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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor, pediatrician or a general practitioner. However, if you have an underlying condition that's contributing to the problem, you may then be referred to a specialist for treatment.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your initial appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements that you're taking. Also, let your doctor know if you've recently used antibiotics, or if you take oral or inhaled corticosteroids, such as those used to treat asthma.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your appointment. For oral thrush, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What caused this condition?
- Do I need any additional tests? Do these tests require any preparation?
- What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
- Do these treatments have any side effects?
- Are there any dietary restrictions that I need to follow?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
- How can I prevent this from happening again?
- Do I need to be tested for other diseases associated with thrush?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have you recently taken antibiotics for an infection?
- Do you have asthma? If so, do you use a steroid inhaler?
- Do you have any chronic health conditions?
- Do you have any other new symptoms of illness?
What you can do in the meantime
If you or your child has oral thrush, you may need treatment with an antifungal medication. While you're waiting for your appointment, however, you can try eating unsweetened yogurt to reintroduce beneficial bacteria to your mouth and throat. Rinsing with salt water may provide some symptom relief.
- Candidiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/candidiasis_gi.html. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Candidiasis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch120/ch120b.html. Accessed June 17, 2009.
- Lustig LR, et al. Ear, nose, & throat disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2009. New York, N.Y.; McGraw-Hill/Lange; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2356. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Candidiasis. American Academy of Pediatric's Redbook. http://aapredbook.aappublications.org. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Kauffman CA. Clinical manifestations of oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 16, 2009.
- Lakshman PS, et al. Oral mucosal fungal infections. Periodontology 2000. 2009;49:39.
- Is thrush causing my sore nipples? La Leche League International. http://www.llli.org/FAQ/thrush.html. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Gonsalves WC. Common oral conditions in older persons. American Family Physician. 2008;78:845.
- Diabetes and oral health. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/patient/patient_18.pdf. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 30, 2009.
