Commonly called "Thrush", Candida is a fungal infection found in almost every person with AIDS. It is usually seen as a whitish coating on the tongue and in the mouth, but it can spread to the esophagus and make eating or swallowing difficult or, in some cases, impossible. It is not a life-threatening problem and can be treated with a number of drugs.Symptoms to watch for include:
• Soreness or a 'burnt" feeling in the mouth or on the tongue
• Painful or difficult swallowing
• The presence of white patches on the tongue or back of the mouth which cannot be removed with a toothbrush
If these symptoms occur, rinse you mouth every two to three hours with a warm solution of salt and water (about 1 tsp of salt to 8 ozs. of water) and see your doctor as soon as possible. Unless difficulty in eating is experienced, "Thrush" is not an emergency situation.