OROPHARYNGEAL CANDIDIASIS IN THE IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST

Oral candidiasis may present as red or white lesions and often causes symptoms. Oropharyngeal infection may lead to regional infection, whic h in immunocompromised patients can lead to systemic infection. This a rticle will examine the etiology, presentation, and treatment of oroph aryngeal candidiasis. It will also consider potential risk factors of oropharyngeal candidiasis following diagnosis. The discussion of treat ment will focus on oropharyngeal candidiasis, with special emphasis on nonimmunocompromised patients. Topical antifungals represent the trea tment of choice in immunocompetent patients. Systemic antifungals may be considered if topicals are ineffective or compliance with topical t reatment is poor.