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Laryngeal thrush
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Information about candidiasis was presented in the article " Oral and pharyngeal candidiasis ". Thrush of the larynx (pearl oyster) most often occurs in the summer in infants, especially with artificial feeding, with nutritional disorders, as well as in adults suffering from diabetes, cachexia, tuberculosis and other chronic diseases that suppress immunity.
What causes laryngeal thrush?
Laryngeal thrush or a similar disease (pearl oyster) is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, colonies of which develop on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and pharynx in the form of white plaques, tightly fused in the first days with the underlying substrate, then easily rejected. In the larynx, small whitish papillary formations are observed, isolated from each other by zones of hyperemic mucous membrane, which, merging, form false membranes. They are located on the epiglottis and aryepiglottic folds, much less often - on the mucous membrane of the ventricles of the larynx and vocal folds. The mucous membrane around these formations is hyperemic, thickened, sometimes edematous.
Symptoms of laryngeal thrush
The patient's complaints are limited to difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, burning sensations in the larynx and the presence of a foreign body in it. There are frequent cases of respiratory failure leading to suffocation. Laryngeal thrush develops non-aggressively, slowly. The general condition of the patient depends mainly on the disease against which laryngeal thrush arose. The disease often recurs.
Diagnosis of laryngeal thrush
Diagnosis of laryngeal thrush is based on the presence of similar changes in the oral cavity and pharynx. Laryngeal thrush should be differentiated from other laryngeal diseases that manifest themselves in the formation of pseudomembranous plaques. The final diagnosis is established by microscopic examination of plaques and detection of characteristic fungi.
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Treatment of laryngeal thrush
Treatment of laryngeal thrush involves the use of antifungal drugs, rinses and hydrosols with alkaline solutions, lubrication of the affected areas with gentian violet, etc. The main effort should be aimed at increasing the body's resistance, establishing adequate nutrition and the completeness of the vitamin and microelement balance in it.
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