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Fungal Throat Infection
Fungal throat infections are common in infants, but rarely occur in adults. A fungal infection of the mouth is known as thrush. Occasionally, the use of antibiotics can lead to a secondary overgrowth of fungus in the throat of an otherwise healthy adult. Certain patients with a poorly functioning immune system are at increased risk for fungal throat infections. Let's consider the groups at risk:
1. AIDS PATIENTS
2. CANCER PATIENTS ON CHEMOTHERAPY
Oral or throat (pharynx) fungal infections in otherwise healthy males should ALWAYS raise the suspicion of AIDS. Common findings include a white, heavy plaque that may coat parts of the tongue and the back of the throat. These plaques DO NOT scrape off easily as would formula in the infant mouth. Adults may complain of sore throat and pain upon swallowing. Treatment in infants involves a prescription anti-fungal suspension (nystatin), administered by dropper, into both sides of the mouth several times a day. The infection will clear rapidly in the treated infant. Treatment of fungal throat infections in AIDS patients can be difficult because of high recurrence rates. Here treatment involves oral anti-fungal medications such as (Mycelex) lozenges.
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