subject: Truths About Candida Infection [print this page] Candida infection or also known as Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by any Candida species wherein the infections range from superficial, like oral thrush and vaginitis or the inflammation of the vagina, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases. These infections are frequently seen in patients with AIDS, cancer or those who are said to be immunocompromised.
Candida infections have different classification and most of them are treatable and only result in minimal complications but still we need to be careful because these complications will turn into severe or can be deadly if left untreated. In immunocompetent persons, the infection is localized only, it usually involves the oral cavity, pharynx or esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, urinary bladder, or genitalia. Infections from Candida could have an effect on the esophagus of a human being to become more systemic which causes more serious problems on patients who are immunocompromised. Children, mostly between the ages of three and nine years of age, are affected by chronic mouth yeast infections, normally white patches are observed around their mouth, however, this is not a common condition.
The symptoms depends on the part affected so it varies. The infection of the vagina are often observed with terrible itching, burning, pain, irritation, and a whitish or whitish-gray cottage cheeze-like discharge, and could be associated with curd-like appearance which are also seen in the more common bacterial vaginosis. Red patchy spot near the head of the penis or on the foreskin, severe itching, or a burning sensation and can also have a white discharge, although uncommon are the symptoms seen in male genitalia. Negative symptoms is common, but a more severe form of the symptoms may emerge later.
Using of detergents, douches or any internal disturbances can disturb the normal flora present in the vagina of women which comprise of lactic acid bacteria known as lactobacilli, and result in an overgrowth of Candida cells causes development of infections, such as confined inflammation. Whilst use of oral contraceptives in pregnancy and wearing of swimsuit that is wet for a long time have been reported as risk factors and Diabetes mellitus and the use of anti-bacterial medications are also related to a high incidence of infections caused by yeast.
It is a fact that Candida species are frequently part of the normal oral and intestinal flora of the human body that when treated with antibiotics it only exacerbates the condition as it eliminates the natural competitors of yeast for resources. Antimycotics and antifungal drugs are the most well-known treatment for candidiasis but the treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition.
It has been said that Candida infection is treatable but it is still best when we avoid the occurrence or the severity of the infection.
