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Thrush - The Symptoms You Don’t Know About

January 14, 2023

Full disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Should you be in a sticky situation, you should always seek out advice from a legal professional.

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You wake up one morning and suddenly your mouth feels like it's filled with cotton balls. You try to brush your teeth, but every swipe of the toothbrush feels like sandpaper against your tongue. And don't even get us started on trying to eat your favorite breakfast smoothie! What in the world is going on in there?

Well, my friend, it sounds like you might have a case of thrush. You may have heard of or experienced a different kind of thrush of the genitals, but there are symptoms you might not have heard of or experienced before.

But don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds.

Thrush is a common fungal infection that can affect anyone, but it's most commonly found in babies, elderly folks, and people with weakened immune systems.

So what exactly is thrush?

It's caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, which is normally present in small amounts in your mouth and digestive system. But when something upsets the balance of microorganisms in your body (like taking antibiotics or having a compromised immune system), the Candida can start to multiply and cause an infection.

What are the symptoms of thrush?

Now, let's talk about the symptoms of thrush. As we mentioned earlier, the main symptom is a painful, swollen mouth and tongue. But it can also cause other problems, like:

  • White or yellow patches on the inside of your mouth and tongue
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • A sore throat
  • A hoarse voice

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor or healthcare provider. They'll be able to diagnose thrush and recommend the best course of treatment.

How do I treat this type of thrush?

The good news is that thrush is usually easy to treat with antifungal medication. Your doctor may prescribe a mouth rinse or a pill that you'll need to take for a few weeks. It's important to finish the entire course of treatment, even if your symptoms go away, to make sure the fungus is completely gone.

In addition to taking medication, there are a few things you can do at home to help speed up your recovery:

  • Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash to help kill the fungus
  • Avoid foods that are high in sugar, as the fungus feeds on sugar and can make the infection worse
  • Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol intake, as both can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off the infection
  • Practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and avoiding sharing utensils or cups with others

Thrush may not be the most glamorous topic, but it's important to take care of it and get it treated as soon as possible. And who knows, maybe by the time you're done with your treatment, you'll have the freshest breath in town!

Can getting rest fix my thrush?

It’s easy to request a sick day or two off from work when you have a thrush with a Partner Doctor through MinuteHealth. Rest can often help with thrush to reduce the length and severity of it.

Being an Aussie owned & run company, MinuteHealth understands the importance of helping our fellow Aussies out in times of need.

We also understand what it’s like to be in the queue at a doctor’s office just to get a note to confirm things you already knew about your health, just so you can get paid on what should be your day off. Being able to get medical certificates online helps Australians get the rest they need when they need it so they can get back on their feet and back to contributing in no time.

If you need an online medical certificate, it’s a simple process to get one through MinuteHealth:

📱 Head here

📝 Fill in a short form — it asks for key details about your medical issue

👨‍⚕️ Consult with your own Partner Doctor — they’ll take the medical information you provide and review within 24-48 hours

📥 Get your medical certificate to your inbox — you’ll receive an SMS and an e-mail with your medical certificate ready to download

It’s important to note that the independent Partner Doctor will read your health notes and make an informed decision on whether to provide you with a medical certificate or not. The Health Practitioner does not work for us, and we’ve created MinuteHealth to facilitate a convenient, ongoing connection with them.