subject: Test for Candida - Ways to Find Out if You Have a Yeast Infection [print this page] Test for Candida - Ways to Find Out if You Have a Yeast Infection
It may be necessary to get a test for candida if you believe you may have a yeast infection. Candida is a yeast that grows on and in the body. It can be found around the genital area, in the digestive tract, in the mouth and throat, in the bloodstream, and in the heart valves. It is often found in the vagina also. When the body's immune system is weakened, candida can grow out of control. This will cause yeast infections which can be located throughout the body. The most common forms of candida are the vaginal yeast infection and thrush. Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth.
Different Tests for Candida
There are several tests that can be done to check for a candida infection. You will have to go to your physician or other health care professional to have a test for candida done. Since candida can live in your digestive tract a stool sample can be tested to see if you have a yeast infection. It will be tested to see if yeast and other pathogens are present. This will tell if yeast is causing your symptoms or if something else may be the culprit.
Candida also shows up in blood so a blood test can be done to find out if you are suffering symptoms of candida. This test can be done with a finger prick that you do at home or a tube of blood may be taken at the doctor's office.
Your doctor may do a throat culture test to check for candida if you are suffering from a sore throat. Sore throat is one of the symptoms of candida. Your doctor will swab the back of your throat with a cotton swab. This swab is then placed in a cup to see what grows.
In cases of a systemic infection a tissue biopsy may be necessary. Different organs may have sample tissue removed for testing. They can tell how badly the candida infection has spread with this test.
Symptoms of Candida
There are many symptoms of candida. With a vaginal yeast infection there could be burning and itching of the vaginal area. There will be a whitish, thick discharge that is of the consistency of cottage cheese.
Other symptoms of candida include cravings for sweets, headaches, anxiety. Rectal itching, excessive fatigue, migraines, abdominal gas which includes bloating, diarrhea, constipation, itching, hyperactivity, acne, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, sore throat, earaches, dizziness, sinus inflammation, indigestion, chronic pain, acid reflux, thrush, athlete's foot, persistent cough, and depression. There are other symptoms as well.
Treatment for Candida
There are many prescription and over the counter medicines available to treat yeast infections. Many are in the form of an oral medication that you take. There are also topical medications that can come in the form of lotions, suppositories, and douches.
There are also many yeast infection home remedies that you can use to treat candida. Yogurt can be used to treat many yeast infections. Apple cider vinegar baths are another way to help with a yeast infection. Garlic and other herbs can be used also. If you suspect you have a yeast infection then you are going to want to have a test for candida done so you can start treatment right away.
