Thrush: Exams And Tests

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Exams and Tests

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Thrush is a yeast infection that can develop in the mouth and throat and on the tongue. Thrush is most common in newborns, infants, and older adults, but it can occur at any age. In healthy newborns and infants, thrush is usually not a serious problem and is easily treated and cured.

A visual examination is usually all that is needed to diagnose thrush. In addition to looking in your mouth, your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history.

In rare cases, your doctor may order a KOH prep test in which one of the white patches is scraped and examined. A KOH prep test is used only in cases when thrush is not clearly evident by visual examination or when a diagnosed case of thrush is not responding to prescribed medicines.

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Last updated:	March 10, 2008
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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