Women & HIV/AIDS

Thrush

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Thrush is a type of fungal infection inside the mouth. It is also called oral candidiasis (kan-dih-DEYE-uh-suhss). Thrush causes swelling and a thick white coating on your mouth, tongue, throat, and esophagus. Thrush 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. This is called a vaginal yeast infection. Thrush is common in people living with HIV and can be hard to get rid of. 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.

Additional Resources:

Publications

1.   Mouth Problems and HIV — People who are infected with HIV can also have problems with their oral health. This publication, written by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, discusses oral problems common among people with HIV and how they can be treated.

   http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/HIV/MouthProblemsHIV/default.htm

2. Oral Candidiasis (Thrush) (Copyright © Project Inform) — This publication explains oral candidiasis, or thrush, which is a fungal infection common in people 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

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Content last updated March 4, 2009.