Frequently Asked Questions
What
is OPC?
Candidiasis of the mouth and throat, also known
as a "thrush" or oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), is
a fungal infection that occurs when there is overgrowth of fungus
called Candida. Candida is normally found on skin or mucous
membranes. However, if the environment inside the mouth or throat
becomes imbalanced, Candida can multiply. When this happens,
symptoms of thrush appear.
How
common is OPC and who can get it?
OPC can affect normal newborns, but it occurs more
frequently and more severely in people with weakened immune systems,
particularly in persons with AIDS.
What
are the symptoms of OPC?
People with OPC infection usually have painless,
white patches in the mouth. Symptoms of OPC in the esophagus may
include pain and difficulty swallowing.
How
do I get OPC?
Most cases of OPC are caused by the persons
own Candida organisms which normally live in the mouth
or digestive tract. A person has symptoms when overgrowth of Candida
organisms occurs.
How
is OPC diagnosed?
OPC is diagnosed in two ways. A doctor may take
a swab or sample of infected tissue and look at it under a microscope.
If there is evidence of Candida infection, the sample will
be cultured to confirm the diagnosis.
How
is OPC treated?
Prescription treatments such as, Oral fluconazole,
clotrimazole troches, or nystatin suspension usually provide effective
treatment for OPC.
What
will happen if a person does not seek treatment for a OPC?
Symptoms, which may be uncomfortable, may persist.
In rare cases, invasive candidiasis may occur.
Can
Candida-causing OPC become resistant to treatment?
Overuse of antifungal medications can increase the
chance that they will eventually not work (the fungus develops
resistance to medications). Therefore, it is important to be sure
of the diagnosis from before treating with over-the-counter or
other antifungal medications.
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