Thrush is a common fungal infection of the mouth caused by a yeast named Candida albicans. Candidiasis that develops in the mouth or throat is called “thrush” or oropharyngeal candidiasis, while candidiasis of the vagina is commonly referred to as a yeast infection.  

Symptoms of oral thrush include the formation of yellow patches and white lesions on the tongue or elsewhere in the mouth. It is characterized by redness, burning or soreness that may cause problems with eating or swallowing. Other symptoms are a cottony feeling in the mouth, loss of taste, and cracking at the corners of the mouth. 

Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of thrush developing include a weakened immune system; diabetes type 1 or diabetes type 2; vaginal yeast infections; certain medication, such as prednisone, inhaled corticosteroids or some antibiotics; and certain other oral conditions.  

Thrush is normally treated with antifungal medications, such as clotrimazole and fluconazole. Drug classes commonly used to treat thrush include azole antifungals, polyene antifungals, topical dermatological antifungals, and echinocandins antifungals.