Oral Candidiasis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time

How long does it take for oral candidiasis to fully heal?

Dear Inquirer,
Hello, based on your literal questions, there are several points that need clarification in order to answer your inquiry:
1.
What do the lesions in your mouth look like? Are they hard or soft? Are they white, red, or another color? Approximately how large are they? Are they located on the cheeks, lips, gums, or elsewhere?
2.
You mentioned that after cooking fried rice with your girlfriend on June 6, you noticed oral lesions on June 13.
This seems to suggest a causal relationship.
However, did you engage in oral sex with your girlfriend during previous instances of cooking fried rice?
3.
What were your original weight and height?
In response to the physician, you mentioned that you have some white spots inside your lips.
When you lick these spots with your tongue, they feel a bit rough and not very smooth.
You have gently brushed them with a toothbrush and managed to remove some, but they seem to have reappeared the next day, although not as many as before.
You also noted some red areas inside both cheeks that resemble wounds, approximately 0.5 cm in size.
They do not feel hard, but rather soft.
You have previously engaged in oral sex with your girlfriend, but have not experienced this before.

If this is an infection transmitted by your girlfriend, does that mean she has a discharge? (I heard that a discharge is related to Candida, is that true?) If I kiss my girlfriend again, will she be at risk of being infected by me? Your original weight was 67 kg, and you are now 62 kg, with a height of 169 cm.
[Response Date] 2010/06/21
[Response] Physician: Taoyuan Hospital / ENT Department / Dr.
Chen Jian-Zhi
Dear Inquirer,
Hello, based on your description, it indeed sounds like an oral candidiasis infection, which typically occurs in patients with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly, those undergoing chemotherapy, cancer patients, or individuals with acquired immunodeficiency.
I wonder if you also have similar white lesions in your oral cavity?
Catholic Fu Jen University Lecturer, Dr.
Chen Jian-Zhi
[Response] I apologize, Doctor.
I am not sure what you mean by the jaw area.
Are you referring to the bone behind the last tooth? I am unsure if the pain on the right side is due to brushing too hard or related to the Candida.
However, after applying medication yesterday and today, the rough feeling inside my lips has disappeared.
Does Candida resolve on its own without treatment? (I have been using the medication for two days and have one day left.
If it does not improve, should I go back to get more medication?) Or could this be a precursor to cancer? The ENT doctor mentioned that, at my age, it is unlikely to have Candida.
Should I undergo further examination? My mother believes that after my anal fistula surgery on April 2, and following a month of vegetarian diet from May 15 to June 13, along with two months of traditional Chinese medicine from mid-April to June 15, my body became too cold, which caused this issue and my weight loss.
I wonder if there is any truth to that.
[Response Date] 2010/06/22
[Response] Physician: Taoyuan Hospital / ENT Department / Dr.
Chen Jian-Zhi
Dear Inquirer,
Hello, based on your description, if the medication is effective, then there is less cause for concern, and the likelihood of cancer is extremely low.
However, your symptoms are more related to immune function.
I recommend that you visit a health check-up center at another hospital (self-paid) to test for fasting blood glucose, anti-HIV antibodies, general hematology tests, and white blood cell count and differential (CBC/DC) to clarify your health concerns.
Catholic Fu Jen University Lecturer, Dr.
Chen Jian-Zhi
[Response] Doctor, how much do you estimate the self-paid tests will cost? What type of hospital offers these tests? Do I need to make an appointment beforehand? (Do I need to see a doctor first? Which department should I visit?) Is the anti-HIV antibody test related to AIDS? So, are most individuals susceptible to oral candidiasis elderly, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or those with AIDS?
[Response Date] 2010/06/22
[Response] Physician: Taoyuan Hospital / ENT Department / Dr.
Chen Jian-Zhi
Dear Inquirer,
Hello, regarding your inquiry, the cost of self-paid tests will depend on the hospital's standards and the specific test package you choose.
Hospitals at the regional level or above typically offer such tests.
I suggest you inquire at a health check-up center.
Alternatively, you can visit the Infectious Disease Department and explain that you have oral candidiasis to see if they can arrange immune or infectious disease tests under health insurance coverage, but the tests will depend on the physician's expertise and health insurance regulations.
The acquired immunodeficiency virus refers to what is commonly known as AIDS, and it is advisable for immunocompromised patients to undergo this virus test.
[Response] May I ask, Doctor, does Candida generally resolve on its own without treatment? I have only been using the medication until today, and I will likely still feel some pain tomorrow.
Should I go back to get more medication? When getting tested, should I directly request an HIV test (for the acquired immunodeficiency virus)? Additionally, is the fasting blood glucose test, general hematology tests, and white blood cell count and differential (CBC/DC) also related to AIDS testing? Two years ago, I underwent surgery for nasal polyps and a deviated septum.
Before the surgery, the doctor informed me of the pre-operative test results, which were normal, but they also mentioned testing for AIDS and syphilis, which were also normal.
Is it necessary to test for AIDS or syphilis for nasal surgeries? I am unsure if the doctor was trying to ease my pre-operative anxiety with a joke, or if such tests are standard for nasal surgeries.

Xiao Zhi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/06/22

Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology

Dear Inquirer,
Based on your literal question, if the oral lesions have healed, there is less reason for concern.
However, if they recur after stopping medication, I would recommend visiting a hospital's health check-up center or an infectious disease department for an examination.
The tests should be based on what I suggested, but ultimately, it will depend on the examination package or the physician's decision at that time.
After all, without personally examining you, there may still be a gap between the written description and the actual condition.
During the nasal surgery, blood tests were conducted, including for HIV and syphilis, but those were reports from two years ago, and I'm unsure of your current status.
Sincerely,
Chen Jian-Zhi, Lecturer, Fu Jen Catholic University

Reply Date: 2010/06/22

More Info

Oral candidiasis, commonly known as oral thrush, is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, particularly Candida albicans. This condition can manifest in various ways, and understanding its symptoms, treatment options, and recovery time is crucial for effective management.

Symptoms of Oral Candidiasis
The symptoms of oral candidiasis can vary, but they typically include:
1. White Patches: The most characteristic symptom is the presence of creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, or the back of the throat. These patches may resemble cottage cheese and can be painful or bleed when scraped.

2. Redness and Soreness: The affected areas may become red and sore, leading to discomfort, especially when eating or swallowing.

3. Cracking and Redness at Corners of the Mouth: Angular cheilitis, or cracks at the corners of the mouth, may also occur.

4. Loss of Taste: Some individuals may experience a loss of taste or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

5. Difficulty Swallowing: In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the esophagus, causing pain or difficulty when swallowing.

Treatment Options
Treatment for oral candidiasis typically involves antifungal medications. The choice of treatment may depend on the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health. Common treatment options include:
1. Topical Antifungals: For mild cases, antifungal lozenges or mouthwashes containing nystatin or clotrimazole can be effective. These are usually applied directly to the affected areas.

2. Systemic Antifungals: In more severe cases, or if the infection recurs, oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole or itraconazole may be prescribed. These medications work by inhibiting the growth of the fungus throughout the body.

3. Addressing Underlying Conditions: It’s essential to identify and manage any underlying conditions that may contribute to the overgrowth of Candida, such as diabetes, immunosuppression, or the use of corticosteroids.

4. Maintaining Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and rinsing with an antifungal mouthwash, can help prevent recurrence.

Recovery Time
The recovery time for oral candidiasis can vary based on the severity of the infection and the effectiveness of the treatment. Generally, with appropriate antifungal therapy, mild cases may begin to improve within a few days, while more severe cases may take a week or longer to resolve completely. It’s important to complete the full course of any prescribed medication, even if symptoms improve before finishing the treatment.

Additional Considerations
1. Risk Factors: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or individuals taking immunosuppressive medications, are at a higher risk for developing oral candidiasis.

2. Prevention: To reduce the risk of developing oral thrush, it is advisable to maintain good oral hygiene, limit sugar intake, and avoid smoking. For individuals using inhaled corticosteroids, rinsing the mouth after use can help prevent fungal overgrowth.

3. Consultation with Healthcare Providers: If symptoms persist despite treatment or if there are concerns about the nature of the lesions (e.g., potential malignancy), it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

In conclusion, oral candidiasis is a manageable condition with appropriate treatment and preventive measures. If you suspect you have oral thrush or are experiencing symptoms, seeking medical advice is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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