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Suggest Treatment For Oral Thrush And Cold

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Posted on Thu, 8 Jan 2015
Question: Hello. I'm a 26 yr old female. In the past 6 months I've had oral thrush 3 times. Two out the three times I was sick with a cold. It usually forms under my tongue... And is very painful and annoying. I'm beginning to worry that there is something more serious causing this to happen often. I'm in good health, I do smoke which I know can contribute. Other than that, I'm in pretty good health. What could be causing this to happen so often? The first time my primary dr gave me an anti fungal mouth wash that I still have some left. So I've just been using that when the symptoms pop up.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Avoid smoking and dry mouth...Continue with anti-fungal mouth washes

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I do understand your concern and try my best to help you with this problem.

Recurrent oral thrush could be due to various reasons. It differs between individuals, in a healthy person like you the commonest causes are:
1. Anemia (low hemoglobin in the body)
2. If you are taking antibiotics or oral corticosteroids
3. Wearing dentures
4. Dry mouth
5. Smoking

Unless the causative agent is not taken care of, the oral thrush will be recurring.

My suggestion to you is to drink plenty of warm water, reduce smoking as much as possible, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. If the symptoms are not improving, then you need to get a battery of investigations done to rule out any medical related causes.

Hope I have answered the query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (10 hours later)
Here is a picture... The white spots are in the middle of my tongue. Is there something else that looks similer to thrush that it could be? Ive had a stuffy nose and cold so could breathing out of my mouth for a few days cause it?? Since it obviously dries out my mouth. Im just worried its something more serious. I had blood work done a few months back and im not anemic. Could the sole cause be smoking???
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It's not oral thrush... The white spots are mucoceles...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

I have zoomed the image and examined it thoroughly. The white spots are not fungal infection. They are the blocked minor salivary glands also known as mucoceles. When there is either dehydration or injury to the mucosa of the oral cavity, the salivary secretions get thickened or the opening of the glands get blocked causing hindrance to the out flow of the secretions. Thus the blocked glands balloon up owing to increased production of the secretions and appears as white spots.

Do not worry! They are harmless swellings and will not cause any health related issues. It is a mere sign of dehydration and probably smoking could be a contributing factor.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. I wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)
Attached is a much better picture!!! Please re examine from this picture... Thanks :)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Oral thrush...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

My sincere apologies! I would like to change my opinion after seeing this new image. It's much more clear and does go in favor of oral thrush.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 2544 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Oral Thrush And Cold

Brief Answer: Avoid smoking and dry mouth...Continue with anti-fungal mouth washes Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for posting the query. I do understand your concern and try my best to help you with this problem. Recurrent oral thrush could be due to various reasons. It differs between individuals, in a healthy person like you the commonest causes are: 1. Anemia (low hemoglobin in the body) 2. If you are taking antibiotics or oral corticosteroids 3. Wearing dentures 4. Dry mouth 5. Smoking Unless the causative agent is not taken care of, the oral thrush will be recurring. My suggestion to you is to drink plenty of warm water, reduce smoking as much as possible, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. If the symptoms are not improving, then you need to get a battery of investigations done to rule out any medical related causes. Hope I have answered the query; I will be available for the follow-up queries. Regards Dr. Naveen Kumar N. ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon