CVID candida on sputum

[jpd]

Hi! Has anybody grown candida on sputum?I am just a little bit worried because my sample came back positive for haemphilus and candida ( I have some damage in my lungs and sinuses).Doctors just asked about my mouth problems and said they wouldn't treat it.Thank you for reading:)

[s162216]

Hi,

Candida is a common "opportunistic" fungal infection in those who are immune-compromised (like us), especially if antibiotics have recently been taken as it can lead to "overgrowth" of it in place of the ordinarily naturally present bacteria. There are so many types of candida though, and harmless types are commonly naturally present; some of them can be very harmful though and cause infections, and to give anti-fungals or not will depend on factors such as whether its started to colonise the lungs, mouth (it causes thrush) etc to a harmful level. I've never had it so I can't really give any personal experiences. As for the haemohilus though, I don't know.

Have you asked why their not treating it as most doctors are quite happy to explain their decisions in my experience?

Sam

[jpd]

Hi Sam!They are not treating it because I had no symptoms in my mouth when we had the conversation.What I am worried about is that I've been continuously on antibiotcs for 3 years(because of chronic haemophilus).Now I'm taking 2 abx to treat my haemophilus and I'm wondering where does the candida come from(my sinuses are totally devastated and my lungs are damaged).And I'm a little concerned that I could end up with a nasty fungal infection.So if anybody had a similar experience I would be grateful for sharing .Thanx:0

[aryani]

Hi,

Candida can always be seen/found in my mouth/throat. In my case, there are two types: white thrush or more red looking spots. The first time, my ENT-doctor mentioned it, I answered 'as always'. He explained that a bit of candida was normal in my circumstances, but that too much was a problem. Nowadays, too much means that my taste is effected badly, when my mouth really hurts and/or my voice is a little bit different. It helps (...) to rinse your mouth (just plain water). Doctor's also recommend to brush your cheeks and mouth..... (good luck with that, I'm doing it, but not liking it).

As Sam wrote, it can be a side-effect of the antibiotics. It is also a side-effect from steroids (nasal, lungs).

Hopes this helps a bit.
Aryani