COMPLICATIONS Often Misdiagnosed or Overlooked

Category:

COMPLICATIONS

Often Misdiagnosed or Overlooked

In 2013 PRO published an article, Is It Gerd Or Is It Thrush? Which you may find as an interesting read. It is on our website.

            But here are some COMPLICATIONS, many of which may surface around the holidays, that happen in Parkinson’s and are often over-looked and/or misdiagnosed as “Just Parkinson’s.” Symptoms of esophageal thrush can include:

  • pain when swallowing
  • burning or itching in the throat or back of the mouth
  • thick saliva or white saliva or phlegm
  • changes in taste
  • nausea
  • acid reflux, a common condition that features a burning pain, known as heartburn, in the lower chest area. It happens when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when acid reflux occurs more than twice a week.
  • chest soreness

            Esophageal thrush can spread quickly and may be severe. Without treatment, or if treatment fails, a person may develop:

  • Candidemia, a Candida infection of the blood
  • Candida of the organs, such as the heart and lungs
  • Sepsis, which can be life-threatening
  • Weight loss and malnourishment due to swallowing problems

            People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop serious complications.

            Having a weakened immune system may also make it more likely that the initial treatment will fail or that a person will have to try several different medications to find one that works.

            Some doctors choose to treat the infection with antibiotics or an antifungal medication and see if symptoms get better. If not, they may do an endoscopy.

            A person with a severe esophageal thrush infection may need to stay in the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

            IMPORTANT Esophageal thrush requires prompt medical care. People with problems swallowing, symptoms of an oral thrush infection or a history of thrush in the esophagus should see a doctor right away.

            Improving oral hygiene, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and following a doctor's recommendations for strengthening the immune system may help prevent esophageal thrush from recurring. Rinse your mouth and gargle with club soda or baking soda rinse (1/4 tsp baking soda mixed with 1 cup water) before and after eating.

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Updated: August 16, 2017