Thrush
AliasOral Candidiasis Infection
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Oral Candidiasis, also known as Thrush, falls under the category of "Kouchuan" (oral ulcers) in traditional Chinese medicine. According to the "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," Thrush is caused by the accumulation of heat in the spleen and stomach, or by the upward floating of deficiency fire, leading to the appearance of white, flaky lesions resembling the mouth of a goose on the oral mucosa, accompanied by symptoms such as pain and difficulty in swallowing.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of Thrush is the accumulation of heat in the spleen and stomach or the upward floating of deficiency fire. Common triggers include irregular diet, insufficient endowment, and long-term illness with weakened body. During the differentiation of symptoms, attention should be paid to distinguishing between cold and heat, as well as deficiency and excess. For instance, the pattern of heat accumulation in the heart and spleen is characterized by a full coating of white flakes on the oral tongue, red face, and lips, along with restlessness. Conversely, the pattern of upward floating ofdeficiency fire presents with scattered white flakes on the mouth and tongue, weak physique, pale complexion, and blushing cheeks. The overall direction of treatment suggests clearing the heart and purging the spleen to treat the pattern of heat accumulation in the heart and spleen, and nourishing yin and reducing fire, guiding the fire back to its origin to treat the pattern of upward floating of deficiency fire. In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the treatment of Thrush focuses on adjusting the balance of yin and yang in the body, restoring the function of the spleen and stomach, and achieving the goal of eliminating pathogenic factors.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Heart and spleen accumulation of heat syndrome
Main Manifestations: The tongue surface of the mouth is covered with white scales, with a flushed face and red lips, and restlessness
Management Approach: Clear Heart and Drain Spleen, Detoxify and Disperse Swelling
Deficient fire rising syndrome
Main Manifestations: White scaly lesions scattered on the tongue and lips, weak physique, pale complexion with red cheeks
Management Approach: Nourish yin and reduce fire, guide fire back to its origin
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
In treating patients with Thrush, it is essential to pay attention to nourishing yin, reducing fire, and clearing damp-heat.
— Chen Yan Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)