When to Seek Medical Care

Most cases of candidiasis do not have to be treated in the hospital. People with weakened immune systems may have more serious infections, however, and may need to be hospitalized.

• Women should go to the hospital when fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, or abdominal pain accompanies vaginal discharge. These symptoms can indicate a more serious problem such as kidney infections, appendicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. These potential conditions need to be promptly investigated.

• If thrush interferes with drinking liquids or eating for long periods of time, people may need to be hospitalized to receive more aggressive medications and to reestablish body fluids.

• Candidal skin infections rarely require hospital treatment.

• People with weak immune systems run the risk of the candidal organisms growing in their blood or internal organs, which can cause life-threatening illness. IV medication may be necessary to combat this systemic illness. Your doctor should promptly investigate symptoms of illness or general feelings of unwellness.