Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

Symptoms

Manifestations may vary depending on the type and form of the course of the disease.
Symptoms of invasive candidiasis
At the initial stage, when the internal organs are not yet damaged, invasive candidiasis is manifested by signs of intoxication.
Characteristic manifestations of invasive candidiasis:
•    Body temperature above 38 ° c;
•    Tachycardia and unstable pressure;
•    Shortness of breath, weak breathing;
•    Decrease in the amount of daily urine;
•    White plaque on the nails and mucous membranes of the oral cavity.
Depending on which organs are affected by candida, other symptoms may be added (headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc.).

Symptoms of urogenital candidiasis
Urogenital candidiasis in men and women has different manifestations, which become most noticeable during intercourse.

Symptoms of urogenital candidiasis in women:
•    White or yellowish-white cheesy discharge;
•    Itching, burning and discomfort in the perineum;
•    Pain when urinating;
•    Pain during sex.
Symptoms of urogenital candidiasis in men:
•    Itching, burning, redness and swelling in the area of the glans penis;
•    Rashes in the area of the glans penis, often covered with a white coating;
•    Discomfort in the vulva;
•    Pain when urinating and during sex.
Symptoms of oral candidiasis
The defeat of the oral cavity with candida can manifest itself in different ways, depending on its shape and the organ that the fungi colonized (tongue, gums, lips, etc.). However, there are characteristic signs by which the disease can be recognized.
The main symptoms of oral candidiasis:
•    Cheesy plaque on the oral mucosa;
•    Pain and burning while eating;
•    Dry mouth;
•    Swelling of mucous membranes;
•    General malaise with fever up to 38 ° c;
•    Disturbances in the perception of taste;
•    Cracks in the corners of the mouth (sometimes).

Causes

Candidiasis is caused by fungi of the genus candida (candida spp.), or simply "candida". These are microscopic fungi, indistinguishable to the human eye. Mushrooms feel and grow best at a temperature of about 37 ° c, so the human body is a favourable environment for candida to live.
The most pathogenic species of the genus candida is candida albicans.
Candida is widespread in nature and can be found anywhere: in soil, water, air, food, household and medical items, etc. Therefore, contact with pathogens is unlikely to be avoided.
Infection with candida can occur by inhalation, through contact with the skin of an infected person or household items, during sexual contact, childbirth (when passing through the birth canal), surgical procedures (through catheters, etc.).
Normally, candida inhabits the skin and mucous membranes of a person without causing pathologies - in this case, they speak of asymptomatic carriage. Their number is controlled by "good" bacteria, which inhibit their reproduction. But if the immune system is weakened, the microbiological balance may be disturbed, candida will begin to multiply actively, as a result of which candidiasis, may develop.

The most common factors affecting the development of candidiasis:
•    Damage to the skin and mucous membranes;
•    Hormonal changes - puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or treatment with hormonal drugs;
•    Some chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus or thyroid pathology;
•    Reduced immunity due to hiv, cancer, immunosuppressive therapy or stress;
•    Disruption of the intestines;
•    Allergic reactions;
•    Taking certain medications (antibiotics, corticosteroids, cytostatics and systemic antifungals).

Treatment

Different types of candidiasis are treated by different doctors. Oral candidiasis is treated by a therapist, dentist or gastroenterologist, urogenital candidiasis is treated by a gynecologist in women and a urologist in men, invasive candidiasis is treated by a therapist.
The tactics of treating various types of candidiasis, as a rule, do not differ much. The basis of therapy is taking antifungal drugs (fluconazole, isoconazole, ketoconazole, etc.), which can stop the growth and reproduction of candida.
In addition, antihistamines are used to reduce the allergic reaction to mushrooms. If necessary, an anesthetic is prescribed (for example, with painful manifestations of oral candidiasis, etc.).
Also, with oral candidiasis, a dietary table no. 15 is additionally prescribed, the observance of which facilitates the recovery process. The basis of the diet is a balanced diet. In addition, it is recommended to avoid fatty and spicy foods, and you can not drink strong tea, coffee, cocoa and alcoholic beverages.
The time of treatment of candidiasis depends on its type, the severity of the disease and the presence of complications. Depending on this, therapy can last from 10 days or more. 

Tests Required for Diagnosis

It is important to consider that many people are asymptomatic carriers of candida. Therefore, the presence of fungi in the body does not always mean a disease, and therefore does not necessarily require treatment.
Physical examination
At the appointment, the doctor examines the mucous membranes and skin of the patient, takes into account complaints. Among the complaints there may be a white coating on the mucous membranes, a burning sensation and discomfort, an unpleasant odor from the affected organ, a general deterioration, pain in the abdomen, throat, etc.
If there are signs of damage to the respiratory system, the doctor can listen to the chest, if there is a suspicion of damage to the abdominal organs, feel the stomach, etc.
Laboratory diagnostics
Several laboratory tests are necessary to identify the infectious disease's etiological agent. The following techniques are used in the diagnosis of candidiasis:.
•    Study of biological material (skin, mucus, plaque). Skin scrapings and smears are ordered, and scales, crusts, or plaque from the mucous membranes are also studied.
•    Hemotest for determining the level of globulins. If their number exceeds the norm, then it means that there is a high probability of an infection;

•    General tests: feces, urine, blood. Required for suspected systemic candidiasis

An endoscopic examination is carried out when fungal germs are affecting the gastrointestinal system. It is frequently required to gather materials for a full laboratory study that will follow. Additionally, the doctor could advise getting an x-ray, bronchoscopy, or colonoscopy.
 

Useful info

With a long course without treatment, the acute form of candidiasis can become chronic or invasive. These types of candidiasis are difficult to treat.
As a rule, complications of candidiasis include inflammatory diseases of the affected organs: with lung candidiasis it is pneumonia, with infection of the heart tissue - myocarditis and endocarditis, with the colonization of the genitourinary system by fungi - pyelonephritis , etc.
The most dangerous complication of candidiasis is candidal sepsis, in which fungi colonize several organs at once, disrupting their functions. This complication can lead to death.
Complications of candidiasis during pregnancy:
If left untreated, urogenital candidiasis can develop complications during pregnancy (pelvic inflammatory disease, perineal rupture during childbirth), and childbirth can begin prematurely.
In addition, there is a risk of infection of the fetus - it is dangerous for his life.
Some drugs that are used to treat candidiasis are contraindicated during pregnancy. To select a remedy and select a treatment regimen, it is important to consult a doctor.