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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffOral thrush is seldom a problem for healthy children and adults, although the infection may return even after it's been treated. For people with compromised immune systems, however, thrush can be more serious.
If you have HIV, you may have especially severe symptoms in your mouth or esophagus, which can make eating painful and difficult. If the infection spreads to the intestines, it becomes difficult to receive adequate nutrition. In addition, thrush is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if you have cancer or other conditions that weaken the immune system. In that case, the areas most likely to be affected include the digestive tract, lungs and liver.
- 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.
