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Have Chronic Asthma, Cavities And Spots On Roof Of Mouth. Test Done For HIV. Any Suggestion?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Apr 2013
Question: hi, i have chronic asthma... i have been tested for hiv regularly n i hv a chest cold and a red smooth spot n the roof of my mouth after wiping white stuff from the top of my mouth... could i have had a false negative. i also have cavaties but i. eat a lot of sweets
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (45 minutes later)
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

There are different testing methods for HIV and the window period varies according to the method used.
The window period is the time it takes for a body to mount a response and a test to demonstrate that the virus is present. During the window period a test can be reported as falsely negative.

The HIV PCR tests looks for aspects of the virus itself and not the body's response it and its window period is 2 to 3 weeks.
The window period of the ELISA , which is the test most commonly used to screen persons for HIV is 3 to 6 mths.

If you have been getting regular screening tests done and have not engaged in any risk activities during the time period that you have been doing them , then it is unlikely that the tests are falsely negative.
For example if you have been doing the tests repeatedly for a year and during that time have not engaged in any activity that may increase your risk then the results are accurate.

The white stuff at the top of your mouth sounds like oral thrush which is caused by a fungus.
It is seen in persons with (1)immune deficiency diseases such as auto immune diseases (lupus), HIV, cancer
(2)persons with dry mouth,
(3)in persons with diabetes because the immune system is impaired in this disease,
(4)as a side effect of some medications such as antibiotics or steroids,
(5)smoking,
(6)dentures or poor oral hygiene
(7) with your history of asthma and the use of the steroid inhalor, the thrush is likely to be as a result of this steroid affecting the mouth

It is treated with oral antifungal agents such as nystatin or daktarin oral gel.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any other questions


Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Have Chronic Asthma, Cavities And Spots On Roof Of Mouth. Test Done For HIV. Any Suggestion?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

There are different testing methods for HIV and the window period varies according to the method used.
The window period is the time it takes for a body to mount a response and a test to demonstrate that the virus is present. During the window period a test can be reported as falsely negative.

The HIV PCR tests looks for aspects of the virus itself and not the body's response it and its window period is 2 to 3 weeks.
The window period of the ELISA , which is the test most commonly used to screen persons for HIV is 3 to 6 mths.

If you have been getting regular screening tests done and have not engaged in any risk activities during the time period that you have been doing them , then it is unlikely that the tests are falsely negative.
For example if you have been doing the tests repeatedly for a year and during that time have not engaged in any activity that may increase your risk then the results are accurate.

The white stuff at the top of your mouth sounds like oral thrush which is caused by a fungus.
It is seen in persons with (1)immune deficiency diseases such as auto immune diseases (lupus), HIV, cancer
(2)persons with dry mouth,
(3)in persons with diabetes because the immune system is impaired in this disease,
(4)as a side effect of some medications such as antibiotics or steroids,
(5)smoking,
(6)dentures or poor oral hygiene
(7) with your history of asthma and the use of the steroid inhalor, the thrush is likely to be as a result of this steroid affecting the mouth

It is treated with oral antifungal agents such as nystatin or daktarin oral gel.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any other questions