Oropharyngeal candidiasis – thrush oral cavity, which appears as a white cheesy coating 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 trigger oropharyngeal candidiasis
Oropharyngeal candidiasis develops mainly in children. The protective functions of the adult body are able to cope with the causative agent of the disease, suppressing its activity. Please note that every person, without exception, has a fungus of the genus Candida on the oral mucosa. This is why children can become infected with thrush from their parents if basic 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.
- Presence of chronic diseases.
- Injury to the mucous membrane.
- Intestinal infections.
In an adult, this 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 fungal disease related to the exact form in which it occurs. Each of them is characterized by certain symptoms.
Acute form
Dryness of the oral mucosa and cracks in oropharyngeal candidiasis
It is characterized by the appearance of redness of the mucous membrane in the area of the tonsils and throat. Over time, small white spots appear that look like grains of semolina. This is accompanied by discomfort. Next, the white spots combine until the oral mucosa is covered with a dense cheesy coating, which acquires a grayish-yellow tint.
General symptoms of oropharyngeal candidiasis:
- Pain while eating.
- Burning and itching, forcing you to put your hands in your mouth.
- A white coating that is difficult to remove and leaves ulcers on the mucous membrane.
- Rashes and redness on the mucous membrane, resembling fluid-filled papules.
- Dryness of the mucous membrane and the appearance of deep cracks and wounds.
- Swelling and swelling of areas affected by the fungus.
- Swelling of the tongue and cracking of the lips.
In the absence of timely treatment, intoxication of the body occurs. This condition is characterized by increased body temperature, decreased appetite and 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 spreads to the mucous membrane of the throat
- Hyperplastic candidiasis progresses, which is characterized by the appearance of white plaques and swelling of the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx. A long course of the disease is fraught with the development of an adhesive process: the appearance of a dense film yellow.
- Accompanied by the development of atrophic thrush, which is manifested by pain, dryness and burning in the area affected by the fungus. More often this form 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 make the right conclusion and select effective treatment.
Making a diagnosis
If primary symptoms of a disease such as oropharyngeal candidiasis appear, it is recommended to immediately visit a therapist, dentist or otolaryngologist. Diagnosis is carried out taking into account the medical history 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 procedures are performed:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Oral swab for flora.
- Blood sugar test.
It is mandatory to carry out differential diagnosis from leukoplakia, lichen, seizures, glossitis, herpes and eczema.
Therapeutic measures
Oropharyngeal candidiasis requires timely diagnosis and treatment. The sooner measures are taken, the greater the chances of a quick recovery and eliminating the likelihood of complications. To eliminate the cause of the disease, additional consultation with specialists such as a mycologist, infectious disease specialist or periodontist is often required.
General drug therapy
Oropharyngeal candidiasis is treated with medicines with systemic effects. Such drugs 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). Prescribed 3-5 pieces per day for 1-2 weeks. The tablets are intended for resorption and oral use, which allows them to act on the causative agent of the disease locally and systemically. The symptoms of thrush are suppressed already 5-7 days from the start of treatment, despite this drug therapy must be completed. If the therapy is ineffective, it becomes necessary to administer amphotericin B or use amphoglucamine in tablet form.
- Imidazole (econazole, clotrimazole, miconazole and diflucan). The drugs have a wide spectrum of action and can cause the development adverse reactions. It is recommended to take strictly as prescribed by 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 protective functions body. The patient is required to be prescribed vitamins PP, B and C. In some cases, there is a need to take calcium supplements 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 areas of the mucous membrane affected by the fungus in the dosage recommended by a specialist.
The following drugs are widely used for local treatment of thrush:
- Iodine preparations (Lugol).
- Aniline dyes.
- Antibacterial lozenges.
- Levorin or nystatin ointment.
- Mouth rinse solutions (Iodinol, boric acid or sodium bicarbonate).
Traditional therapy
To improve your overall well-being and stop the progression of thrush, you can use the remedies that are offered to us alternative medicine. Among the most effective aids are the following:
In order to eliminate 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 body's protective functions, you should include onions, garlic, fruits and vegetables, nuts and dairy products in your daily menu. Medicinal properties Kombucha, kvass, and yogurt are effective against candidiasis. These products contain substances that help restore the natural microflora of the oral cavity.
Violations in the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis lead to the fact that the disease begins to progress. To achieve positive result It is not recommended to deviate from the recommendations given by the specialist from the treatment being carried out. Should not be used folk remedies without medications. Such measures may not be effective enough, which can have serious consequences.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis is diagnosed when the oral mucosa is damaged by pathogenic microorganisms. The infection can spread to the tongue, lips, gums, tonsils and pharyngeal cavity. The disease seriously affects the patient's health and therefore requires immediate treatment.
What is oropharyngeal candidiasis?
In order not to torment the patient with complex terms, doctors call oropharyngeal candidiasis oral thrush. The infection affects the mucous membrane of the throat and mouth. The cause of the disorder in the body is the active reproduction of yeast-like fungi belonging to the genus Candida.
The disease can occur after contact with a sick person or when fungi become active in one’s own body against the background of decreased immunity. Young children are more likely to suffer from the external form of infection because their bodies are fragile. A child can become infected from his own mother, close relatives or medical personnel.
Also, the development of oropharyngeal candidiasis can occur due to decreased immunity, diabetes mellitus, or serious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
Types and forms
The disease is widespread and has different forms of progression. Doctors distinguish the following types of candidiasis:
- Angular cheilitis. The patient's mucous membrane on the lips becomes inflamed, unbearable itching appears and white coating. Dryness causes cracks.
- Glossitis. Candida affects the back and root of the tongue. The patient's taste preferences may change or temporarily disappear completely.
- Pharyngitis. Inflammation of the lymphoid tissue and mucous membrane of the pharynx occurs. Appears against the background of serious immune disorders and requires urgent treatment.
- Angina. The rarest variant of the development of oropharyngeal candidiasis.
- Stomatitis. The inflammation spreads to the cheeks and, in addition to itching, the patient feels acute pain.
Causes of the disease
Candida enters the human body immediately after birth and remains there throughout life. The immune system does not react to a small number of microorganisms, since they do not pose a health hazard.
The main reason for the active proliferation of the fungus is reduced immunity. We list the factors that contribute to the appearance of oropharyngeal candidiasis:
- infectious lesions, this could be dysentery, tuberculosis or syphilis;
- diabetes mellitus or thyroid dysfunction;
- acquired or congenital immunodeficiency;
- metabolic disorders due to hypovitaminosis or anemia;
- chronic diseases of the digestive system;
- long-term use of antibiotics, cytostatics or oral contraceptives;
- improper care of the oral cavity or dentures;
- dental caries;
- smoking or alcohol abuse;
- disruption of the salivary glands;
- severe burns or injury to the mucous membrane.
Children and the elderly are most susceptible to the development of oropharyngeal candidiasis, since these age groups have weakened immunity.
Also, a fungal infection develops quickly when hygiene is poor.
Signs and symptoms
Manifestations of oropharyngeal candidiasis depend on the stage of the disease. The pathology can be acute or chronic, depending on which the patient experiences characteristic symptoms.
Doctors are rarely able to diagnose the acute form at an early stage, because among primary symptoms Only redness of the throat and tonsils appears. Then white spots begin to appear in the mouth. The plaque looks like grain particles and cannot be removed on your own. In addition, there is mild discomfort. Over time, the plaque becomes more and more and small spots begin to merge with each other. Over time, a yellow or gray plaque forms over the entire oral cavity.
Mechanical removal of plaque will not lead to the desired result, since underneath there are inflamed and swollen areas. Also, a careless movement can create a bleeding wound. For an infant It will be difficult to bear this disease, but in this case parents will be able to quickly detect the disease. The baby will behave restlessly, constantly scream and refuse food.
- Aching pain in the mouth area, it intensifies during eating and swallowing.
- Redness of the mucous membrane, the appearance of rashes and blisters with liquid.
- Feeling of itching and burning.
- Destruction of the mucous membrane under the resulting plaque.
- Increasing the size of the tongue.
- Constant dry mouth. Because of this, a patient with candidiasis develops microcracks and wants to drink a lot.
- General malaise, increased body temperature up to 38 degrees, feeling of nausea and lack of appetite.
A photo of a mouth affected by oropharyngeal candidiasis is located on the right.
It is not necessary to have all of the listed symptoms. The presence of even the slightest discomfort obliges the patient to see a doctor, otherwise the disease may become chronic, making it more difficult to treat and diagnose.
During chronic candidiasis, the symptoms become less pronounced, but periodically bother the patient. The main symptoms of the disorder are white plaques in the mouth, as well as swelling and redness of the mucous membrane.
If left untreated, yellow adhesions begin to form, and ulcers appear in their place.
Drugs: treatment regimen
When treating oropharyngeal candidiasis, doctors create an individual treatment regimen based on the patient’s age, stage and form of the disease. Complex treatment includes general medications, local medications and diet therapy.
Therapy to eliminate oropharyngeal candidiasis must necessarily include the use of antifungal agents. Nizoral, ketoconazole, diflucan and miconazole have shown high effectiveness in eliminating this disease. The drugs are available in the form of capsules and tablets. For children you can find drops and caramel. Only a doctor can prescribe antifungal drugs after full examination body and conduction laboratory tests. If the disease is complicated or there are concomitant disorders, medications are administered intravenously.
To stimulate immune system are appointed vitamin complexes, immunomodulators and drugs with beneficial bacteria. Usually, for candidiasis, doctors recommend lactovit or bifiform.
An equally important aspect in the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis is adherence to the diet prescribed by the doctor. Experts recommend eating only warm food, the optimal temperature is from 30 to 45 degrees. While taking medications, you should avoid hot spices, foods high in acid, and large quantity salt. You need to include enough vitamins in your diet, fatty acids and squirrel.
Traditional methods of therapy
You can enhance the effect of medications thanks to the following: traditional medicine. They are recommended to be used only after consulting a doctor, otherwise they can cause significant harm to health.
Hydrogen peroxide is often used to combat oropharyngeal candidiasis. Rinse your mouth with a 3% solution several times a day. To do this in a glass boiled water add 1 tbsp. peroxide. Peroxide inhibits pathogenic microorganisms, but does not affect the state of beneficial microflora.
You can also use tea oil. You only need a few drops of this ingredient per glass of water. The resulting solution is used 3 times a day, it is necessary to rinse your mouth intensively. A soda solution is suitable for disinfecting the oral cavity. To prepare it, take 1 tsp. soda and a few drops of iodine. The components are mixed in a glass of water.
Complications and consequences
The acute form of candidiasis can quickly become chronic, after which the patient will regularly suffer from relapses; they occur 3-4 times a year.
There is also a risk of spreading the infection. In case of defeat internal organs the patient is admitted to the hospital to monitor the course of candidiasis. Most often, the infection affects the nose, ears or intestines.
The affected mucosa, which for a long time not treated, it becomes a favorable environment for pathogenic microorganisms. Due to suppressed immunity and other factors, the body cannot protect itself. The addition of a third-party infection leads to the need to use antibacterial agents, candida continues to multiply.
Preventive measures
To prevent oropharyngeal candidiasis, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the oral cavity, brush and treat teeth on time, use individual dishes, a toothbrush and other personal hygiene products. People who are at risk for developing infection should regularly visit the dentist and ENT doctor for health examinations.
15.01.2017
Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a disease that occurs due to an abnormal increase in the growth of the candida fungus present in our body. If it is in a normal state, then no disease occurs, but under the influence of certain factors, abnormal reproduction begins.
The first sign indicating the disease will be a white coating of a cheesy consistency on the mucous tissues of the oral cavity.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis can be called thrush; it can affect the pharynx, lips, tongue, gums, and tonsils. This fungal infection can cover the entire mouth, a form called diffuse. If the infection appears on separate areas, then the form of the disease is chronic.
There are several types of this disease, and each of them manifests itself differently. Medicine distinguishes the following types:
- Cheilitis. Occurs on the lips. Appears as cracks or compactions.
- Angular cheilitis. The appearance of wounds in the corners of the mouth begins with redness and a white film.
- Gingivitis. Appears on the gums. A sign of this type is a film on the gums that has a gray-yellow color. If treatment is not started, inflammation will begin, and in some cases bleeding may begin.
- Glossitis. The disease covers the pharynx.
- Stomatitis. In this form, candidiasis occurs on the cheeks, palate and tongue, manifesting itself as a subtle plaque and ulcers throughout the mouth.
- Tonsillitis. This form is characterized by damage to the tonsils. Main sign, curdled coating. Often this type occurs with glossitis or stomatitis.
- Pharyngitis. The pharynx is affected.
Signs of the disease
The first thing that appears in a person is deterioration general condition and a slight increase in temperature. Later, weakness appears in the body, so some people think that they have a common cold.
At the second stage of development, plaque inflammation appears white, the consistency of which is similar to cottage cheese.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis can appear in cancer patients after chemotherapy has ended, and it also occurs in almost all people with AIDS. It has been proven that this fungal infection occurs due to weak immunity.
The main signs of oropharyngeal candidiasis will be: White plaque that appears throughout the mouth and corners. In addition, white spots form in the mouth, they can merge together, thus creating one large focus of fungal infection. On early stages You can remove the white coating with gauze or a spoon. If you do not start timely treatment, the plaque will soon become dense, the mucous membrane will begin to reject it, and later ulcers will appear.
When the disease becomes chronic, keratinization of a gray-white color will appear on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. In the throat, with this form, a burning sensation appears, and in the corners of the mouth begins inflammatory process.
Almost all patients cannot eat normally, because during the process they experience pain and discomfort.
Causes of the disease
Oropharyngeal candidiasis occurs due to any external irritation or abnormal proliferation of candida fungi living in our body.
Only infants can become infected with this disease from the outside, because they do not yet have such fungi in their bodies; only adults have them. Infection of children occurs from the mother, surrounding relatives or from doctors in the maternity hospital.
The proliferation of fungal infections within the body occurs only in adults with a weak immune system.
This type of candidiasis is typical for people with immunodeficiency. If the disease occurs in old people, this means that they have had some chronic illness for a long time, due to which they have become weak immunity. In medicine, it is believed that oropharyngeal candidiasis is a complication of intestinal disease.
In addition, factors influencing the onset of the disease are the use of drugs that affect the decrease in immunity.
The disease has acute and chronic forms.
- The acute form is typical for infants. The disease develops on the tongue and lips inside the mouth. They turn red and become covered with a white coating. In rare cases, it may affect the pharynx or tonsils.
It is best to start treatment as early as possible. If this is not done, the baby’s immunity will decrease and a fungal infection can cover all internal organs.
- The chronic form is a combination of glossitis, stomatitis, and pharyngitis. It is divided into two subforms:
- The atrophic form causes dry mouth, burning and pain. It is typical for people wearing dentures.
- Hypertrophic. White plaques appear all over the mouth. Without treatment, the plaque becomes yellow and dense. If you try to remove it, wounds will form.
Treatment of candidiasis
Therapy for the disease depends on the person’s immunity, the symptoms of the disease and other diseases.
Therefore, the doctor will prescribe treatment on an individual basis, even if the symptoms appear the same in different patients.
- At the onset of the disease, the doctor prescribes medications for local treatment. The course of treatment with such drugs lasts approximately twenty-one days, after which all symptoms should disappear. After this, the medications should be used for another seven days. This way, the entire treatment will be consolidated.
- Antifungal agents that have a local effect are prescribed - tablets, sprays and solutions.
- If cheilitis is diagnosed, the doctor prescribes smearing the lips with aniline dyes, for example, methylene blue or all kinds of ointments against fungus.
- If the disease is advanced, then apply strong remedies against fungal infections of systemic action. Such treatment should only be carried out under the supervision of the attending physician. He will adjust the dose if necessary medications based on the results of treatment and the course of the disease.
- When treating candidiasis, you need to take drugs to strengthen the immune system, and drugs to prevent or treat the intestines. Since many experts are sure that it is he who gives such a complication.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures are also helpful for treatment. For example, quartz treatment, inhalation, ultrasound. The latter is prescribed if treatment of the sinuses, palate or tonsil mucosa is necessary.
To treat candidiasis in babies, you must first confirm the mother’s presence of this disease. For this purpose, samples taken from the woman’s mouth, vagina and hands are analyzed. This is done to determine the cause of the disease, possible complications, or identify a chronic form of the disease.
When it is determined that a baby can become infected with candidiasis, he is included in a group that is not recommended to use antibiotics (tetracycline or penicillin), because they can reduce immunity. If necessary, drugs that kill the fungus will be prescribed.
Disease prevention
To prevent this disease from occurring, visit your dentist regularly. In addition, it is necessary to carry out frequent cleaning of the oral cavity, regular hygiene procedures and careful care of dentures that are removable.
And don’t forget that a clean mouth and a strong immune system are the most effective measures to prevent candidiasis. Only in this way will the risk of developing the disease be greatly reduced.
Fungal diseases lead 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 this, they are treated unsuccessfully, and meanwhile the disease becomes chronic.
What do 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 is in its application.”
Causes of the disease
The causative agent of candidiasis is yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (Candida Albicans). Once on the mucous membranes, they multiply, forming a white, milky coating, which is where the name of the disease comes from. But these fungi are constant companions of humans, living in the mouth, intestines, and genitals. They coexist peacefully with the body without causing harm to it, and only under certain conditions are they activated and acquire pathogenic properties. Such conditions are: long-term treatment with antibiotics, weakened immunity, hormonal disorders, impact of factors environment, increased content sugar in the body, intoxication, exhaustion of the body, infancy and old age.
- Effect 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 pathogenic microbes and prevent them from developing. When a patient receives antibiotics wide range actions, it is the protective microorganisms that are most sensitive to them. As a result, the balance shifts towards pathogenic microbes and fungi, they begin to develop, causing disease.
- Weakening of the immune system. A decrease in the body’s protective properties may occur during serious illnesses, after operations, radiation and chemotherapy, stressful situations, in HIV-infected people, when the formation of immune cells is inhibited. Such a decrease in immunity in this category of people often leads to the development of candidiasis of the mucous membranes.
- Hormonal disorders. Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a fairly common occurrence in people taking hormone 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 fungus.
- Impact of environmental factors. The greatest role is played by hypothermia and the entry 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 and weakening of its protective properties.
- High sugar content. Fungi of the genus Candida are big “sweet lovers”; they develop rapidly when there is a high concentration of glucose in the tissues. Therefore, oropharyngeal candidiasis is a frequent companion of patients diabetes mellitus, and also often develops in people with a sweet tooth.
- Regarding toxic effects and general exhaustion of the body, they are accompanied by a decrease in protective properties, during which the fungal flora is activated. The mechanism of development of the disease in children is similar younger age when the immune system is not yet developed, and in older people, when the defenses are already weakened.
Routes of transmission
Damage to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity has 2 sources:
- activation of its own fungal inhabitants, its causes are discussed above;
- infection with active fungi from a patient with candidiasis.
The causative agent of oropharyngeal candidiasis can be transmitted by contact and airborne droplets: by using shared utensils, by coughing and sneezing, by kissing, during oral sex with a partner with genital candidiasis. Babies more often 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 susceptible 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 incorrectly selected dentures, carious teeth, dryness and cracks in the mucous membrane in smokers and lovers of strong alcoholic beverages.
Types and clinical forms
Depending on the location and extent of damage to the mucous membrane, thrush can be of the following types:
- candidal pharyngitis - lesions on the pharyngeal mucosa;
- glossitis – localization on the surface of the tongue;
- fungal tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils;
- gingivitis - gum damage;
- cheilitis – located on the mucous membrane of the lips;
- “jams” or angular (angular) cheilitis – lesions in the corners of the mouth;
- candidal stomatitis - affects the mucous membrane of the tongue, cheeks, and hard palate.
The oropharyngeal form of candidiasis affects the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and pharynx. The disease is caused by Candida yeast fungi, their increased growth is observed in immunodeficiency states, after treatment with antibiotics.
Protozoa of the genus Candida are part of the oral microflora. U healthy person These microorganisms do not cause symptoms of infection, but when the body’s immune defense is severely weakened, a colony of fungi begins to actively grow. The mucous membrane is damaged, erosions and ulcers, covered with a whitish coating, form on the surface of the soft tissues.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis can be provoked by:
- antibiotic treatment;
- recent colds, viral, infectious diseases;
- allergy to toothpaste, rinses, dentures;
- xerostomia – insufficient saliva production;
- chronic diseases of internal organs;
- taking hormonal medications, oral contraceptives;
- hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus;
- consequences of chemotherapy in cancer patients;
- HIV infection;
- tuberculosis.
At risk are young children, pregnant women and the elderly. Infants have not yet developed immunity, and a sweet environment is constantly maintained in the mouth, this promotes the growth of fungi.
How does candidiasis manifest?
Oropharyngeal candidiasis is characterized by the appearance of spots covered with a cheesy coating on the inside lips, cheeks, surface of the tongue. The deposits are easily removed, leaving bleeding erosions in their place. The patient has bad breath and discomfort when eating.
As the disease progresses, the spots may coalesce, forming large lesions and forming continuous films. The soft palate, tonsils and mucous membranes of the larynx begin to be affected, pockets form in the corners of the mouth, and the red border of the lips becomes inflamed. There is a constant soreness, dry cough, sensation of a foreign object in the throat.
With oropharyngeal candidiasis in young children, fungi can spread further into the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. As a result, intestinal dysbiosis and genital thrush are diagnosed. In some cases, pathogenic microorganisms infect the nasopharynx, causing nasopharyngitis; the pathology is accompanied by rhinitis and nasal congestion.
Without timely treatment of candidiasis, fungi deeply affect the mucous membranes, and a secondary infection may occur. This provokes the development of an acute inflammatory process, the tissues become ulcerated and covered with crusts. Patients have increased body temperature, general malaise, difficulty eating, difficulty opening their mouth and talking, and deepening of their voice.
When the peripharyngeal ring becomes inflamed, tonsillitis develops. If lesions occur in the pharynx, this is pharyngitis, and localized damage to the oral cavity is called stomatitis. The plaque covering the ulcers acquires a yellow-gray tint, and purulent masses form.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis can occur in acute or chronic form. In acute pathology, the symptoms are pronounced, and in the chronic stage, clinical manifestations are scanty, a sore throat is a concern, bad smell from the mouth, coated tongue, discomfort while eating. When immunity is weakened, relapses of the disease occur.
Candidiasis of the pharynx can be complicated by the development of a retropharyngeal abscess, fungal sepsis, or damage to internal organs.
Classification of oropharyngeal candidiasis
Depending on clinical manifestations, this disease is classified into 4 groups:
- Pseudomembranous candidiasis is characterized by the formation of a white or yellowish coating on the pharyngeal mucosa.
- The erythematous or catarrhal type has the appearance of a varnished surface of the soft tissues, while the mucous membrane is swollen and acquires a bright red color.
- Erosive-ulcerative candidiasis is characterized by erosive lesions of soft tissues.
- The hyperplastic form is accompanied by the formation of individual plaques covered with a white coating that is difficult to remove. After removing the deposits, a deep ulcer remains.
Symptoms of the disease may differ depending on different forms candidiasis. The formation of ulcers causes severe pain syndrome, throat irritation. With the catarrhal and pseudomembranous type, itching, dry cough, sensation of a foreign object in the throat and a constant desire to cough are disturbing. Ulcerative tissue damage is accompanied by the release of mucus and pus during coughing.
Diagnosis of fungal pathology
Treatment of candidiasis is carried out by an otolaryngologist or dentist, depending on the location of the process. The doctor performs an examination of the oral cavity and pharyngoscopy of the throat, takes a smear and scraping from the surface of the mucous membranes for bacterial culture. The diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of filaments of pseudomycelium in the composition of the test material. A cultural examination of a smear allows one to determine the type of fungus and select antimycotics to which the causative agents of the disease are sensitive.
Additionally, patients suffering from chronic candidiasis are recommended to consult an endocrinologist and immunologist to assess the general condition of the body and identify malfunctions of the endocrine system. You may need a blood test for biochemical composition, RV, AIDS, pancreatic and thyroid hormone levels.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis is differentiated from:
- diphtheria;
- bacterial tonsillitis and pharyngitis;
- throat cancer;
- scarlet fever;
- syphilis;
- mononucleosis.
Methods of treating fungal disease
Therapy is carried out with antimycotic drugs. On initial stages Only local treatment of the mucous membranes is required. Rinsing with antiseptics is prescribed:
The procedures are carried out 5-6 times a day, after each meal. Ulcers and erosions in the oral cavity are lubricated with Selcoseryl, Metragil Denta, Clotrimazole ointments. At home, you can rinse with decoctions of chamomile and calendula.
In case of purulent lesions of the tonsils, necrotic foci are washed with antiseptics and antifungal agents. If an inflammatory process occurs, antibiotics are required; the medications are selected by the attending physician. In case of chronic candidiasis and its complicated form, it is necessary to take antimycotics systemically; patients are prescribed:
- Fluconazole;
On average, the course of treatment takes from 7 to 14 days.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis, except antifungal drugs, treated with immunomodulators:
Taking vitamin-mineral complexes is also indicated. During therapy, it is necessary to exclude sweets, baked goods, carbonated drinks, and alcohol from the diet. A sweet environment encourages fungal growth.
To restore normal microflora, you need to take Linex, Bifidumbacterin, eat kefir, yogurt, and cottage cheese. Such measures help populate the mucous membranes with beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, increase local immunity and prevent the development of relapses of oropharyngeal candidiasis.