I'd put my money on strep throat or a viral infection, esp. if she's had any
fever with the sore throat. Yes, adults can have yeast infection in the
throat - but the only situations where I've encountered it is with cancer
patients on chemotherapy, or AIDS patients. Immunosuppression creates the
necessary conditions - otherwise, it's kept in check by the body's normal
defenses. When I've looked in the throats of these patients (I used to work
for an oncologist, and on the hospital unit where chemo was administered &
CA pts. were cared for), most commonly what I've seen is an angry red
throat, more like what you see on baby's bottoms when they have thrush that
causes diaper-rash. In these pts., it seems to be absolutely excruciating,
often the most painful and miserable aspect of their illness, often making
it impossible for them to take anything by mouth - causes huge problems with
their nutritional status. The treatment? Same as for babies (oral Nystatin
"swish & swallow"), often combined with an oral "numbing" medication, like a
'caine or even cocaine spray.

But I've never seen it in any other kind of adult - one of the symptoms of
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is chronic or long-term sore throat that resists
treatment, and CFS is linked to immunosupression, so...But unless there's
other stuff going on with this woman's overall health, I'd bet on strep or
virus!

Cathy Bargar, RN, IBCLC Ithaca NY

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