Oral thrush

Question 1

Oral thrush causes

Answer 1

Fungal infection of the mouth, caused by candida albicans

Question 2

groups in which oral thrush is common

Answer 2

Patients taking oral steroids pr broad-spectrum antibiotics

Question 3

Oral thrush symptoms

Answer 3

White patches on the tongue and mouth which CANNNOT be scraped away

When oral thrush is scraped away it leaves a raw and sore surface

Question 4

Oral thrush referral

Answer 4

Adults which are not taking steroid inhalers (as it only tends to be common in babies)

Recurrent infection

OTC failure > 1 week

Question 5

OTC products for oral thrush

Answer 5

Daktarin 2% (miconazole)
4 months +
Should be applied QDS
Should not be applied to the back of the throat as it can cause babies to choke

MICONAZOLE + WARFARIN = increased bleeding

Nystatin can be offered with a prescription

Question 6

Advice

Answer 6

To prevent re-infection:
- sterilise bottle teats
- if breastfeeding, apply miconazole to nipple and wipe away before feed