What are the signs and symptoms of thrush?
In the mouth, thrush looks like creamy white patches or small red spots on the tongue, roof of the mouth (also called the hard palate), gums or throat. Crusting on the corners of the mouth is also a symptom of thrush. Thrush can make it difficult or painful to swallow and can cause chest pain. It can cause nausea and make your food taste different. Your doctor can usually tell if you have oral thrush by checking your mouth and throat. X-rays or visual examination of your esophagus and stomach with a special instrument called an endoscope may also be necessary for more serious cases. Thrush in the vagina is also called a “yeast infection.” The signs of a yeast infection include a thick, cottage-cheese-like vaginal discharge, itching and burning. The vaginal lips (called the labia) may also be red, tender and swollen. Many women get yeast infections, but women with HIV often get yeast infections that keep coming back. (See the Fact Sheet on vaginal thrush.) Can thrush be treated? Yes. Fo
