“Yeast Infection” is fungal infection that can affect the mouth, food pipe, genitals, skin, and in severe cases even in the bloodstream. This infection is most commonly seen in women and babies. There are hundreds of fungi causing these infections; a few families to name are Candida Albicans, Candida Glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida Krusei and Candida Auris. White patches in the mouth is a fungal manifestation known as “Thrush”, infection in the food-pipe can make it hard for one to swallow anything through it, if it affects the genitals; most commonly in women then clinically it is addressed as vaginal candidiasis, as the vagina is the most commonly affected area. At least three out of four women experience this once in their lifetime. Such infections on the skin can cause excessive itching and rashes and lastly if the infection manifests in the bloodstream, it can be life-threatening. This is known as invasive candidiasis.
The fungus candida Albicans most commonly causes vaginal yeast infections. Yeast infections caused by other types of fungus can be difficult to treat and may need more aggressive therapies. The vagina has a natural culture of microbes like the candida and some bacteria. Candida normally lives on the skin, mouth, throat, stomach and the vagina without any potential harm to the body, it can cause problems or infections if there is an overgrowth of their culture. Bacteria function to prevent overgrowth of yeast. Sometimes the number of bacteria is reduced which leads to an active overgrowth of the fungus.
Reasons for overgrowth of the fungus can be:
Thrush or Oropharyngeal Yeast infection if most commonly seen in people with HIV/AIDS
In the case of a vaginal yeast infection, there will be extreme itching in and around the vagina, which is the most common symptom. Apart from itching other manifestations include:
Yeast can infect men too. The presentation of yeast infections in men include:
Risk Factors:
Complications of Yeast Infection:
Yeast Infection is diagnosed on the basis of past history of such infections, a pelvic exam by the doctor, the presence of any vaginal secretions, and evaluating the vaginal smear for confirming the infection. The identification of the fungus is important as the treatment will be based on the same. The treatment is thus based on the type of fungus causing the infection as well on the fact that the infection is complicated or uncomplicated. Fungal infection of the mouth or the gut is assessed through an endoscopy. Invasive infection can be detected through blood culture tests. Other diagnostic measures include Fungal culture tests via skin scrapping, swab tests, blood and urine tests, and sputum culture.
An uncomplicated infection can be treated either by direct vaginal therapy or oral treatment. A short course of treatment is generally sufficient. Over-the-counter medications such as butoconazole (Gynazole-1), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat 3), and terconazole (Terazol 3) are generally prescribed. Oral antifungals like fluconazole (Diflucan) can be used as a single dosage. For a complicated infection, multiple oral combinations and long-term vaginal therapy is suggestive. The vaginal therapy includes the application of a vaginal cream, ointment, tablet, or a suppository for around 7-14 days. Sometimes topical steroids along with antifungal medications can also relieve the symptoms and treat the infection.
Online treatment for yeast infection can be received from
Ways to prevent Yeast Infection:
Yeast infection can be irritable and uncomfortable as it involves sensitive skin portions. It is advisable to address it as early as possible and take the right treatment as per the fungus manifested and the severity of the disease. It usually gets treated in a few months to a year. But if the infection lasts for longer or is recurrent, it shouldn’t be ignored and medical assistance should be undertaken at the earliest. If it enters the bloodstream, then it becomes difficult to control and manage the spread, thus leading to worsening of symptoms and can affect the vital organs also. The earlier the issue is addressed, the lesser painful it becomes to manage and treat such infections. Unlike bacterial and viral infections, any fungal infection takes longer to resolve.