I have asked a question on the Sexual Health forum, and you stated that my symptoms were not due to HIV (I had a couple of negative DUOs done at your clinic).
However, I would like to ask a question about oral thrush, as it is difficult to find any information on the net that doesn't say either "you must have HIV" (backed up by my rather 'helpful' dentist) or from people insistent on trying the candida diet malarkey. I'll try and be as brief as possible, as I understand you are donating your time.
So - I have had oral thrush for 2 years (at least that was when I first noticed it). My GP said it was, but a culture came back negative. He gave me a load of blood tests, such as complete blood count, liver function, glucose, thyroid (I think), Hep B&C and an additional HIV test. All came back normal. He didn't give me treatment, but was confused and sent me on my way. I have white spots and curdy patches on the back of the tongue only (not on cheeks or roof of mouth), doesn't hurt, isn't red underneath, doesn't get better or worse. I scrape away, it comes back. As I say, it has remained this way for two years. Prior to first noticing this, I had not taken antibiotics for around 6 months.
Questions:
1. Would you have expected any changes (for better or worse) to the thrush over this period of time? Does it go away on its own?
2. I am concerned the persistence may indicate an immune problem and as such may invalidate any HIV test results. How would you suggest I progress with my GP? I am not totally confident in him, but I can't get another one, and can't afford to see you guys at the moment!
Hi, there!
Here are your answers:
1.) Oral thrush can be caused by many things, if what you have is indeed that. It can go away on its own. But it can also be sometimes recurrent and persistent. Occassionally if topical treamtnets (in the form of oral drops or lozenges) fail, one has to take tablets. Also you might be oversuing your mouthwash, especially if it is alcohol-based, as they can sometimes disturb the normal mouth flora.
2.) The negative HIV Duo test would not be invalidated by any problem with your immune system, because they do not only test for the antibodies, but also they test for thp24 antigen of the virus. In the case of an inability to produce antibodies, you would have a high amount of virus (high levels of p24 Ag). No need to worry about HIV; and in any case, you had a full battery of tests and they were all normal.
If symptoms persist, you might want to ask your GP for some treatment in the form of lozenges and oral tablets; but also you might need a referral to see an oral surgeon, and you could be referred in the NHS.
Best wishes,
Jose
Oral Thrush
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