Thrush and yeast infections share some similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell them apart. However, thrush and yeast infections are caused by different fungi and affect different parts of the body, so with a proper diagnosis from a doctor, they can usually be distinguished.
What is thrush?
Thrush is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It’s also known as oral candidiasis or oropharyngeal candidiasis.
Thrush causes white patches to develop on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, or throat. The patches can often be wiped away, revealing a red, inflamed area underneath. Thrush patches may be painful and can cause difficulty swallowing or a cottony sensation in the mouth.
Some other symptoms of thrush include:
- Cracked skin at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis)
- Loss of taste
- Creamy white lesions on the tongue, palate, or inner cheeks
- Redness or soreness
- Cottony feeling in the mouth
- Pain when swallowing (odynophagia)
Thrush is common in newborn babies and infants. It can also affect teenagers and adults, especially if the immune system is weakened by an illness or medication. Factors that can increase the risk of thrush include:
- Antibiotic use
- Corticosteroid therapy
- Immunosuppressant medications
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation treatment
- HIV/AIDS
- Diabetes
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Dry mouth
- Dentures
- Smoking
What is a yeast infection?
A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast. The most common type of yeast infection is a vaginal yeast infection, which is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast in the vagina. Men can also get penile yeast infections.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
- Vaginal itching and burning
- Vaginal soreness and irritation
- A thick, white vaginal discharge (like cottage cheese)
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Painful urination
Yeast infections can be caused by:
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, periods, or menopause
- Health conditions like diabetes or HIV
- Medications like antibiotics or birth control pills
- Weakened immune system
- Poor eating habits
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
Differences between thrush and yeast infections
While thrush and yeast infections share some general similarities, there are important differences between the two fungal infections:
| Thrush | Yeast Infection |
|---|---|
| Caused by Candida fungi, usually Candida albicans | Caused by overgrowth of Candida yeast, usually in the vagina |
| Occurs in the mouth (oral thrush) | Occurs in moist areas like the vagina, penis, buttocks |
| Main symptoms are white lesions/patches in mouth, sore throat, difficulty swallowing | Main symptoms are vaginal itching, burning, and thick cottage cheese-like discharge |
| Mainly affects infants, elderly, and immunocompromised people | Mainly affects women of childbearing age |
| Often occurs after antibiotic treatment | Can occur after antibiotic treatment kills off good bacteria |
| Usually not sexually transmitted | Can be sexually transmitted between partners |
| Diagnosed by physical exam of mouth and throat | Diagnosed by pelvic exam and visual inspection of vagina |
| Treated with antifungal mouthwash, lozenges, tablets | Treated with antifungal creams, suppositories, oral tablets |
Can thrush be mistaken for a yeast infection?
Despite some overlapping symptoms, thrush and yeast infections affect different parts of the body and have their own unique causes and risk factors. Thrush occurs in the mouth, while yeast infections occur in moist areas like the vagina and penis.
However, here are some reasons why thrush may potentially be mistaken for a yeast infection:
- White lesions in the mouth caused by thrush may resemble the white discharge caused by vaginal yeast infections.
- Generalized itching or burning in the genital area could be mistaken for a yeast infection when it’s caused by oral thrush.
- Both conditions share some general risk factors, like antibiotic use, diabetes, and weakened immunity.
- Someone recently treated for a vaginal yeast infection may mistake a new case of oral thrush for another genital yeast infection.
Additionally, some women may have simultaneous thrush and genital yeast infections due to similar risk factors. So vaginal discharge and oral lesions could be caused by both infections at the same time.
How to tell the difference between thrush and yeast infections
To help differentiate between thrush and a yeast infection:
- Note the location of symptoms – thrush causes lesions in the mouth while yeast infections cause vaginal itching and discharge.
- Look closely at lesions – creamy white patches or red lesions in mouth indicate thrush.
- Consider risk factors – thrush more likely after antibiotics, in infants or immunocompromised.
- Get examined – pelvic exam can check for discharge consistent with yeast infection.
- Ask about oral symptoms – if no mouth sores, less likely to be thrush.
- Review medication history – antibiotic use may point to thrush while birth control pills can increase yeast infection risk.
If there is uncertainty about whether symptoms are caused by thrush or a yeast infection, it’s best to see a doctor or gynecologist for an accurate diagnosis. Trying to treat the wrong condition may delay proper treatment.
Diagnosing thrush vs. yeast infections
To diagnose thrush, a doctor will typically:
- Ask about symptoms in the mouth and throat
- Examine the lining of the mouth and look for lesions
- Take a small scraping from lesions to view under a microscope or culture
- Prescribe antifungal medication and see if symptoms improve
To diagnose a yeast infection, a gynecologist may:
- Ask about vaginal itching, burning, and discharge
- Perform a pelvic exam to inspect the vagina and cervix
- Take a swab sample of vaginal discharge to view under a microscope
- Analyze discharge pH – yeast often makes discharge more alkaline
- Prescribe antifungal medication and confirm symptoms resolve
These exams and laboratory tests can help pinpoint whether an overgrowth of Candida fungi is causing symptoms in the mouth or vaginal area.
Treatment options
Thrush and yeast infections require different treatments due to the differing nature of the infections:
Thrush treatment
- Antifungal mouthwashes, lozenges, or tablets
- Antifungal cream for angular cheilitis lesions
- Improving oral hygiene and denture cleaning
- Addressing underlying causes like diabetes or immunosuppression
Yeast infection treatment
- Antifungal creams and suppositories placed in the vagina
- Oral antifungal tablets
- Over-the-counter antifungal treatments
- Avoiding irritants like douches, scented soaps, tight clothes
- Treating underlying causes like uncontrolled diabetes
For both conditions, antifungal medications are the mainstay treatments. But the delivery method differs based on location – oral thrush is treated with lozenges, mouthwash or tablets, while vaginal yeast infections are treated with topical creams or suppositories placed in the vagina.
Prevention
To help prevent both thrush and yeast infections:
- Practice good oral and vaginal hygiene
- Avoid excessive antibiotic use
- Control underlying conditions like diabetes
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid irritants in feminine products
- Eat yogurt with live cultures or take probiotic supplements
- Don’t share antibiotics or antifungals with others
Proper hygiene, blood sugar control, and probiotic intake can help maintain normal fungal balances in the body and prevent overgrowth leading to infection.
Conclusion
Thrush and yeast infections are caused by different strains of Candida fungus and affect different areas – thrush occurs in the mouth while yeast infections occur in the vagina and skin. While they share some similarities, with a proper medical diagnosis it is possible to distinguish between these two fungal infections. Getting the right diagnosis leads to the correct treatment and a faster resolution of symptoms.
