In 2019, an American hospital was forced to rip out its ceiling and floor tiles because one of the entire hospital rooms was infested with Candida Auris. Thrush comes from a family of similar yeast infections, but it is not as deadly and invasive as others. Most commonly found in the throat and mouth, it is a condition that is not deadly but can cause discomfort at times.
What is Thrush Infection?
Thrush (Oropharyngeal Candidiasis) is the reaction catalysed by a fungal infection (Candida Albicans). This medical condition occurs when multiple yeast-shaped fungi overgrow in the mouth and throat region of the body.
What is the Meaning of Candida?
Candida is a type of fungus that is present inside the human body and on the skin. The manifestation of Thrush is not actually a disease but an overgrowth of Candida (fungus). The human body has a natural process to keep Candida in check. The immune system and the lactobacillus bacteria—also already present in the body— together helps maintain a balance in the body.
Any discrepancy in this balance leads to the overgrowth of the Candida fungus, resulting in Thrush. Thrush on skin is called Candidiasis Cutaneous, which is one of the types of Candidiasis in men.
What is Thrush in Men?
The underlying cause of Thrush is the body’s internal system’s inability to control the spread of this fungus.
Thrush in men and women is different as it affects different areas and has different symptoms in both.
Thrush in men is found in the mouth, inner cheeks, palate, and tongue. The condition can get severe if the same is not pinned down with the right treatment.
Thrush in Men
Thrush infection in men is triggered by several reasons, and one such reason is smoking. In the case of smokers, the body already has a weak immune system, causing the growth of the Candida Fungus, leading to Thrush.
Other reasons for the manifestation of Thrush in men include stress, a weak immune system, and medication. Medicine from the family of Prednisone and Corticosteroids, along with some antibiotics, can disturb the natural balance of microorganisms present in the body. This increases the chances of developing Thrush in men.
What Causes Thrush?
Listed below are a few Candidiasis causes of candida infection:
- Changes in the immune system causes thrush
- Smoking causes thrush
- Stress causes thrush
- Illness causes thrush
- Medication causes thrush
- Diabetes causes thrush
- Cancer causes thrush
- HIV causes thrush
- Dry mouth causes thrush
- Dentures causes thrush
These Thrush causes can play a role in reducing the body’s strength to combat fungal growth. Once the fungal infection is out of immunity’s control, it starts to invade other parts of the body and overgrow.
What are the Symptoms?
Some Candida symptoms for men (Oropharyngeal Candidiasis) are:
- Whitecoat and patches around the tongue
- Mild redness under the white coloured patches
- Cracked outer edges of lips
- Dry mouth
- Sore teeth and bad breath
- Feeling like food is stuck in the throat
Oral Thrush (Oropharyngeal Candidiasis) can further progress to another condition called the Burning Mouth Syndrome. The symptoms of this condition include a painful and burning sensation in the mouth, numbness, and tingling sensation intermittently.
These are the Thrush symptoms for the mouth and throat region. If the same condition manifests in the penis region, the condition is Penile Candidiasis. The symptoms for the same are;
- Irritation, redness, and a burning sensation under the foreskin and at the top of the penis
- Cottage cheese-like white-coloured discharge
- Unpleasant and foul smell
Is Thrush Contagious?
Simply put, Thrush is not contagious. However, seeing that it is an opportunistic infection, it can be transmitted from one person to another via oral sex or kissing.
However, the condition can only manifest if the immune system of the other person is weak.
How to Treat Thrush?
The most common Thrush treatment includes taking antifungal medication prescribed by a doctor after a successful diagnosis. Medicines include lozenges and antifungal mouthwash, but they should not be taken without a doctor’s consultation.
People with a weak immune system and severe cases of Thrush require a heavier and in-depth Candida Albicans treatment.
Non-allopathic treatment like Ayurveda promotes rebuilding of the immune system by using the antiseptic spice- turmeric. Haldi or turmeric is the staple spice for most Indian dishes and has natural antifungal properties and can help treat Candida infections.
Conclusion
To sum it up, there is no need to panic if you observe any of the symptoms related to the same. Thrush in men is common in India. Visit a doctor and take steps to boost your immunity. The motive is to give your body enough strength to fight the overgrowth of the fungus naturally.
