Is Oral Thrush Common After Prolonged Treatment With Antibiotics?

Posted on Mon, 2 Nov 2015

Question: Hi there I have had four weeks of antibiotics, four kinds, to treat what began as a chest infection and became pneumonia and a partially collapsed lobe of my left lung. Now I have a tender mouth, some tiny painful spots on the tip and sides of my tongue and reddening of my inner lips. Is this oral thrush?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need more info

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Oral thrush is common after prolonged treatment with antibiotics but so are oral ulcers. In order to help you I need a few more details

1. Are there any white patches on your inner cheeks ?
2. do you have low grade fever ?
3. is there any difficulty in swallowing

It would be best if you could send a picture . There is an option to attach files along with the follow up query

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

No white patches. More reddish patches inside cheeks, lips and tip and edges of the tongue. I still have fairly raw throat which I have had the whole four weeks. I do have a fever still. Tongue and lips feels a little swollen. Mouth gets dry like my lips and tongue are sticking and it hurts to talk and eat. Back of throat also gets very dry. I don't have any of the white tongue coating I have seen with thrush.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not oral thrush

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back, I am sorry for the short delay in my reply.

The red patches on cheeks is definitely not oral thrush. Oral thrush usually present with white patches.
These red patches at times painful often present with antibiotic therapy, I usually prescribe Vitamin B complex once a day and metrogyl gel to be applied over the patches. These patches can sometimes ulcerate as well. It is said to be due to prolonged illness and antibiotic therapy.

For the dryness the best treatment would be to chew on Vit C chewable tablets. It gives prolonged relief. You can chew a tablet every 6 -8 hours. Keep yourself well hydrated at all times.

I hope I was of help, I am once again sorry for the short delay in my reply

Regards

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T