Can a healthy adult get oral thrush?

[jaychops]

I seem to have started with oral thrush for the 2nd time. I'm 32 and have been under a great amount of stress recently, returned to work in Jan after maternity leave (and a year of little sleep!) a miscarriage in December, family health issues etc. I've also been on a bit of a silly diet to try and lose a bit of weight which wasn't very balanced so I'm probably low in nutrients. I'm a very anxious person and always on edge.

Coincidentally, the other time I had it was 3 years ago and also a couple of weeks after returning to work after maternity leave with my first. I went to the GP who did bloods and all was fine.

Everything I read on Dr Google says oral thrush is usually a sign of another health condition and I have terrible health anxiety so I suppose I'm after some reassurance that stress can cause/contribute to it? I am well with no other symptoms other than my anxiety which I take citalopram for, although I wasn't taking it the first time I had it.

[PermanentTemporary]

Lots of things can trigger oral thrush. Generally being run down certainly can contribute. Do you take any medication? Lots of tablets can dry the mouth out a bit which doesn't help.

[PermanentTemporary]

Maybe ask a pharmacist about advice on mouthwash to reduce the chances of it recurring? Maybe visit a dentist? But I see oral thrush all the time, and although it's always s sign that the person isn't too well, i never take it as indicating a major associated disease in itself.

[jaychops]

Thanks @permanenttemporary. Only citalopram. I don't drink very much at all though.

[PermanentTemporary]

All antidepressants dry the mouth (actually so many do that it's easier to say which tablets don't tbh).

[PermanentTemporary]

Do you tend to have flavoured drinks (I do?) More water would probably help, but you know that.

[AmazingGreats]

Stress is a much under estimated physiological condition. It can cause your hair to fall out or to change colour, you to develop heartburn and ulcers, can trigger inflammation anywhere in the body but most commonly in IBS, can cause you to develop issues with blood pressure, angina, heart attacks, panic attacks, migraine, tension headaches, and all kinds of hormonal imbalances and disorders. It can make your periods heavier or lighter or stop all together. It can cause tooth grinding, abscesses and exacerbate gum issues and periodontitis. It can cause you to have constant low grade infections that don't get t better, and old infections to resurface like cold sores. It can cause your skin to thin and issues with healing which can mean old scars can actually reopen. The stress condition can cause disorders anything from Cushings to cancer to MS. So yes, thrush can be a symptom of an underlying condition. But that underlying condition may well be stress. The bacteria that help it flourish are in carbs and sugars which are the foods that we most often reach for when tired, stressed, or struggling with low mood in any way. I would start by finding ways to reduce your stress and also by working on your gut bacteria. Pre and probiotics are your best weapons here, be that live yogurt, kimchi, supplements or just upping your veg intake.

Sometimes when we are stressed trying to not be stressed makes it worse. This is where it's good to find winding down activities that expend some of those stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Some people walk miles or go to the gym, other people clean the house or play video games. The point is that it is a step between the stress state and the relaxed state. You don't need to become a yoga meditation zen master to benefit your health. Just try and find a way to reduce your stress levels, physiologically exercise works very well here.

Good luck

[jaychops]

Thanks both of you. I'm going to make a strong effort to increase my nutrition, hydration and reduce stress.