Fungal Throat Infections: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

When irritation, pain and inflammation flare up in the throat, it can be difficult to determine whether the problem is bacterial, viral or fungal in nature. Treat all throat infections seriously and quickly, and do your homework to make sure that you get the right treatment for your infection.

Types

• A fungus known as Candida albicans causes oral thrush, the most common fungal throat infection that brings on painful white lesions on the back of the throat and tongue.

Symptoms

• At first, the throat may be sensitive and raw. When it becomes difficult to swallow and eating food becomes painful, the infection should be treated immediately.

Complications

• If left untreated, fungal infections can spread through the esophagus and cause permanent damage to the throat.

Treatment

• Anti-fungal medicines such as clotrimazole and fluconazole can be prescribed by a doctor. Home remedy solutions include consuming garlic and gargling with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water.

Risk Factors

• People with diabetes and immune system deficiencies are most susceptible to Candida infection. Chemotherapy and certain antibiotics also increase risk.