Candidiasis, commonly known as a yeast infection, is a fungal infection caused by species of Candida, typically Candida albicans. Candida are yeasts that commonly live on and in human bodies, particularly in moist areas of the body such as the mouth, gut, and genitals, without causing infection. However, sometimes they can multiply and cause irritation and infection. Candidiasis is one of the most common types of fungal infection that affects both women and men. In this article, we will discuss candidiasis in detail covering its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
What causes Candidiasis?
Candidiasis can develop when there is an overgrowth of Candida in the body. Several factors can increase the risk of developing candidiasis by promoting the overgrowth of candida:
- Antibiotics: Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics significantly reduces the 'good' bacteria that normally keep Candida in check in the body. This allows Candida to multiply.
- Medical conditions: Medical conditions that compromise the immune system like diabetes, HIV/AIDS increase the risk of candidiasis. Cancers and their treatments like chemotherapy also lower immunity.
- Hormonal factors: Changes in hormones, like during pregnancy or menstrual periods increase the risk in women. Birth control pills and estrogen therapy also increase susceptibility.
- Warm, moist areas: Areas like the mouth, throat, genitals, under the breasts are warm and moist—ideal conditions for Candida to thrive.
- Poor hygiene: Not changing out of wet clothing, poor genital hygiene encourages overgrowth.
- Other factors: Stress, obesity, smoking can indirectly increase candida overgrowth. Candidiasis is also more likely to recur once a person has had an initial bout.
Symptoms of Candidiasis
The symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the part of the body affected but some common indications include:
- Oral thrush (candidiasis of mouth): White patches or coating on tongue or inner cheeks and gums that can't be scraped, soreness.
- Esophageal candidiasis (throat): Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, vomiting.
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis (in women): Thick, white discharge, intense itching, redness and swelling of the vulva and vagina. Irritation or pain during sexual intercourse.
- Candidal balanitis (in men): Itching, irritation or swelling of the head of penis.
- Cutaneous candidiasis (skin): Red, itchy rashes in skin folds, under the breasts. Cracks in the skin.
- Systemic candidiasis: Fever in addition to above symptoms which suggest the infection has spread through the bloodstream in immunocompromised individuals.
Diagnosis and Testing for Candidiasis
Since the symptoms of candidiasis can be similar to some other infections, proper diagnosis is necessary for appropriate treatment. Some of the tests typically used are:
- Physical examination and medical history: Examining the infected area, checking risk factors through medical history.
-potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation: Scraping a sample from affected area, dissolving in KOH produces a distinctive odor and appearance under the microscope.
-Culture: Samples taken and cultured in the laboratory help isolate and identify the species of Candida. Especially useful for non-albicans Candida.
-Biopsy: Useful for severe or persistent cutaneous infections to rule out other skin conditions. Tissue sample examined under the microscope.
-Blood tests: In systemic candidiasis, blood tests rule out other infections and check immunity through cell counts.
Treatment Options for Candidiasis
Most candidiasis responds well to antifungal medications applied topically or taken orally depending on the site and severity of infection:
- Oral antifungal medication: Azoles like fluconazole, itraconazole taken as capsule or liquid especially useful for digestive or systemic candidiasis.
-Topical antifungals: Creams/ointments containing miconazole, clotrimazole apply directly to affected areas like skin, mouth are effective.
-Natural yoghurt: As a probiotic, applied topically helps restore balance of bacteria and fight candida.
-Good hygiene: Keeping skin dry, changing clothes and proper genital hygiene prevents recurrence.
-Lifestyle changes: Reducing stress, managing diabetes/other conditions, quitting smoking strengthens immunity.
Persistent or recurrent candidiasis may require longer treatment periods, higher doses or alternate antifungal drugs. Intravenous antifungal medications for severe systemic infections in intensive care. Surgery is rarely required. Prevention through control of risk factors is highly recommended.
Conclusion
In conclusion, candidiasis is a common fungal infection that occurs due to overgrowth of Candida yeasts in the body. With advances in medical care, more and more people have factors increasing their risk. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment according to site and severity of infection ensures complete cure. Following preventive measures helps avoid recurrence of this troublesome infection.
For more details on the report, Read- https://www.rapidwebwire.com/candidiasis-growth-demand-and-overview/
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