Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection that occurs when there is overgrowth of fungus called Candida. Candida is normally found on the skin or mucous membranes. Depending on which part of the body is involved, the overgrowth has different names and different symptoms.
Most cases of Candida infection are caused by the person's own Candida organisms. Candida yeasts usually live in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina without causing symptoms. Symptoms develop only when Candida becomes overgrown in these sites. Rarely, Candida can be passed from person to person, such as through sexual intercourse.
Candidiasis of the mouth and throat is also known as a 'thrush' or oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). It can affect normal newborns, persons with dentures, and people who use inhaled corticosteroids. It occurs more frequently and more severely in people with weakened immune systems, particularly in persons with AIDS and people undergoing treatment for cancer.
People with OPC infection usually have painless, white patches in the mouth. Others may have redness and soreness of the inside of the mouth. Cracking at the corners of the mouth, known as angular cheilitis, may occur. Symptoms of Candida esophagitis may include pain and difficulty swallowing. Symptoms, which may be uncomfortable, may persist. In rare cases, invasive candidiasis may occur. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to see your health care practitioner.
Overgrowth of Candidia in the vagina is also known as a 'yeast infection' or VVC. Candida can multiply when an imbalance occurs, such as when the normal acidity of the vagina changes or when hormonal balance changes. When that happens, symptoms of candidiasis appear.
Women with VVC usually experience genital itching or burning, with or without a 'cottage cheese-like' vaginal discharge. Males with genital candidiasis may experience an itchy rash on the penis.
Nearly 75% of all adult women have had at least one genital 'yeast infection' in their lifetime. On rare occasions, men may also experience genital candidiasis. VVC occurs more frequently and more severely in people with weakened immune systems. Some conditions that may put a woman at risk for genital candidiasis are: pregnancy, Diabetes Mellitus, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and use of corticosteroid medications.
There are many different treatments for Candidiasis available whether from mainstream medicine, or complementary, alternative, and/or integrative practitioners. Make sure to look at all your options and chose the best one for you.
Because VVC and urinary tract infections share similar symptoms, such as a burning sensation when urinating, it is important to see a health care practitioner and obtain laboratory testing to determine the cause of the symptoms and to treat effectively.
Invasive candidiasis is a fungal infection that occurs when Candida species enter the blood, causing bloodstream infection and then spreading throughout the body.
One form of invasive candidiasis is called Candidemia, which is a bloodstream infection with Candida. Persons at high risk for Candidemia include very-low-birth-weight babies, surgical patients, hospitalized patients or patients with a central venous catheter, and those whose immune systems are weakened.
The symptoms of invasive candidiasis are not specific. Fever and chills that do not improve after antibiotic therapy are the most common symptoms. If the infection spreads to deep organs such as kidneys, liver, bones, muscles, joints, spleen, or eyes, additional specific symptoms may develop, which vary depending on the site of infection. If the infection does not respond to treatment, the patient's organs may fail and cause death.
Invasive candidiasis is extremely rare in persons without risk factors. In persons at risk, invasive candidiasis may result when a person's own Candida organisms, normally found in the digestive tract, enter the bloodstream. On rare occasions, it can also occur when medical equipment or devices become contaminated with Candida. In either case, the infection may spread throughout the body.