becomes chronic, requiring long-term treatment using systemic drugs.

Chronic form

In this case, thrush is combined with stomatitis, glossitis, pharyngitis and cheilitis. Chronic oropharyngeal candidiasis develops as follows:

In the chronic form, candidiasis passes to the mucous membrane of the throat

  • There is a progression of hyperplastic candidiasis, which is characterized by the appearance of white plaques and swelling of the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx. The long course of the disease is fraught with the development of an adhesive process: the appearance of a dense yellow film.
  • Accompanied by the development of atrophic thrush, which is manifested by pain, dryness and burning in the area affected by the fungus. Most often, this form of candidiasis develops in older people who use dentures.

Only a doctor can determine the degree of development and form of the disease. Self-diagnosis, as a rule, does not make it possible to draw a correct conclusion and choose an effective treatment.

Establishing diagnosis

When the primary symptoms of a disease such as oropharyngeal candidiasis appear, it is recommended to immediately go to an appointment with a general practitioner, dentist or otolaryngologist. Diagnosis is carried out taking into account the history of the disease and the results of laboratory and specific studies.

To detect the type of fungus and determine the amount of pathogenic microflora in the body, the following diagnostic manipulations are carried out:

  1. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
  2. A smear from the oral cavity on the flora.
  3. Blood sugar test.

Mandatory is carried out differential diagnosis from leukoplakia, lichen, seizures, glossitis, herpes and eczema.

Medical measures

Oropharyngeal candidiasis requires timely diagnosis and treatment. The sooner action is taken, the greater the chance of fast recovery and exclusion of the likelihood of complications. To eliminate the cause of the development of the disease, an additional consultation is often required with such specialists as a mycologist, infectious disease specialist or periodontist.

General drug therapy

Oropharyngeal candidiasis is treated with medicines with systemic effects. Such funds suppress the activity of yeast-like microorganisms throughout the body at the same time, which eliminates the likelihood of complications and relapses of the disease.

Antifungal systemic drugs are divided into two main groups:

  • Polyene antibacterial (levorin and nystatin). 3-5 pieces per day are prescribed for 1-2 weeks. Tablets are intended for resorption and ingestion, which allows you to influence the causative agent of the disease locally and systemically. The symptomatology of thrush is suppressed as early as 5-7 days from the start of treatment, despite this, drug therapy should be completed. In the absence of efficacy from ongoing therapy, it becomes necessary to administer amphotericin B or use amphoglucamine in tablet form.
  • Imidazoles (econazole, clotrimazole, miconazole and diflucan). The drugs have a wide spectrum of action and can cause adverse reactions. It is recommended to take strictly according to the prescription of a specialist.

For the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis, in addition to antifungal medicines drugs are widely used, the effectiveness of which is aimed at increasing the protective functions of the body. Without fail, the patient is prescribed vitamins of the PP, B and C groups. In some cases, it becomes necessary to use calcium preparations and antiallergic drugs.

Local impact

Local antifungal therapy is based on the use of drugs that are not absorbed into the bloodstream, but act purely locally. They must be applied to the areas of the mucous membrane affected by the fungus in the dosage recommended by the specialist.

For local exposure to thrush, the following drugs are widely used:

  1. Iodine preparations (Lugol).
  2. aniline dyes.
  3. Bactericidal lozenges.
  4. Levorin or nystatin ointment.
  5. Solutions for rinsing the mouth (Iodinol, boric acid or sodium hydrogen carbonate).

folk therapy

To improve overall well-being and stop the progression of thrush, you can use the means that alternative medicine offers us. Among the most effective aids are the following:

In order to exclude the possibility of progression of thrush in the mouth, it is recommended to limit the intake of sweet and spicy foods. This allows you to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

To strengthen the protective functions of the body, onions, garlic, fruits and vegetables, nuts and dairy products should be included in the daily menu. healing properties kombucha, kvass, curdled milk has against candidiasis. The composition of these products includes substances that contribute to the restoration of the natural microflora of the oral cavity.

Violations in the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis leads to the fact that the disease begins to progress. To achieve a positive result from the ongoing treatment, it is not recommended to deviate from the recommendations given by the specialist. Do not use folk remedies without medicines. Such measures may not be effective enough, which is fraught with serious consequences.

From this article you will learn: what is oropharyngeal candidiasis, how dangerous is this disease, what varieties exist. The main causes and factors contributing to the development of a fungal infection, characteristic symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment.

Article publication date: 09/11/2017

Article last updated: 11/27/2018

Oropharyngeal candidiasis is called fungal disease oral mucosa (palate, gums, tonsils, tongue, red border of the lips). In 80% of cases, the causative agent is Candida albicans (in 20% - other representatives of the genus).

Candida fungus is a conditionally pathogenic (becomes infectious under favorable conditions) unicellular microorganism that is part of the normal microflora of a healthy person. Under normal circumstances, its amount in the body is only 1-2%.

A pathogenic fungus becomes a serious violation of the general (long-term use of antibiotics, cytostatics) or local (trauma, scratches of the oral mucosa) immunity. Under such conditions, processes begin in the body (glucose metabolism disorders, a decrease in the number of lymphocytes and beneficial bacteria), which give impetus to the growth and development of infection.

Round or oval Candida cells are drawn into pseudomycelium (long filamentous formations) and are introduced into the mucosa. At first, the colonies of the fungus form a whitish coating, which is easy to remove with a cotton or gauze swab. As it grows into the deeper layers of the mucosa, the plaque becomes more dense, curdled, it is more and more difficult to separate it, and when this succeeds, necrotic ulcers are found under it.

The process proceeds locally, affecting a certain area of ​​the oral cavity (candidiasis tonsillitis), or systemically, capturing all parts of the mucosa.

The disease is very dangerous, under favorable conditions (impaired immune defense), the fungus colonizes the mucous membranes of the intestines, respiratory tract and skin. Launched oropharyngeal candidiasis can cause pneumonia, damage to the digestive tract, and skin diseases. The most undesirable option is a systemic infection of all organs and tissues with a fatal outcome (2–3% of cases).

On the early stages pathology can be cured (20% of cases), but more often the process becomes chronic, and the threat of exacerbation always remains (80%).

Consults and makes an appointment about oropharyngeal candidiasis dentist, ENT, infectious disease specialist.

Gradual damage to the oral cavity by the Candida fungus. Click on photo to enlarge

Varieties of oropharyngeal candidiasis

Depending on the main localization of the process, several varieties of oropharyngeal candidiasis are distinguished:

Where is the infection located? name of the fungal disease
tonsils Candidal tonsillitis
Mucous nasopharynx, pharynx Pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis
Red border of the lips inside and out, corners of the mouth Cheilitis, mycotic zaeda
Gum Gingivitis
Language Glossitis
The sky, the inner mucous membrane of the cheeks Fungal stomatitis
All mucous membranes of the mouth, tongue and red border of the lips oral candidiasis

Causes and "triggering factors" of pathology

Candida fungus enters the human body immediately after birth and remains until the end of life. Immunity against it is not developed, so you can get sick countless times.

The main reason for the transformation into an infection is a weakened immune system. Factors against which the infectivity of the fungus increases are numerous diseases and metabolic disorders, injuries and bad habits:

  • congenital and acquired immunodeficiency (HIV);
  • infections (tuberculosis, syphilis, dysentery);
  • endocrinopathy (oropharyngeal candidiasis occurs against the background of diabetes, decrease in the amount of thyroid hormones);
  • metabolic disorders (hypovitaminosis, iron deficiency anemia);
  • chronic diseases (of the digestive tract);
  • oncopathology;
  • congenital defects in the formation of the oral cavity (deficiencies in the functioning of the salivary glands);
  • long-term use of pharmaceuticals (drugs, antibiotics, local bactericidal agents, cytostatics, glucocorticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, etc.);
  • burns and mucosal injuries (chemical, thermal, alcohol, nicotine, dental prostheses, crowns);
  • age (children and the elderly over 60).

Against the background of a weak (in children under one year old) or weakened ( seriously ill people) immunity, an additional factor in the development of a fungal infection is hygiene violations that lead to regular infection of the oral cavity.

Symptoms

The intensity of the symptoms of the disease depends on the form of the fungal infection:

  • Acute develops quickly, accompanied by severe symptoms - the appearance of a dense white coating, sores and redness of the mucosa, itching and burning. The patient feels pain when chewing and swallowing, children refuse to eat, act up and lose weight. If the thrush is not treated, a dense whitish and cheesy coating covers most of the mucous membrane, protrudes above the surface, is difficult to remove, and eating causes severe pain.
  • The chronic form proceeds with less severe symptoms and usually occurs due to regular trauma to the mucosa (pressure of the prosthesis on the gum). In this case, oropharyngeal candidiasis is limited to a certain area and is accompanied by the appearance of a small whitish coating, redness in the place where the mucous membrane is injured, dryness, and burning. Pain during chewing and swallowing is moderate, sometimes it can get worse.

In children, the appearance of oral candidiasis is due to insufficiently formed immunity, but the disease proceeds and is cured more easily than in adults.

Among the many symptoms different types candidiasis of the oral cavity (glossitis, tonsillitis, cheilitis, etc.) there are several characteristic common ones:

    Whitish (yellowish, grayish) plaque in the form of films, grains, islands of curdled milk in small areas or the entire surface of the mucosa.

    At the beginning of the process, plaque is easy to remove with a cotton or gauze swab, cotton swab. As the infection progresses, the films and islets become more and more difficult to remove - the fungus tightly grows together with the surface.

    Burning, itching, dryness, pain when chewing and swallowing.

    Redness, swelling, bleeding.

    Erosions, ulcers, cracks in the mucosa.

    Tongue enlargement.

A fungus that has become pathogenic is very aggressive, it quickly captures new surfaces, deepens into the thickness of the mucosa and can cause complications:

  • candidal disease of any systems (respiratory, digestive, genitourinary);
  • systemic, generalized candidiasis with a fatal outcome (general fungal infection of the body, sepsis).

Diagnostics

To preliminarily diagnose oropharyngeal candidiasis, a visual examination of the oral cavity by a dentist or ENT doctor is sufficient.

Confirm the presence of fungi:

  • Examining a stained scraping from a lesion under a microscope. A positive result is the presence of rounded and threadlike forms of Candida.
  • Inoculation of biological material (mucosal scraping) in Sabouraud's nutrient medium, the number of colony-forming units should not exceed 10³.

Additionally (if necessary), a skin allergy test, PCR analysis of biological material is used, immunoglobulin antibodies to fungi of the genus Candida are determined.

Without fail, the blood of patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis is examined for glucose.

Treatment Methods

Mild forms of the disease can be completely cured, especially if the factors that caused the infection are eliminated.

Treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis is carried out:

    Local means for irrigation, rinsing, lubrication of the affected mucosa.

    Preparations for oral administration in tablets (or injections, depending on the condition of the patient and the severity of symptoms).

Antifungal drugs intended for resorption and chewing in the oral cavity are changed every 2-3 days so as not to provoke Candida's addiction to the drug.

Local antiseptics

Name of the drug How it is used, how it works

Sodium tetraborate

The affected mucous membranes are treated, the agent inhibits the reproduction and growth of bacterial and fungal flora

brilliant green

They treat the mucous membranes of the mouth, the agents suppress the development of pathogenic microflora (bacteria)

Lugol's solution

Castellani solution (fucorcin)

Baking soda solution (1 teaspoon per glass of water)

For oropharyngeal candidiasis, rinse oral cavity and wash the nose, the solution creates an acidity environment (pH) that is uncomfortable for the fungus

Antifungals

For oral administration, Fluconazole (Diflucan) or another antifungal agent is prescribed, to which the causative agent of the infection is sensitive (this is found out by making a smear from the mucosa). The duration of the course is determined by the attending physician, usually the infection is treated for at least 7-14 days.

Forecast

Candidiasis in 90% of cases is a marker of weakened immunity and most often occurs against the background of serious disorders (oncopathology, severe infections, age-related and acquired immunodeficiency).

  • A mild form of oropharyngeal candidiasis is cured completely (20%) in 7-14 days.
  • Moderate and severe forms of the disease (with severe symptoms and a large area of ​​the affected mucosa) become chronic (80%), can recur and lead to the development of a systemic infection.
  • Systemic candidiasis cannot be cured - the fungus spreads and captures all organs and tissues, causing sepsis (1-3%). The result of a systemic infection is death.

Owner and responsible for the site and content: Afinogenov Alexey.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush, oropharyngeal candidiasis) is a type of infection that affects the mucous membrane of the mouth or throat, which is provoked by multiplying yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. The disease can occur by infection from the outside or as a result of increased reproduction of one's own fungi due to reduced immunity.

The external form of infection, as a rule, is characteristic of infants, whose immunity is not yet sufficiently strengthened. A mother or other relatives, as well as medical personnel of a maternity hospital or other medical institution, can infect a child.

Internal oropharyngeal candidiasis is typical for people with immunodeficiency syndrome, diabetics, suffering from chronic gastrointestinal pathologies. Taking drugs that suppress the immune system (antibiotics, glucocorticosteroids, contraceptives), alcohol and drug use also contribute to the development of this disease.

Types and symptoms of the disease

Oropharyngeal candidiasis can be acute, affecting the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx, or chronic, in which individual organs of the oropharyngeal region are damaged. There are the following types of illness:

  1. Candidal cheilitis, in which the lips are affected: their swelling and enlargement occur, the color becomes brighter, scales and cracks form. There is a burning sensation and moisture on the lips.
  2. Candida gingivitis. The gums are damaged, on which a yellowish-gray purulent film forms. This can lead to inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
  3. Glossitis - candidiasis of the tongue.
  4. Stomatitis, in which the mucous membranes of the cheeks and palate are affected, the formation of erosions and ulcers is possible.
  5. Pharyngitis. Throat hurt.
  6. Tonsillitis is a lesion of the palatine tonsils, on which a white curdled plaque forms.
  7. Angular cheilitis - the corners of the mouth are affected, in which mycotic seizures and white plaque are formed.

Treatment of oral candidiasis

When diagnosed with oropharyngeal candidiasis, treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a physician. It should be remembered that this disease, in the absence or untimely therapy, can go into a chronic stage and take on more severe forms. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to assess the state of the patient's immunity, to study concomitant ailments and forms of manifestation of candidiasis. After evaluating all factors, the doctor prescribes the appropriate course of therapy.

Candidiasis cheilitis, as a rule, is accompanied by stomatitis and is treated with the use of systemic antifungal drugs: Levorin, Griseofulvin, Amphotericin B and Terbinafine. The treatment is carried out by the dentist, prescribing the necessary doses of medicines. In order to maintain immunity, the doctor prescribes various immunomodulators, stimulants and vitamins, choosing them depending on the type of immunodeficiency (oncology, AIDS or genetic disease). Hygiene of lesions is important: rinsing with soda or a weak solution of potassium permanganate, lubricating the inflamed areas with brilliant green or fukartsin.

Fungal candidiasis of the internal oral cavity is treated by drug antifungal therapy with antiseptics and antimycotics. The most popular antiseptics are:

  • Triclosan;
  • Tantum Verde;
  • Novosept forte;
  • Sanguiritin;
  • Lugol's solution;
  • aqueous solutions of aniline dyes.

Antimycotics are divided into systemic (Fluconazole, Ketoconazole, Nizoral) and topical (Candide, Clotrimazole, Nystatin, Kanesten).

In case of oropharyngeal candidiasis of the oral cavity, it is necessary to take medications that normalize the intestinal microflora, immunomodulators and restorative agents. It is advisable to carry out physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis, phonophoresis, quartz therapy). The use of decoctions of medicinal herbs for rinsing and irrigation of the oral cavity is shown: chamomile, sage, St. John's wort, yarrow.

Treatment of candidal pharyngitis and tonsillitis

Fungal candidiasis of the pharynx and tonsils develops against a background of weakened immunity and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • dryness and sore throat;
  • dry cough;
  • difficult and painful swallowing;
  • sensation of a foreign object in the throat;
  • headache and general decrease in performance.

In infants, pharyngitis develops, as a rule, as a result of infection or improper care, and adults acquire it in case of unreasonable use of antibiotics or the presence of an intestinal infection.

Treatment is carried out using topical sprays (Miramistin, Hexoral, Rotokan) and antifungal drugs (Nystatin, Levorin, Pimafucin, Diflucan). It is also mandatory to take drugs that normalize the state of the intestinal microflora (Linex, Bifidumbacterin, Wobenzym, Acipol).

Candidal tonsillitis, or fungal tonsillitis, occurs in babies with a weakened immune system, dysbacteriosis, or as a result of infection from the mother during pregnancy. In adults at risk are diabetics, patients suffering from long-term use antibiotics that suppress the immune system, and people who abuse tobacco and alcohol.

In the early stages, fungal tonsillitis is well treated. folk remedies(rinsing with warm water with a few drops of tea tree oil, lemon, apple cider vinegar, echinacea decoction) and avoiding sweets and yeast products that promote the growth of the fungus. In the future, the use of Itroconazole is shown, which destroys the fungus and prevents the further spread of infection. Systemic antifungal drugs are used: Nystatin, Levaron, Quinosol.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis in any of its manifestations is necessarily accompanied by a special diet that helps stop the development of the fungus. Fatty, spicy and spicy foods, smoked meats, mushrooms, pastries, sweets and carbonated drinks should be excluded from the diet. Alcoholic drinks, especially beer, kvass and coffee, are completely contraindicated.

Treatment should be started at the first signs of the disease in order to prevent its spread to other organs in the future. The thoroughness and timeliness of all procedures should be monitored by a doctor.