Oral Candidiasis

• Minor Ailment For Oral Thrush Med Sask Guidelines 

1.  What is the most common cause of oral thrush?

a) Bacterial overgrowth
b) Viral infection
c) Candida species overgrowth
d) Streptococcal infection

2. Which of the following is a common sign or symptom of oral thrush?

a) Persistent cough and sore throat
b) Superficial white plaques on mucosal membranes that can be scraped off to reveal a red base
c) Thick green nasal discharge
d) Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

3. Which group of drugs is first-line for treating oral thrush?

a) Polyenes (e.g., nystatin)
b) Echinocandins
c) Azoles (e.g., fluconazole)
d) Broad-spectrum antibiotics

4. What is a key non-pharmacological measure to reduce the risk of oral thrush in patients using inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)?

a) Use mouthwash containing alcohol daily
b) Rinse the mouth after using ICS
c) Switch to systemic corticosteroids
d) Use a higher ICS dose to prevent fungal overgrowth

5. Which of the following is a red flag that requires referral in a patient presenting with oral thrush?

a) Patient has a history of smoking
b) Lesions have been present for more than 3 weeks
c) Patient has mild pain but no other symptoms
d) Plaques appear to be easily scraped off without bleeding