Introduction

Candida is a type of fungus that naturally lives in the body. In small amounts, it is harmless. However, if candida overgrows, it can cause a fungal infection called candidiasis. Candidiasis can affect any part of the body, but it is most common in the mouth, throat, vagina, and skin.

The spit test for candida is an at-home test that can be used to check for the presence of candida in the saliva. It is a simple test that can be done in a few minutes. However, it is important to note that the spit test is not a definitive diagnosis of candidiasis. If you have a positive spit test, you should see a doctor for further testing and treatment.

What is candida?

Candida is a type of yeast fungus that is naturally present in the body. It is found in the mouth, throat, vagina, and intestines. In small amounts, candida is harmless. However, if candida overgrows, it can cause a fungal infection called candidiasis.

What are the symptoms of a candida overgrowth?

The symptoms of a candida overgrowth vary depending on where the infection is located. Common symptoms include:

• Oral candidiasis (thrush): white patches on the tongue and inside of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and pain in the mouth
• Vaginal candidiasis: itching, burning, and discharge from the vagina
• Skin candidiasis: red, itchy, and scaly skin rash
• Esophageal candidiasis: difficulty swallowing, pain in the chest, and heartburn

What is the spit test for candida?

The spit test for candida is a simple at-home test that can be used to check for the presence of candida in the saliva. It is done by spitting into a glass of water and observing the results. If the saliva floats on top of the water and forms a stringy web, it is a positive spit test.

How to do the spit test for candida

To do the spit test for candida, follow these steps:

1. First thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything, spit into a glass of clear water.
2. Let the glass sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Observe the results.

If the saliva floats on top of the water and forms a stringy web, it is a positive spit test.

Reliability of the spit test for candida

The spit test for candida is not a definitive diagnosis of candidiasis. It is only a preliminary test. If you have a positive spit test, you should see a doctor for further testing and treatment.

The spit test is more reliable for detecting candida in the mouth than in other parts of the body. It is also more reliable for detecting candida in people with a weakened immune system.

Pros and cons of the spit test

Pros:

• The spit test is a simple and easy test to do at home.
• It is inexpensive.
• It is non-invasive.

Cons:

• The spit test is not a definitive diagnosis of candidiasis.
• It can be inaccurate, especially in people with a healthy immune system.

How accurate is the spit test?

The accuracy of the spit test for candida is not well-established. Some studies have shown that the spit test is very accurate, while other studies have shown that it is not very accurate.

A 2017 study published in the journal Mycopathologia found that the spit test had a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 97% for detecting oral candidiasis. However, a 2019 study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology found that the spit test had a sensitivity of only 44% and a specificity of 86% for detecting oral candidiasis.

Overall, the accuracy of the spit test for candida is variable. It is important to note that the spit test is not a definitive diagnosis of candidiasis. If you have a positive spit test, you should see a doctor for further testing and treatment.

When to see a doctor for a candida overgrowth

You should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms of a candida overgrowth:

• White patches on the tongue and inside of the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain in the mouth
• Itching, burning, and discharge from the vagina
• Red, itchy, and scaly skin rash
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain in the chest
• Heartburn