Also
known as: Thrush, Vaginitis
Pronunciation: can-di(like it)-deye-asis
Intro
Candida, a yeast that is found virtually everywhere, rarely causes
problems beyond the occasional skin rash. In people with HIV,
diabetes or other weakened immune conditions, however, candidiasis
causes a serious opportunistic infection.
What
is it?
Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by the common
Candida yeast. This condition is known as thrush when it affects
your mouth, and vaginitis when it affects your vagina. Normally,
your immune system keeps candidiasis at bay, but in people with
weakened immune systems, the yeast multiplies too quickly and
develops into a harmful infection. Because the offending yeast
lives in or on most everyone's bodies, there is no way to avoid
it.
You
can identify thrush by its trademark red spots or white patches
that resemble cottage cheese. Symptoms of vaginitis include burning,
itching and a whitish, thick vaginal discharge. Candida yeast
can also grow in the folds of your skin, particularly in your
groin, buttocks, and under your arms and breasts.
Symptoms
Thrush is candidiasis in your mouth. Symptoms include red spots
or white patches that look like cottage cheese. You may experience
sore throat, pain when swallowing, nausea and loss of appetite.
When the infection spreads past your throat, it's known as esophagitis.
Vaginitis
is candidiasis in the vagina. Symptoms include burning, itching
and a thick, whitish discharge.
Candidiasis
in your skins folds is red, itchy and it burns. You'll notice
a sharp contrast between the redness and your regular skin color.
Diagnosis
Your doctor can diagnose candidiasis by observing the signs of
the disease, culturing the yeast and drawing your blood to measure
the strength of your immune system.
How
is it acquired?
Candidiasis is caused by the common Candida yeast found in or
on your body and in the environment. Your trouble begins when
your immune system, weakened by HIV or another disease, can no
longer keep the yeast at bay.
How
to treat it?
Your doctor can treat candidiasis locally (using creams and liquids
applied directly to the infected area) or systematically (with
pills or intravenous medications). Typically, doctors prefer to
try local treatments first to avoid side effects (including nausea,
vomiting and abdominal pain) that can occur with systematic treatments.
Because
candidiasis can recur, your doctor may keep you on anti-fungal
medication. The only drawback is that the yeast can become resistant
to the drugs, rendering them ineffective for future treatment.
Normally,
the good bacteria in your body help keep candidiasis in check.
If you're prescribed antibiotics, it's important to remember that
they kill the bad bacteria as well as the good. The elimination
of too many good bacteria can cause an outbreak of candidiasis.
Ask your doctor about replenishing your good bacteria with acidophilus,
found in yogurt.
Some
people with candidiasis prefer to use natural, non-drug therapies
to treat their condition, even though there's no scientific proof
that they work. Among the favorites: reducing your sugar intake,
eating garlic, gargling with a mixture of water and tea tree oil
and taking vitamin B.
Prevention
To prevent candidiasis, your doctor can prescribe the same medications
used for treatment. Most doctors don't do this, however, because
the yeast can develop a resistance to the drugs. Your doctor might
also advise against preventative measures because candidiasis
is rarely dangerous and easily treated.
Prevalence
Candidiasis is caused by candida yeast, which is found in or on
most everyone's bodies, as well as in our environment. It can
become a serious problem if you have a weakened immune system;
even if you don't, candidiasis can still infect you, especially
if you're diabetic. Women often get vaginal yeast infections after
taking a course of antibiotics, which kill the bacteria that normally
keeps yeast in check.
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