Thrush - Oral Thrush

What is Oral Thrush?

Oral thrush is a common fungal infection of the mouth caused by a yeast called candida.

Predominately occurs in babies and older people with dentures.

What can cause Oral Thrush  

• taking antibiotics
• taking steroid inhalers for conditions such as asthma or (COPD)
• taking medicine that affects your immune system
• diagnosed with a condition that weakens your immune system

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

What are the common symptoms of oral thrush?

The symptoms of Trush are different in children, adults and babies.

Symptoms of Thrush in adults and children over 12 months:

• white patches or spots in your mouth that cannot be rubbed off
• a red patch that can bleed if you wipe off a white spot
• spots that join together to form larger patches - these can become yellow
  a red or sore area under your dentures
• a red and sore mouth without white spots, especially after taking antibiotics or steroid
• food does not taste the same

Adults may have other symptoms of Oral Thrush including:

• cracks at the corners of your mouth
• an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• pain, such as a sore tongue or gums
• difficulty eating and drinking  

Symptoms of Thrush in babies of under 12 months:

• a white coating on their tongue that cannot be rubbed off
• white spots in their mouth
• not wanting to feed
• nappy rash
• dribbling more than usual - this may be because it hurts them to swallow

How Your Pharmacists Can Help

Oral thrush can sometimes be diagnosed and treated by a pharmacist through the Common Conditions Service. At Green Cross Pharmacy our pharmacy team can assess you or your child for Oral Thrush and recommend the best treatment. There is a fee for this consultation service.

For Appointments:

Book Online - Under Common Conditions Service

Walk-in - Ask to talk to a pharmacist ( we have a private consultation room if preferred)

Fee - Pharmacist consultation fee is €35.