What Are the Treatments for Candida Pharyngitis?
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Candida species, including Candida albicans, are normally present in the oral cavity in small numbers. However, the population of candida may increase rapidly and lead to pharyngitis or infection of the throat in patients with reduced immunity such as those with HIV, cancer, antibiotic therapy or diabetes. The common symptoms include white, cheesy plaque on the mucous membranes of the throat along with lesions on the tongue, palate and throat. The lesions are usually painless, unless the plaque is torn away and the raw surface is exposed.
Home Remedies
University of Maryland Medical Center recommends several remedies that can be easily performed at home and can provide relief from common symptoms of candida pharyngitis. These include drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm broths to sooth the throat, rest, humidifier and gargling several times per day with 1/2 tsp. of salt in a glass of warm water. Throat lozenges can also help relieve the irritation that occurs in the throat but should not be given to children younger than 3 years of age as they can be a chocking hazard. Nutritional supplements such as probiotics, vitamin C and zinc may also help as they work to improve the functioning of the immune system, thereby helping the body to fight the infection.
Pain Relievers
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin may be prescribed to patients with severe headache or throat pain. These drugs also have the ability to bring down the body temperature and can be used to treat mild fever associated with candida pharyngitis. However, the MayoClinic.com warns against the use of aspirin in children younger than 18 years of age due to the risk of developing Reye's syndrome that leads to swelling of liver and brain.
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Anti-Fungal Drugs
Nystatin is the most common drug used to treat candida pharyngitis. According to University of Texas Medical Branch, washing the mouth with 10 to 15 mL of nystatin about 5 times a day for as long as the patient is infectious. Nystatin binds to the candida cell membrane and forms pores there, leading to loss of cell structure and cell death. Common side effects of nystatin include acne, cracking of skin, dryness and excessive hair growth.
For patients with more severe infections especially involving the larynx and oesophagus, fluconazole is the drug of choice. Fluconazole acts by slowing the growth of candida. Changes in taste, diarrhea, dizziness and headache are the common side effects. Amphotericin B is another anti-fungal drug that is predominantly used to treat candida pharyngitis that spreads beyond the throat to other organs. Amphotericin B may be given orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the condition. Fever and weight loss are the common adverse reactions.
For patients with more severe infections especially involving the larynx and oesophagus, fluconazole is the drug of choice. Fluconazole acts by slowing the growth of candida. Changes in taste, diarrhea, dizziness and headache are the common side effects. Amphotericin B is another anti-fungal drug that is predominantly used to treat candida pharyngitis that spreads beyond the throat to other organs. Amphotericin B may be given orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the condition. Fever and weight loss are the common adverse reactions.
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