Common Misdiagnoses of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth, specifically the mucus membrane that lines the mouth and tongue. The infection arises from the presence of Candida albicans, which is a fungal micro-organism. The condition occurs mostly in infants and is usually not serious. However, it can cause difficulties in infant feeding if not treated properly.

About Oral Thrush

In certain cases, it may be symptomatic of an underlying condition such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes. The disease in an infant may have been contracted during the birth process if the mother's vaginal area had a yeast infection from Candida albicans. Also, the infant may have been exposed to an infection in the mother's nipples.

Oral thrush is also found in adults with weakened immune systems such as those with diabetes. Candida is present normally within the mouth in a small amount but is kept in check by the body's immune system. If that system is compromised, the fungus can grow unimpeded. Other adults vulnerable to oral thrush are those who take steroid medications, who have HIV/AIDS, who are very young or elderly, who are receiving chemotherapy for cancer, who are taking medications that suppress the immune system or those in general poor health.

Oral thrush will appear as lesions within the mouth, usually whitish and velvety. Beneath the whitish material is red tissue that can easily bleed. The number and size of the lesions may increase in time. The rash may be irritating and painful. In the case of an infant, a proper diagnosis can relieve the infant from unnecessary discomfort and help facilitate easier feeding. In all cases, a proper diagnosis will help pinpoint any underlying disease that may be a threat to the sufferer's health.

Diagnosing and Treating Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is basically diagnosed by a sight examination by either a doctor or dentist and taking a medical history to determine conditions related to oral thrush. Diagnostic testing may involve the health care provider taking a small sample of the rash and examining it under a microscope to confirm an the presence of Candida albicans causing the infection.

In infants, treatment may not be necessary if the condition clears up in a couple of weeks. If the oral thrush lasts longer than this in an infant, the doctor should follow up to test for an underlying cause.

In adults, the doctor may recommend avoiding foods that are yeast-based such as yogurts. Occasionally patients taking antibiotics may contract oral thrush. These patients again are usually those with compromised immune systems. The elderly may also get oral thrush because of the fungus that may grow beneath ill-fitting dentures. In these cases, the doctor may recommend that the patient rinse his mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide several times a day until the condition clears. Other antifungal mouth washes may be prescribed. If the patient has a high glucose level, the condition may clear once the level is brought down.

If an underlying condition such as HIV/AIDS is determined, the doctor may prescribe stronger medications such as fluconazole or ketoconazole.

Common Misdiagnoses of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush may occasionally be mistaken for some other condition such as canker sores, cold sores or candidiasis. Misdiagnosis of oral thrush can lead to unnecessary treatments and medications which can aggravate the existing condition. Misdiagnosis may also delay treatment of any underlying condition.

Talk to an Attorney

If your oral thrush condition was not properly or timely diagnosed and your condition worsened or an underlying condition was not timely diagnosed as a result, you may have a claim of medical malpractice. You should be able to recover any addition medical costs arising from the malpractice as well as any undue pain and suffering. Talk to an experienced malpractice attorney to discuss your case.