What is "thrush"?
Thrush is a yeast infection caused by an organism called Manilia; it's a kind of fungus or mold. As a result of thrush, people have white patches, mainly in their throat. That type of problem is very often associated with people who have immune deficiencies, low immune response or are taking large amounts of antibiotics that get rid of their normal flora - the normal bacteria in their throat. Thrush can also occur in patients who are taking steroids, especially inhaled steroids. Manilia or thrush in the throat can be very irritating. Not only do you see white patches, but red inflammatory areas in the throat that can cause sore throats and difficulty swallowing. I always tell patients who are taking inhaled corticosteroids to rinse their throat so that the steroid doesn't stay in their throat and cause an overgrowth of this yeast. When patients have thrush, there are anti-fungal agents that we need to use. Very often these are throat lozenges or suspensions that they swish in their throat. Most cases of thrush can be avoided with proper hygiene after you use your inhaled corticosteroid.
