candida in sputum test

[maro]

Hi everyone

I’m a long time asthma sufferer and bouts of bronchitis regularly.

I’ve had a stubborn chest infection since December, I’ve had two lots of antibiotics.

I suspect I may have Bronchiecstatis, I’m awaiting a referral to respiratory and hopefully a ct scan to confirm.

Ive just got a txt from my gp today to say my recent sputum test showed candida and to contact gp, I worried now what can this mean and what treatment is there for it.

I’m still coughing and don’t feel well.

Thank you in advance

[Mopsey1897]

candida can cause thrush but that’s all I know. It’s certainly treatable so don’t worry.

[peege]

When I was dx with candida a few moons ago I had to eliminate sugar for a few months - was hard at first but I'd never felt better before or since. Was told candida/thrush thrives on sugar so starve it.

[maro in reply to peege]

Thank you.

Would this be an issue if it’s in my lungs as it was found on the sputum sample . I’ve not had a diagnosis yet of Bronchiecstatis, just wondering if this would make a diagnosis likely .

[Swizzy in reply to maro]

Candida is an absolute pest and it is nothing to do with a bronch diagnosis.It is unlikely that it is in your lungs but would show up in the sputum after it passes out through your throat and mouth and the candida mixes in. It is mostly caused by inhalers and antibiotics. I get it in my mouth and it makes it very sore. I have nystan liquid which I swish around my mouth. There are also tablets and pastilles which you can have.

[maro in reply to Swizzy]

Hi

My mouth seems fine so I was worried it was in my lungs .

Thank you for replying

[Patk1 in reply to maro]

I've had it in my lungs - it was cleared quickly with anti fungal frm dr x

[maro in reply to Patk1]

Oh thank you so much ,that’s reassuring.

[Alberta56]

Now they know what the problem is they can give you the right medicine to see it off. I don't know if candida can get into the lungs. Try contacting Helpline on 0300 222 5800. The nurses there will know.

[maro in reply to Alberta56]

Thank you so much , I’ll contact the helpline tomorrow. X

[Phill1]

Agree with Peege ..definitely cut down on sugar for the time being. Candida thrives on sugar ..

[maro in reply to Phill1]

Thank you Phil 1 , yes I’ll definitely cut down on sugar . I suppose my main worry is that it’s in my lungs . I haven’t had a formal diagnosis yet but I suspect I have Bronchiecstatis.

Thanks again x

[Handcream]

I’ve had it in my lungs.It was cleared up easily with treatment.

[maro in reply to Handcream]

Thank you so much , I’ll contact my GP today , I’m still waiting on a referral to respiratory, not sure how long it will be .

X

[Handcream in reply to maro]

Good luck.Im sure you will be fine

[Lutontown]

You've probably got that fungal infection, as you have been on antibiotics. AB's kill the good guy bacteria, allowing the fungus to grow. Your GP can offer you medication to combat that. Did you have your sputum tested, so that the RIGHT AB was prescribed to knock out the bug? May even require an intravenous AB. I believe that allowing bacteria to colonize your lungs long term, can cause bronchiectasis. Also, acid reflux can be another cause, as stomach acid getting down into your lungs is not good. Good luck.

[maro in reply to Lutontown]

Hi lutontown

No they didn’t test sputum before the two lots of AB as I’ve not had a diagnosis yet , it was only my asthma nurse suggested a sputum test as I was still not right after the two courses.

I’m not sure if I have reflux but I wake regularly unable to breathe and a choking sensation which leaves me gasping for breath .

Do you think I will need another course of AB or anti fungal meds?

Thank you for replying x

[Lutontown in reply to maro]

I believe one should get a sputum test carried out so that you get the right antibiotic.

Acid reflux made it difficult to swallow food for me. Pickled hard boiled eggs were particularly difficult to swallow. I am on Lansaprozole for that problem.

I think you need the RIGHT antibiotic, and either Nystan and/ or Fluconazole tablets. I think you can buy a one hit Fluconazole, but they wont sell it to you if you are old.

[PaperQueen]

A friend of mine had candida, she had to stop eating too many sugary foods, so hopefully it will be as simple as that. Good luck xx

[PurpleEllie]

I too was diagnosed with this in my last sputum test. In my case it’s oral as I am on a high dose steroid inhaler and Azithromycin 3 times a week. Despite rinsing my mouth after inhaler, this comes up with every sputum sample. My GP prescribed Nystan drops 4 times a day in the mouth. I asked if it could be in my lungs and was told that it is very unlikely. Hopefully this reassure you a little. Take care.

[maro in reply to PurpleEllie]

Thank you purple Ellie, yes that’s reassuring . I’ll see what GP says today x

[islande]

I had thrush in2016 caused by seretide gave me antibiotics cleared up

[maro in reply to islande]

Hi islande

I don’t have any signs of thrush , I received a txt re my sputum sample saying it was abnormal with candida and to speak to gp.

Thank you for replying x

[glds100]

this is a side effect of oral steroids

[maro in reply to glds100]

Thank you . I haven’t had any steroids for a long time .