Oral Thrush After Tonsillectomy



What is Thrush? (Candida)

Oral Thrush or Candidiasis is a yeast infection of the mucus membrane lining of the mouth and tongue. It is often referred to as candida. Candida or thrush is a yeast infection caused by a fungus called candid. This candida fungus or yeast infection is always present in the mouth but certain conditions can affect your bodies ability to keep the candida fungus in check. For tonsillectomy patients, weakened immune system and doses of antibiotics can are the usual causes. Most people first notice a white tongue.

Since the mouth is abnormal anyway, many post tonsillectomy patients do not realize that they have candida or thrush. A white film on the tongue and sores are common symptoms of oral thrush or yeast infection. This white tongue may seem the least of worries but could indicate a yeast infection

Many of the visitors to the tonsillectomy forum have reported that eating yogurt or taking over-the-counter acidophilus capsules can help clear up the Candida (oral thrush). You might also try using a soft toothbrush to gently clean the area and rinsing your mouth with a diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide solution several times a day.

If these home remedies don’t work, see your doctor who may prescribe an antifungal mouthwash or lozenges to suck on .



Candidiasis is actually quite common among tonsillectomy patients, but quite treatable. Tonsillectomy recovery is uncomfortable without oral thrush. Don’t suffer with it unnecessarily. If you think you have thrush, call your doctor to discuss treatment options

Here is a photo of a fairly typical case of oral thrush (Candidiasis).

Oral thrush after tonsillectomy
Oral Thrush

 

 

20 comments

  1. My doc also said this was absolutely normal and doesn’t want me to do anything about it. We will see if he has the same opinion after my post op appointment when I bowl him over with my bad breath and cottage cheese covered white tongue.

    1. My doctor prescribed me a topical solution. She stated that it’s affecting my recovery from my tonsillectomy. I would suggest getting a second option. Are you still dealing with it?

  2. I have this andd my doctor said it was normal and said just to take Tylenol and have a humidifier on he didnt give me more than that but I have little pain and it just feels like a dry tongue and boogers in my throat. I dont know what to do to make this leave faster but I wish it would.

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