A fungus in the tongue is a pathology that affects the mucous membrane of the mouth. With such an ailment, a whitish coating forms on it, which is caused by yeast-like fungi of the species Candida (Candida). Moreover, these microorganisms are able to affect not only the mucous surface of the oral cavity, but also the vagina, nasal passages, intestines. In the people, this disease is also called candidiasis (thrush).
This pathology in most cases appears in children. Although adults also suffer from it with weakened immunity. Most often, a fungus in the mouth is formed by the fairer sex, as well as people who take medications for a long time, smoke, have extra pounds and consume a lot of sugar.
Provocative factors
Fungi of the genus Candida in a minimal amount are a natural component of the human microbial flora. When they are few, they do not manifest themselves for a long time, however, concomitant factors can cause their rapid multiplication and modification, in other words, the spread of microorganisms on the surface of the oral cavity.
The activity of pathogenic fungi in the tongue is intensified due to the following reasons:
- Pregnancy During this period, a woman changes metabolic processes and hormonal levels.
- Immunodeficiency As a result of weakening of the protective functions of the body during an illness.
- Long-term use of drugs that are depressing on the immune system, such as corticosteroids and antibiotics.
- Lack of vitamins of group B, C and PP.
- Radiotherapy for cancer.
- Alcohol abuse and smoking.
- Damage to the mucous membrane of the mouth or tongue.
Dental problems such as tooth decay, prosthetics, and gum disease can lead to thrush. Candidiasis can also occur with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, diabetes mellitus, tonsillitis, HIV infection, tuberculosis and pathologies with a chronic course. This ailment is transmitted through the use of common objects in everyday life (dishes, a toothbrush) or through a kiss.
The main signs of candidiasis in the mouth
As is already known, a fungus in the tongue can occur in people of different age categories, but most often it is found in children and elderly patients. When propagating, yeast-like microorganisms secrete enzymes that irritate the tongue and surrounding tissues, which leads to swelling and redness.
Patients complain of itching, pain, and a burning sensation. The main sign of candidiasis in the mouth is a white curd coating. Over time, the disease spreads to the cheeks and palate. Symptoms of a fungus on the tongue with this course of the disease are as follows:
- foci of the disease merge into spots, become covered with white scales or flakes;
- the disease can go to the lips;
- sores and sores occur.
A person feels soreness during thrush on the tongue during swallowing and eating, moreover, the patient may have a fever. This is how the body reacts to enzymes that secrete fungi.
Toxic substances negatively affect immunity, the general condition of the body, increasing the likelihood of bacterial infection. In infants, the ailment proceeds in a severe form, they are constantly acting up, refuse to eat, sleep little.
Fungus on the tongue in children
Thrush of the oral cavity is found in 20% of infants. As a rule, children become infected from the mother. Fungi from the female vagina can enter the mucous membrane of the baby. Some mothers lick the nipple, and then give the newborn, thereby transmitting the infection. In babies, the cells of the immune system are very weak, they are not able to deal with this pathology. If nothing is done, then pathogens can affect the digestive organs.
It should be remembered that the fungus on the tongue brings the baby great discomfort. Due to illness, he ceases to sleep and eat normally. Quite often, with thrush, the temperature rises. To avoid complications, such a disease must be treated with the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease in a child.
Elimination of thrush in the tongue in children
Antifungal medications are used to treat this ailment. True, many of them are contraindicated in young children, it is allowed to take such medications only from 12 years old. If a child has found a fungus in the tongue, the photo of which is presented above, then “Pimafucin” is usually prescribed. A solution is prepared from the tablets of this medicine, which is given to the child to rinse the mouth. The duration of such therapy is about 5 days.
This procedure is recommended in the morning and evening after rinsing the mouth with water. Pimafucin helps to get rid of unpleasant symptoms of the disease. After the therapeutic course, the white coating on the tongue disappears.
The fungus can be treated with this drug even for babies who are under 1 year old. The medicine quickly relieves pain and itching with candidal stomatitis. Tongue affected by fungi, infants are treated with a cotton swab dipped in a prepared solution of Pimafucin tablets.
Tongue fungus: how to treat in adults
To eliminate this disease, doctors prescribe certain medications. Effective in the fight against thrush of the oral cavity is considered medication that systemically affects the human body. They destroy the pathogens that caused the fungus on the tongue. In this case, drugs have an effect not only on the oral mucosa, but also on other organs.
In most cases, doctors with candidiasis in the tongue prescribe polyene antibiotics. The most common of these are Nystatin and Levorin. They must be taken 4 times a day for 14 days.
The dosage of these drugs is selected in each case individually, since the doctor takes into account the patient's condition when prescribing the medicine. These medicines should be absorbed to enhance their effect. After 5 days, patients notice an improvement: the wounds heal, plaque decreases and itching disappears.
But sometimes the drugs in question do not help with lesions of the tongue with fungi. In this case, treatment with the use of Amphotericin is indicated. Tablets of this medication should be consumed after eating at the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
In addition, imidazoles are used to eliminate thrush in the oral cavity. Similar drugs include: Econazole, Clotrimazole, and Miconazole. The course of treatment with these drugs should be at least 1-3 weeks.
If the disease managed to go into serious form, then prescribe antiparasitic drugs that slow the development of pathogenic fungi: Diflucan, Fluconazole and Nizoral.
Immune strengthening drugs
With oral candidiasis, therapeutic measures necessarily involve the use of restorative drugs to improve the body's defenses. Minerals and vitamins should be taken, for example, Citrum and Vitrum. Doctors still advise drinking a course of calcium gluconate for a month. If the patient is worried about rashes and severe itching on the tongue, then antiallergic drugs are prescribed, including Diphenhydramine, Fenkarol and the popular Suprastin.
Additional treatment of fungus in the tongue
Since a violation of iron metabolism is observed with thrush, medications in which this element is present in large quantities should be taken. With such problems, they are usually prescribed Ferrolex or Conferon.
To speed up the healing process, they resort to a candida vaccine. Pentoxyl and Methyluracil preparations, which contribute to the production of white blood cells and gamma globulins, have a similar effect on the body. These drugs help to quickly destroy the pathogens that hit the tongue.
The use of topical preparations
The elimination of thrush in the oral cavity in some cases involves local treatment. It involves taking medications that are not absorbed into the blood, but that work well on the oral mucosa. Such medications accelerate the process of regeneration of wounds and stop the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
A fungus in the tongue, the treatment of which is aimed at eliminating unpleasant symptoms, is developing rapidly. That is why it is necessary to fight candidiasis immediately after the onset of the first symptoms in order to avoid complications. Local medicines have a therapeutic effect only on certain areas of the mucosa or skin, without getting into the blood. They help slow down the growth of microorganisms, eliminate burning and redness, and heal erosion.
When the tongue is affected by fungi, Fucorcin is often used. For applications use "Iodicirin" and Lugol's solution. To eliminate candidiasis of the oral cavity, absorbable tablets "Lysozyme" or the drug "Lysac" are prescribed. If the infection has passed onto the lip, then they need to be lubricated with nystatin or levorin ointment.
For preventive and therapeutic purposes, a complete treatment of the oral cavity should be carried out to stop the spread of fungal infection to other areas. Moreover, you need to regularly brush your teeth and dentures. Moreover, dental structures must be treated with antifungal agents.
Mouthwash with thrush
Oral hygiene is an important procedure in the treatment of candidiasis, it must be carried out about 2 times a day. Such actions will help relieve inflammation, remove plaque on the tongue and heal sores. It is recommended that with such an ailment rinse your mouth with baking soda after each snack and before bedtime, to eliminate white plaque on the tongue. The fungus can still be treated with Iodinol and boric acid.
Nutrition for lesions of the tongue with a fungal infection
With oral candidiasis, you will have to follow a diet. You should remove from the menu products containing yeast so as not to provoke the growth of fungi. It is also necessary to abandon acidic and spicy foods, as it irritates the mucous membrane of the mouth and the surface of the tongue, causing burning and pain. During the illness, it is worth consuming only warm semi-liquid dishes. For some time, it is also worth giving up spices.
After a complete recovery, it is necessary to introduce prohibited foods into the diet gradually. For several months after eliminating the fungal infection, you should not eat foods that can again provoke the development of pathology. It is advisable to abandon carbonated drinks, various sweets, fatty dishes, alcohol and mushrooms.
How to avoid candidiasis?
To Candida fungus on the tongue no longer appears, it is necessary to observe oral hygiene. It is necessary to brush your teeth daily in the morning and in the evening. Experts advise changing your toothbrush every month. After eating, you need to rinse your mouth with decoctions of herbs.
Be sure to undergo a preventive examination at the dentist, especially people who have diabetes or wear prostheses. A lot of fruits and vegetables should be present in the diet, but not enough sugar. To maintain health, you should spend more time outdoors and play sports.