Muguet or oral yeast infection . It is a candida infection that causes whitish spots in the mouth . It constitutes a group of infections caused by an opportunistic fungus of the Candida genus , of which Candida abicans is the most frequent. It is a saprophytic asexual diploid fungus from the Sacaromicetos family that is involved in a relevant role in the digestion of sugars through a fermentation process.
Summary
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- 1 What is Muguet?
- 2 Muguet and the immune system
- 3 The neonatal Muguet
- 4 How does oral yeast infection spread?
- 5 Most frequent symptoms.
- 6 Diagnosis and treatment
- 7 Source
What is Muguet?
Candida albicans, the cause of Muguet, is a single-celled fungus that nests naturally in the mouth. In general, the human organism maintains the natural balance between the microbes that inhabit it. But when that balance is disturbed, Candida albicans and other fungi can begin to multiply in the oral cavity and pharynx. Muguet is also known as thrush or oral moniliasis.
Muguet and the immune system
Oral yeast infection commonly occurs in newborns. In older children and adults it may be a sign of an immune-based disorder. For example, people whose immune system has been damaged by the AIDS virus are at increased risk for Muguet infection. People who receive antibiotics to fight bacterial infections and those who use asthma steroid inhalers can also get this infection.
The neonatal Muguet
Newborns can contract the Muguet during delivery if the mother has a vaginal yeast infection, or acquire it by contact with the teat of the bottle, or with the contaminated hands of a family member. The Muguet covers the tongue, the palate, the inner wall of the cheeks and the pharynx with whitish plaques similar to that of cottage cheese. However, if these plaques are scraped, they begin to bleed, and the infant may resist suckling from the pain they cause. Candida also causes the rash known as diaper rash, but in that case the appearance of the lesions is reddish, rather than whitish.
How does oral yeast infection spread?
About half of the people have Candida albicans in their mouths, without suffering any disease. For example, those who wear dentures generally have this type of fungus in their mouths. However, under certain circumstances, biochemical changes occur in the oral mucosa that promote the growth of these germs, and then cause oral yeast infection.
More frequent symptoms.
- Creamy and whitish plaques that converge on the back of the tongue, the soft palate and the gingival mucosa.
- When detached, they reveal a red and congestive mucosa.
- The infection can also manifest as a red, smooth, shiny and painful tongue or as an affectation of the oral commissures in the form of triangular plates, with scales and fissures in the center or affecting the lips, mainly the lower one, with adherent scales of grayish color and erosions.
- Mouth and throatdiscomfort .
- Burning and changes in the sense of taste.
- The affected areas usually have a creamy, whitish or yellowish coating.
- Canker sores can occur in the mouth and throat.
In cases where it affects the mouth as well as the throat, these other symptoms and much more dangerous consequences may appear:
- Chest pain.
- Nausea.
- Pain when swallowing.
- Certain ulcerscan perforate the esophagus .
- The esophagus may be partially obstructed by accumulating coatings and patches.
- The candidiasiscan spread to the stomach and intestine .
Diagnosis and treatment
The Muguet usually disappears spontaneously. As it can be, as we have pointed out, an indication of immune disorders, it is very important to consult a doctor or dentist, who can examine the yeast under the microscope, determine its cause and recommend ways to prevent the infection from recurring. For the treatment of Muguet, medications are prescribed that must be taken orally or applied directly to the plates, along with the recommendation to exercise extreme hygiene, which will include frequent hand washing, frequent diaper changes and the use of mouthwash. .
