- Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeast known as candida albicans.
- When is affects mouth ,it is called as thrush(oropharyngeal candidiasis).
- When it causes infection in vagina,it is known as yeast infection.
Symptoms:
Vaginal yeast infections have a common set of symptoms, such as:
- vaginal itching
- Swelling around the vagina
- Burning during urination or sex
- Pain during sex
- Soreness
- Redness
- rash
- Whitish-gray and clumpy vaginal discharge is another telltale symptom. Some people say this discharge looks like cottage cheese. Sometimes the discharge may also be watery.
Causes:
Several factors can cause a yeast infection, including:
- antibiotics (they decrease the amount of Lactobacillus [“good bacteria”] in the vagina)
- pregnancy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- weak immune system
- Poor eating habits, including a lot of sugary foods
- Hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle
- stress
- lack of sleep
A specific kind of yeast called Candida albicans causes most yeast infections. These yeast infections are easily treatable.
Prevention:
- Oral hygiene can help prevent oral candidiasis when people have a weakened immune system.
- For people undergoing cancer treatment, chlorhexidine mouthwash can prevent or reduce thrush.
- People who use inhaled corticosteroids can reduce the risk of developing oral candidiasis by rinsing the mouth with water or mouthwash after using the inhaler.
- For women who experience recurrent yeast infections, there is limited evidence that oral or intravaginal probiotics help to prevent future infections. This includes either as pills or as yogurt.
- Wearing cotton underwear may help to reduce the risk of developing skin and vaginal yeast infections, along with not wearing wet clothes for long periods of time.
Treatment:
Candidiasis is treated with antifungal medications; these include
- clotrimazole,
- nystatin,
- fluconazole
- Voriconazole
- amphotericin B
- and echinocandins.
Intravenous fluconazole or an intravenous echinocandin such as caspofungin are commonly used to treat immunocompromised or critically ill individuals.
