White Tongue

A new treatment for the Candida species of fungi that can cause thrush and sepsis – a life-threatening infection which can lead to fever, hypotension and shock – has been found to be effective as existing remedies.

The drug – micafungin – was found to work as well as liposomal amphotericin B and caused fewer side effects, scientists report today in the online edition of the Lancet medical journal.

Infections have become increasingly prevalent over the past few years and there are a number of problems associated with established treatments.

Researchers led by Oliver Cornely, of The University Hospital of Cologne, tested the two drugs against the infections candidaemia and invasive candidosis.

Studies were carried out at 115 sites in Europe, India, Brazil, North America, Thailand, South Africa, and Australia.

The 531 patients were split into two groups and given either micafungin 100mg per day or liposomal amphotericin B 3 mg per kg body weight daily.

Fewer problems were associated with micafungin. Patients receiving liposomal amphotericin B had more problems with kidney infections and with drug administration.

“Our results establish micafungin as a treatment option for first-line therapy of candidaemia and invasive candidosis,” the researchers conclude

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The US based website ClinicalTrials.gov lists information on both federally and privately supported clinical trials using human volunteers. Some of the clinical trials listed on ClinicalTrials.gov for Oral thrush include:                    A Study to Compare the Use of Fluconazole as Continuous Therapy Versus Periodic Therapy in HIV-Positive Patients With Recurrent Thrush - This study has been completed (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - Fluconazole                    A Study of Amphotericin B in the Treatment of Fungal Infections of the Mouth in HIV-Infected Patients Who Have Not Had Success With Fluconazole - This study has been completed (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - Amphotericin B                    Nystatin Pastilles for the Prevention of Oral Candidiasis in Patients With AIDS or ARC - This study is no longer recruiting patients (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - Nystatin

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Various tests are used in the diagnosis of Oral thrush. Some of these are listed below :                    Physical exam                    Oral exam                    Microscopic analysis of mouth swab scrapings                    Laboratory analysis of mouth swab scrapings                    Tests for complications such as esophagus candidiasis (throat spread of candida) See full list of 8 diagnostic tests for Oral thrush

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Conditions listing Oral thrush as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Oral thrush, for example, of Sjogren’s syndrome.

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva. Sjogren’s syndrome is also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Sjogren’s Syndrome Information Page: NINDS)

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Contributing Factors

• Use of oral contraceptives, steroids, antacids, anti-ulcer medications, or frequent or long-term use of antibiotics.
• High-sugar diets
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes

This candida quiz can help you become familiar with the symptoms of candida.

Symptoms include:

• Tired or lethargic
• Poor memory
• Feel drained, depleted or exhausted
• Numbness, burning, tingling
• Stomach pain
• Joint pain or swelling
• Muscle aching or weakness
• Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or belching
• Bothersome or persistent vaginal itching, burning, or discharge
• Prostatitis
• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of sexual desire
• Endometriosis or infertility
• Menstrual irregularity or cramping
• Anxiety attacks or crying
• Cold hands and feet, feel chilly
• Irritable or shaking when hungry

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