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).
