How common is thrush in the elderly?

Answer by  lvraevn (49)

The elderly are at increased risk of developing Thrush, as are infants and those with compromised immune systems. This may be because they are more likely to wear dentures, suffer from diabetes, or be taking antibiotics. These all contribute to an increased suseptability to the overgrowth of the yeast fungus called candida, also know as thrush.

Answer by  NYCCDC (311)

More common, they have weaker immune systems. It can also be assumed since you work in a nursing home the health of these individuals is not as good as others.

Answer by  soapjunkie (581)

Thrush can be common in the elderly, especially those with compromised immune systems due to colds, the flu, diabetes, cancer, and HIV. Overuse of certain medications, such as antibiotics can cause thrush. Also, nursing home residents with ill-fitting dentures are susceptible.

Answer by  naturalmom (211)

Thrush can be common in the elderly and infants due to a suppressed or immature immune system. Although common, it can be very uncomfortable for the person affected. Severe cases may require medication to treat while some feel taht home remedies work to resolve it. It is not a cause for alarm in most cases.

Answer by  G12345 (1808)

Thrush is not common in the elderly and indicates an underlying condition in most cases like HIV, cancer or diabetes. That being said thrush is often misdiagnosed in the elderly.

Answer by  jsmith (2067)

In a sense you've answered your own question - it's relatively common in elderly patients. A better way of putting it is that it is relatively common in patients with a compromised immune system. It just so happens that the elderly often have compromised immune systems do to simple aging and thus are more prone otherwise rare diseases.

Answer by  lsands (17)

Thrush can be common in the elderly because one of the biggest causes is dentures. The dentures create a dark, moist environment for the yeast to grow.

Answer by  champaign9497 (11977)

Thrush is very commonusually they will treat them for it and as it starts going away they get reinfested because older people do not always practice the best hygene.

Answer by  champaign9497 (11977)

it is very common they most of them take medications and most of the time thrush is caused by medication. and I know they do not get there hands and faces washed like they should in those places so it transfers because it's very contageous.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well it is pretty common. A lot of the elder people I know have it so it is popular amongst them.