Thrush

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Thrush (candidiasis) causes swelling and a thick white coating on your mouth, tongue, throat, and esophagus. It happens when candida, a fungus that is normally found in the body, grows too much in these areas. It also can overgrow in your vagina, and is called a vaginal yeast infection (see below). Thrush is common in people living with HIV, and can be persistent and hard to treat. Thrush is usually first treated with lozenges (that you suck) and mouth rinses. If this doesn't work or the thrush keeps coming back, antifungal drugs are used: ketoconazole (Nizoral), fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole (Sporanox). If the thrush still doesn't clear up, amphotericin B (Fungizone) may be used.

Additional Information on Thrush:

Publications

1. Oral Candidiasis (Thrush) (Copyright © Project Inform) - This publication explains Oral Candidiasis infection, or Thrush, as it occurs in patients with HIV/AIDS. This fact sheet covers diagnosis, treatment, side effects, drug interactions, anti-fungal medications, pregnancy, and prevention.

   http://www.projectinform.org/info/candida_o/index.shtml

2. Treatment Issues for Women (Copyright © ACRIA) - This booklet was written for women living with HIV to help them understand how to prevent and treat the conditions that affect them.

   http://www.acria.org/treatment/treatment_edu_women.html

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Content last updated January 25, 2008.