Duration of infection with yeast in the mouth
As with all diseases, the duration of the illness depends on the immune status of the patient. The faster the immune system gets the fungal infestation under control, the faster the disease is over. Another factor that should not be underestimated is whether and how regularly the antimycotic is used in the oral cavity. It is estimated that the yeast infection of the mouth should be over after 1-2 weeks.
Diagnosis of yeast fungus in the mouth
The diagnosis of a fungal infection of the oral mucosa is primarily a visual diagnosis. The patient presents with whitish spots of about 3 to 5 millimeters in diameter, which are relatively flat. The physician speaks here of so-called pseudomembranous coatings of the oral mucosa.
After taking a smear, the material can be sent to a microbiological laboratory where it is cultivated and examined for drug reactions. Furthermore, the smear material can be viewed directly under a microscope. Furthermore, the detection of a Candida albicans specific antigen in the blood is possible.
How contagious are yeast fungi in the mouth?
A fungal infection is contagious in most cases, but in most cases – even if transmitted – it does not lead to the development of candidiasis or an infestation of the oral mucosa in the newly infected person. A prerequisite for this would also be an immune suppression in this person, so that the fungal infection could establish itself.What is the transmission of yeast fungi dependent on?
Treatment of yeast fungus in the mouth
The treatment of the yeast fungus depends on the spread or immune status of the patient. In children with an intact immune system there is often a spontaneous healing of the candidosis without the need for medication. In other cases locally effective antimycotics are used, which are specifically directed against fungal diseases.
These are available either in the form of lozenges or liquids with which the oral mucosa is then treated. In rare cases, however, the yeast fungus also attacks more than just the mucous membrane of the mouth and can, for example, also settle in the lungs, the liver or even the heart. In such cases, treatment is carried out with a centrally acting antimycotic, which is introduced into the body via a venous access.
Furthermore, strict hand hygiene should be observed. Should children put their hands in the populated mouth, they must be washed thoroughly under soap to prevent further transmission. What forms of antimycotics are there?
Everything you should know about this topic can be found here:
- All you need to know about antimycotics
- Medicines for fungal infection
As mentioned above, antimycotics are used. These follow the same principle as antibiotics, but are only directed against fungi. By default, the doctor prescribes Nystatin or Amphotericin.
Both preparations are a suspension with which the mouth is rinsed vigorously to moisten every corner with the drug. But also a mouth gel with the active substance Mikonazol is available in the trade. The gel is applied to the affected areas and left there for a few minutes.
Helpful household remedies are mainly found in the form of spices. It should be anticipated, however, that an antimycotic treats the disease much more effectively and shortens the duration of the illness considerably. Garlic, which is said to have a disinfecting effect, is one of the common household remedies.
Cinnamon is said to have both an antibacterial and an antimycotic effect. In addition, the mouth rinse with apple vinegar is recommended. The reason for this is the shifting of the mouth pH into an acidic area where yeast fungi cannot multiply as well.
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