Every person in the body has a conditionally pathogenic environment saturated with microorganisms, which normally do not cause inconvenience and do not have a negative impact on health. But under the influence of certain factors, the number of some of them reaches a maximum, which can provoke the development of serious diseases. One of these microorganisms is yeast fungi of the genus Candida. Their increased reproduction on the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat can cause candidiasis of the larynx. Untimely treatment of this disease or its complete absence can lead to serious consequences. What signs accompany increased reproduction of the fungus and how to treat candidiasis of the larynx? This is described in the article.
Disease definition
Laryngeal candidiasis is an infectious disease caused by the action of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. This fungus is part of the conditionally pathogenic environment of the body, but under the influence of certain factors, it begins to multiply actively, affecting the mucous membrane of the oropharynx. Most often, a pathological condition is diagnosed in young children and the elderly. Candidiasis without timely treatment can cause dangerous complications.
Characterization of candidiasis
Depending on the localization of the foci of inflammation, specialists distinguish the following forms of candidiasis in the throat and oral cavity:
- Cheilitis. Fungi affect the mucous membrane of the lips. The inflammatory process accompanies soreness, redness and the appearance of erosion in the corners of the lips.
- Stomatitis. Thrush appears on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. In this case, a yellowish, white or grayish plaque is observed.
- Gingivitis. The gums are affected, covered with a whitish, cheesy coating. Bleeding may occur.
- Candidiasis glossitis. Propagation of the fungus occurs on the surface of the tongue. In this case, small ulcers and fissures, covered with a thin film of white color, are observed.
- Candidiasis of the throat. Mushrooms affect the mucous membrane of the throat.
Causes
In most cases, throat candidiasis occurs against a background of weakened immunity. This creates favorable conditions for the growth and reproduction of the fungus. Other key factors that can trigger the development of the disease include:
- Hormonal changes.
- Long-term use of antibacterial agents. At the same time, drugs kill the beneficial microflora of the oropharynx. The acidity of the medium also decreases, which is a favorable condition for the life of the fungus.
- Diseases of the endocrine system.
- Inadequate oral hygiene.
- Infectious diseases.
- Diabetes.
- Respiratory system diseases.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Long stress.
- Taking certain medications.
- Mechanical burn of the oral cavity.
- Chronic overwork.
- Incorrect metabolism.
- Presence of chronic infection in the oral cavity and throat.
- Irrational nutrition, in which carbohydrate food predominates.
- Prolonged insomnia.
- Avitaminosis.
- Physical exhaustion caused by diets, excessive physical activity.
- Pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Oncological processes.
- Surgical intervention.
- Infants may become infected during childbirth or while feeding from a sick mother.
- In children born prematurely, the body's immune system is underdeveloped, and therefore they are prone to the development of candidiasis.
Symptomatology
Consider the most common symptoms of throat candidiasis:
- Tonsil enlargement.
- Dryness and redness of the mucous membranes of the throat.
- Swelling.
- Sore throat.
- Fever.
- Itching and sore throat.
- Decreased appetite.
- Taste disorder.
- Dyspnea.
- Hoarseness of voice.
- Cough.
- Bad breath.
- General malaise and weakness.
- Painful swallowing of saliva.
- With a progressive disease, the appearance of whitish cheesy plaque on the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat is added to the symptoms of candidiasis of the larynx.
- Sores and erosion on the mucosa may appear.
- If untreated, white plaques appear that merge with each other.
- Sometimes a cough appears, which is accompanied by expectoration of curdled inclusions.
- The appearance of traffic jams on the tonsils.
The severity of the symptoms of candidiasis in the larynx will depend on the stage of development of the disease and the state of the human immune system. In the early stages, the symptoms of the pathological condition are expressed rather weakly. But in the absence of timely treatment, the intensity of the manifestations will increase.
We do not attach photos of candidiasis of the larynx for aesthetic reasons.
Diagnostic measures
If suspicious symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a medical institution. First of all, the doctor will make a visual examination of the throat cavity and collect a medical history. Often, a preliminary diagnosis is made at the first appointment with a doctor. To determine the candida in the larynx, a number of laboratory studies are used, which include:
- General analysis of blood and urine.
- Blood chemistry.
- Bacteriological culture from the throat. To do this, a special stick is taken from the mucous membrane scraping, after which it is placed in a nutrient medium and watch the development of microflora. This allows you to accurately determine the causative agent of the disease.
- A study of the sensitivity of the fungus to drugs is also being carried out. This will help you choose the most effective treatment in each case.
- IFA.
- PCR
- In some cases, an immunogram is given to the patient.
Treatment
Therapy is prescribed by the attending physician after receiving the results of all prescribed tests. In the treatment of throat candidiasis, an integrated approach is used to suppress the spread of infection and increase the body's defenses. It is important that therapy be started in the early stages of the development of the disease, since the lack of treatment can lead to serious complications.
In most cases, the following methods are used:
- Use of medicines.
- Physiotherapy.
- Power adjustment.
Drug treatment
The fungus in the throat must be destroyed as soon as possible. For this, antifungal drugs are prescribed, which in the early stages of the disease can be used in the form of ointments and gels.
Medicines that help get rid of the fungus include:
- "Fluconazole".
- "Nystatin."
- "Mikosist".
- Diflucan and others.
Topical antifungal medications include:
- Candide.
- "Clotrimazole".
- "Nystatin" as an ointment or aqueous rinse suspension.
The above drugs can cure candidiasis in a few days, for this you need to follow all the doctor's recommendations.
If antifungal therapy does not bring results, drugs of other pharmacological groups can be prescribed:
- Ketoconazole.
- Amphoceritin.
The following categories of drugs play an important role in the treatment of candidiasis of the larynx:
- Bacteriophages. These drugs are prescribed in cases where the cause of thrush is the action of pathogenic bacteria. Bacteriophages from candidiasis of the larynx can be used as a replacement for antibiotics.
- Antihistamines - Zirtek, Zodak, Fenistil and others. They help eliminate unpleasant symptoms of the disease.
- Probiotics - Lactobacterin, Bifiform. Normalize microflora balance.
- Immunostimulants - "Polyoxidonium", tincture of echinacea. It is impossible to completely cure candidiasis if immunity is reduced. This category of drugs restores the body's defenses to fight infection.
- Antiseptics for the treatment of sore throats - "Lugol", "Chlorhexidine", "Miramistin", "Tantum Verde".
If a person has dentures, they must be treated daily with antiseptic agents, since fungi can move from their surface to the mucous membranes.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy procedures have proven themselves well as adjuvants. These include:
- Electrophoresis with potassium iodide.
- UFO throat and pharynx.
- Laser treatment of affected surfaces.
Diet therapy
A major role in reducing the growth of fungus is proper nutrition. It is necessary to adhere to certain nutritional rules in order to create conditions unfavorable for its reproduction.
- It is worth abandoning products containing sugar, moreover, these are not only sweets, but also sweet fruits or dried fruits.
- Reduce the use of cereals, pickles, smoked foods.
- Alcoholic products are prohibited.
- Eat more fresh vegetables.
- The consumption of low-fat fish and meat is recommended, which should be baked or boiled.
- Include cabbage, hard cheeses, buckwheat, bananas in the diet.
- It is necessary to observe the drinking regimen, drinking at least 2 liters of water per day.
- Food should be fractional in small portions.
Folk remedies
Many experts confirm the effectiveness of the use of folk remedies as adjunctive therapy. The use of many recipes of alternative medicine helps to cope with the reproduction of fungi. The most common recipes include:
- Cranberry Juice.
- Gargling with undiluted Kalanchoe juice.
- St. John's wort
- Tincture of flax seed.
- Inhalation with fir and eucalyptus essential oil.
- Rinse with infusions of chamomile, sage, calendula and soda diluted with water.
Such treatment should be used in the early stages of the disease and under the strict supervision of a physician.
Features of treatment in children
If a woman was diagnosed with thrush during pregnancy, it is necessary to notify the obstetrician-gynecologist taking the birth. This will allow you to start timely treatment of the child in case of infection during childbirth. If the disease appeared later, it is necessary to pass an analysis to the whole family, since candidiasis can be transmitted by domestic means.
Self-administration of drugs in the treatment of a child is contraindicated. You need to see a doctor and take tests, as a result of which effective therapy will be prescribed. The use of traditional medicine is not recommended, since it is possible to provoke the development of an allergic reaction.
Therapy for the treatment of the underlying disease is prescribed taking into account the age of the child and the severity of the disease. If the baby is breastfed, it is not recommended to interrupt it. The exceptions are situations in which the mother takes medications that are contraindicated during the period of natural feeding.
Possible complications
Sometimes it may seem that candidiasis cannot lead to serious complications. But this is not so. What can happen:
- The advanced stage of the disease can provoke painful ulcers. If harmful bacteria get into them, an inflammatory process develops, which, without proper treatment, can lead to an abscess.
- Without treatment, the fungus can spread to other parts of the respiratory system. For example, fungal laryngitis, pharyngitis, candidiasis of the nose and obstruction of the lungs may appear against the background of candidiasis of the larynx.
- Also, the pathological presence of fungi in the throat can cause disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Damage to the heart muscle.
- The development of allergic reactions.
- Metabolic disease.
Preventative measures
The main preventive measure to prevent the development of candidiasis of the larynx is the exclusion of factors that trigger the growth of the fungus. The following rules must be followed:
- Timely identify and completely cure all diseases, preventing their transition to the chronic phase.
- Disinfect children's toys.
- Limit household contacts with a sick person.
- Limit the consumption of sweet, flour products and muffins.
- Eat more fresh vegetables and protein foods.
- Avoid stressful situations.
- Provide a good rest.
- More walk in the fresh air.
- Do sport.
Forecast and Conclusion
Candidiasis of the throat is a dangerous infectious disease that, without timely treatment, can lead to dangerous consequences. Therapy should be started at the first sign of the disease. Prescribing drugs should be handled by the attending physician after receiving the results of the tests. It is not recommended to self-medicate, as an improperly selected drug can aggravate the course of the disease. The sooner treatment begins, the more positive the prognosis will be.