Candidiasis - Thrush

In immunocompromised patients, the Candida infection can involve the esophagus and can become systemic, causing a much more serious condition, fungemia.

Children, mostly between 3 and 9 years old, can be affected by chronic mouth yeast infections. It is normally seen around the mouth as white patches. However, this is not a very common condition.

Yeast organisms are always present in all people, but are usually prevented from "overgrowth" (uncontrolled multiplication resulting in symptoms) by naturally occurring microorganisms.

At least three quarters of all women will experience candidiasis at some point in their lives. The Candida albicans organism is found in the vaginas of almost all women and normally causes no problems. However, when it gets out of balance with the other "normal flora," such as lactobacilli (which can also be harmed by using douches), an overgrowth and symptoms can result. Pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, engaging in vaginal sex after anal sex in an unhygenic manner and using lubricants with glycerine have been known to be causally related to yeast infections. Antibiotics and diabetes melitus can also lead to an increased incidence in yeast infections. Candidiasis can also be sexually transmitted between partners.

Symptoms include severe itching, burning, and soreness, irritation of the vagina and/or vulva, and a whitish or whitish-gray discharge.

Many women mistake the symptoms of the more common bacterial vaginosis for a yeast infection. In a 2002 study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, only 33 percent of women who were self treating for a yeast infection actually had a yeast infection. Instead they had either bacterial vaginosis or a mixed-type infection. Currently, bacterial vaginosis can only be diagnosed by a doctor.

In men it can result in red patchy sores near the head of the penis, or on the foreskin. The sores will feel irritated and itchy, sometimes they will burn as well.

Candidiasis is alleged to be successfully treated either with home remedies or, in the case of a more severe infection, with either over-the-counter substances or prescription antifungal medications. Home remedies for candidiasis include the consumption or direct application of yogurt, which contains lactobacillus (probiotics, "friendly" bacteria that kill yeast), acidophilus tablets or salves, and even lightly crushed cloves of garlic, which yield allicin, an antifungal. Boric acid has also been used to treat yeast infections when gelcaps are filled with boric acid powder and two are inserted at bedtime for three to four nights.

While home remedies can offer relief in minor cases of infection, seeking medical attention can be necessary because the extent of the infection sometimes cannot be judged well by the sufferer. Prescription medication is often the only solution to an infection; the antifungal drugs commonly used to treat candidiasis are topical clotrimazole, topical nystatin, fluconazole, and topical ketoconazole. In severe infections (generally in hospitalized patients), amphotericin B, caspofungin, or voriconazole may be used. These medications are not effective against the more common bacterial vaginosis. Gentian violet might be used for breastfeeding thrush, but as a last resort, since it can cause mouth and throat ulcerations and is linked to cancer.

If indicated, an underlying reason should be looked for. As an example, oral candidiasis is often linked to the use of inhaled corticosteroids in asthma medication. Patients on long term inhaled corticosteroids should rinse their mouth after each dose of steroids. It can also be the first sign of a more serious condition, such as HIV. Babies with diaper rash should have their diaper areas kept clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible. Sugar assists the overgrowth of yeast; thus, the increased prevalence of yeast infections in patients with diabetes mellitus, as noted above. In the case of frequent yeast infections, sugar can be looked to as a culprit and should be avoided. Breast milk feeds yeast, and both a nursing mother and baby need to be treated, even if either is not symptomatic, to prevent thrush from being passed between mother and child.

As Candida spp. originates in the gut, some control may be exerted during an infection, and prior or between infections to control outbreaks. The fungus requires processed starches such as gluten as well as sugars. Dairy products may also contribute. As such, avoiding glutens, sugars, and dairy products may be termed an "avoidance diet" by some practitioners, and others as the "Candida control diet".

It is important to consider that Candida is part of the human body's normal oral and intestinal flora, and an infection is more a "bloom" than the work of a parasite, as in the case of some bacterial infections. Despite this, Candidiasis is sometimes misdiagnosed by medical personnel as bacterial in nature, and treated with antibiotics. This can lead to eliminating the yeast's natural competitors for resources, and increase the severity of the condition. Candida is not a part of the normal flora of the skin.

Furthermore, extensive antibiotic treatment can lead to candidiasis, with probiotics sometimes being recommended.

Following the health tips at vulvovaginal health can help prevent vaginal candidiasis. Local treatment may include vaginal suppositories or medicated douches.