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Nystatin Oral Suspension from £20
Advice for Oral Thrush
Oral thrush — also called oral candidiasis — is a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of your mouth. Candida is a normal organism in your mouth, but sometimes it can overgrow and cause symptoms.
Oral thrush causes creamy white lesions, usually on your tongue or inner cheeks. Sometimes oral thrush may spread to the roof of your mouth, your gums or tonsils, or the back of your throat.
Although oral thrush can affect anyone, it's more likely to occur in babies and older adults because they have reduced immunity; in other people with suppressed immune systems or certain health conditions; or people who take certain medications. Oral thrush is a minor problem if you're healthy, but if you have a weakened immune system, symptoms may be more severe and difficult to control.
Oral thrush is typically diagnosed based on a clinical examination. A healthcare professional may:
Examine the Mouth: Looking for characteristic white lesions and other signs of thrush.
Scrape the Lesions: A small sample may be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of Candida.
Culture Test: In some cases, a culture test might be performed to identify the specific type of Candida.
Thrush usually develops suddenly. A common sign is the presence of creamy white, slightly raised lesions in your mouth — usually on your tongue or inner cheeks. You may also have lesions on the roof of your mouth, gums, tonsils or back of your throat.
White Lesions: The most characteristic sign of oral thrush is creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, or the roof of the mouth. These patches can sometimes be wiped away, revealing red, inflamed areas that may bleed slightly.
Redness and Soreness: In addition to white patches, affected areas can become red and sore, which might cause discomfort or pain.
Cracking and Redness at Mouth Corners: Known as angular cheilitis, this can occur along with thrush and is marked by red, cracked, or sore areas at the corners of the mouth.
Loss of Taste: Individuals with oral thrush often experience a reduction in taste sensitivity or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Difficulty Swallowing: In more severe cases, oral thrush can extend into the esophagus, causing pain or difficulty when swallowing.
Cottony Feeling in the Mouth: Some individuals may describe a cotton-like sensation in the mouth.
In severe cases, usually related to cancer or a weakened immune system from HIV/AIDS, the lesions may spread downward into your esophagus — the long, muscular tube stretching from the back of your mouth to your stomach (Candida esophagitis). If this occurs, you may experience difficulty swallowing and pain or feel as if food is getting stuck in your throat.
Oral thrush occurs when there is an imbalance in the natural flora of the mouth, allowing Candida to overgrow. Several factors can contribute to this imbalance:
Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing cancer treatment, or taking immunosuppressive drugs, are at higher risk.
Medications: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth, leading to fungal overgrowth. Corticosteroid use, particularly inhaled corticosteroids for asthma, can also increase the risk.
Diabetes: High sugar levels in saliva can promote the growth of Candida.
Dry Mouth: Conditions that cause dry mouth or a decrease in saliva can increase the risk of oral thrush.
Dentures: Poorly fitting dentures can create an environment conducive to fungal growth.
Smoking: Tobacco use can increase the risk of oral thrush.
Infants and Elderly: Both age groups are more susceptible due to less robust immune systems and other contributing factors such as medications or health conditions.
Oral Candidiasis can be successfully treated with anti-fungal medicines. Typically, these medicines will be in a gel or liquid form, which allows for direct application inside of the mouth. Topical oral thrush treatments like these usually need to be applied several times daily for up to two weeks.
At Pharmacinta, we provide Nystatin Oral Suspension which is an anti-fungal medicine used to prevent and treat oral thrush (oral candidiasis or candidal infections). Each Nystan 30ml bottle contains the active ingredient nystatin and comes with a built-in applicator making it quick and easy to apply directly to the mouth.
Nystatin is taken as an oral dose, 4 times a day. The active ingredient nystatin gets to work quickly because it is applied directly to the source of the fungal infection. Most people who use nystatin will see and feel a noticeable improvement in their condition within the first two days of use.
Treatment for oral thrush aims to stop the overgrowth of Candida and restore the natural balance of microorganisms in the mouth. Common treatments include:
Addressing Underlying Conditions
Managing conditions like diabetes, or modifying medications that may contribute to thrush, can help prevent recurrence.
Proper Denture Care
Ensuring dentures fit properly and are cleaned regularly to prevent fungal growth.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that helps reduce the amount of Candida in the mouth.
Dosage: Rinse the mouth with 15 ml twice daily for 30 seconds, then spit out.
Side Effects: Mouth irritation, staining of teeth and oral surfaces, altered taste.
Probiotics
Probiotics help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth, potentially reducing Candida overgrowth.
Dosage: Follow specific product instructions or dietary recommendations.
Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated, but some people might experience digestive upset.
Home Remedies
Saltwater Rinse: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and swish in the mouth several times a day.
Baking Soda Rinse: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water and use as a mouth rinse.
Coconut Oil: Swish 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in the mouth for 10-15 minutes daily (oil pulling).
Dietary Adjustments
Reduce Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates: Lowering sugar intake can help reduce Candida growth.
Eat Probiotic-rich Foods: Incorporate yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods to promote a healthy balance of oral flora.
Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and Flossing: Brush teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day.
Clean Dentures: Clean dentures thoroughly and remove them at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oral thrush is a fungal infection in the mouth caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, usually Candida albicans.
Yes, by maintaining good oral hygiene, managing medical conditions, limiting sugar intake, using antifungal rinses if at high risk, ensuring proper denture care, and quitting smoking.
Oral thrush is generally not contagious, but Candida can spread through direct contact. Individuals with weakened immune systems should be cautious.
Yes, it is common in infants. It can be transmitted during breastfeeding or through contact with infected surfaces.
Consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
With proper treatment, oral thrush typically clears up in a few weeks. However, underlying conditions must be managed to prevent recurrence.
Yes, especially if the underlying cause is not addressed. Maintaining good oral hygiene and managing health conditions can help prevent recurrence.
Some mild cases can benefit from home remedies like saltwater rinses and probiotic foods, but medical treatment is often necessary for complete resolution.
In severe cases or in individuals with weakened immune systems, Candida can spread to the esophagus or other parts of the body, requiring more intensive treatment.
Yes, high sugar intake can promote Candida growth. A diet low in sugar and high in probiotics may help manage and prevent thrush.
Yes, it can cause sore, red, and cracked nipples in breastfeeding mothers, and infants can pass the infection back and forth with the mother during breastfeeding.
Leukoplakia: White patches that cannot be wiped away, often linked to smoking and may be precancerous. Lichen Planus: Lacy white patches or red, swollen tissues, often associated with autoimmune conditions. Geographic Tongue: Smooth, red patches on the tongue with a white border, which are benign.
Corticosteroid inhalers can suppress local immune responses in the mouth, allowing Candida to overgrow. Using a spacer and rinsing the mouth after inhalation can help reduce this risk.
Oral thrush can cause discomfort or pain, particularly when eating or swallowing, and may result in a burning sensation in the mouth.
Maintaining good oral hygiene. -Limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates in the diet. -Managing stress, as it can affect immune function. -Avoiding mouthwash with alcohol, which can alter the natural flora in the mouth.
Reduce sugar and yeast-containing foods. - Incorporate probiotics like yogurt or kefir. - Stay hydrated to maintain saliva flow.
Saliva helps control Candida growth by washing away food particles and providing enzymes that inhibit fungal growth. Reduced saliva flow can increase the risk of thrush.
High blood sugar levels can lead to increased sugar in saliva, creating an environment that promotes the growth of Candida.
Clean dentures daily with appropriate solutions. -Remove dentures at night to give the mouth a break. -Ensure dentures fit properly to avoid irritation.
Yes, it can indicate underlying conditions like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or other immune system disorders. Persistent or recurrent thrush should prompt further medical evaluation.
Stress can weaken the immune system, making it easier for Candida to overgrow, thus contributing to the development of oral thrush.
With appropriate treatment, most people recover fully from oral thrush. The prognosis is good, but it can recur if underlying causes are not addressed.
Regular dental check-ups every six months are recommended to maintain good oral health and catch any early signs of thrush or other oral health issues.
Nystatin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections caused by Candida species, particularly in the mouth (oral thrush), throat, and gastrointestinal tract.
Nystatin binds to ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes, creating pores and causing the contents of the cell to leak out, leading to cell death.
Yes, Nystatin is commonly prescribed for infants with oral thrush. The dosage and administration method should be followed as directed by a pediatrician.
Nystatin is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it should only be used if prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Yes, Nystatin is usually considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, but it's important to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Nystatin has minimal systemic absorption, so interactions are rare. However, always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking.
Store Nystatin at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and do not freeze the oral suspension.
Improvement in symptoms can be seen within a few days, but it's important to complete the full course of treatment to prevent recurrence.
Avoid eating or drinking immediately after using the oral suspension to ensure the medication has adequate contact time with the affected area.
Yes, Nystatin cream or ointment can be used to treat fungal skin infections. Apply as directed by a healthcare provider.
Do not use Nystatin past its expiration date. Dispose of expired medication properly and obtain a new prescription if needed.
Nystatin is effective against Candida species but not other types of fungi. It is not suitable for treating systemic fungal infections.
Yes, Nystatin is a prescription medication and requires a healthcare provider's approval for use.
