What is a yeast infection? Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

What is thrush? This question is asked by many people, because this pathology is very common, especially among the fair sex. This disease gives a person a lot of inconvenience. And despite the fact that candidiasis respond well to drug treatment, in the absence of treatment it can lead to very unpleasant complications.

So, why is developing a similar illness? Are there any risk factors? What symptoms should pay attention to? Dangerous thrush in pregnancy? Is it possible the development of the disease in men? Is treatment possible at home? Which drugs are used, doctors? The answers to these questions are of interest to many readers.

What is a disease?

What is thrush? What symptoms accompanied? The answers to these questions many people are looking for. For starters, take a look at General information.

The term "candidiasis" means a group of inflammatory diseases, the cause of which is the enhanced activity of the yeast Candida albicans. It should be noted that not always these organisms are dangerous. According to statistics, more than 80% of the population are carriers of this fungus. It is part of the natural microflora ensures the creation of optimal pH in the structures of the reproductive system.

The Number of microorganisms is strictly controlled by the immune system and activity of other bacteria, the components of the natural microflora of the body. If for one reason or another the immune system becomes weakened, yeast fungi begin to multiply rapidly, which leads to inflammation. The infection affects the mucous membranes of the vagina, the tissue of the glans and foreskin of the penis, and sometimes spreading to other structures of the urogenital system.

Causes of thrush. Risk factors

Inflammation of the tissues of the external genitalia associated with the activity of fungal microflora. However, the causes of thrush can be paired with the influence of certain risk factors, because intense multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms require certain conditions.

• Thrush often develops on the background of antibacterial therapy. Unfortunately, antibiotics are destructive, not only to pathogenic bacteria but also beneficial microorganisms. The death of the natural microflora can lead to intensive growth of fungi.
• A Decrease in immune activity can sometimes be associated with other inflammatory diseases in various organ systems (potentially dangerous is even the decay on the teeth).
• Hormonal Changes also leads to the development of thrush. By the way, that's why this disease often affects pregnant women. Risk factors also include various diseases of the endocrine glands, including diabetes.
• On the hormonal status could affect the reception of properly selected birth control pills, which are synthetic hormones.
• On the state of the microflora affects nutrition. Sweets, flour products, fizzy drinks — all these products are source of glucose, which the yeast uses for food. That is why the diet should be balanced.
• Risk factors include constant wearing narrow underwear made of synthetic fabrics, or misuse of sanitary pads and tampons.

Thrush in women: the symptoms

Now it is necessary to deal with the peculiarities of the clinical picture. What are the symptoms accompanied by a yeast infection? Feedback indicates that the yeast cause very characteristic signs.

• Inflammation accompanied by the formation of white discharge cheesy texture. White lumps visible on underwear. Moreover, the discharge has a very characteristic sour smell (something like yogurt). Sometimes cheesy deposits on the walls of the vagina become yellowish or greenish color.
• The Disease is accompanied by burning and severe itching of the external genitalia. Not immediately say that combing the skin is impossible. Micro-scratches that appear on the skin from such manipulation, and create conditions for the penetration of infection into the deeper layers.
• Pain, itching and unpleasant sensations during urination. Women also complain of discomfort and soreness during sexual intercourse.

Gradually, the discomfort intensifies. That is why it is so important to consult a doctor.

Stage of development of the disease in women

You already know about what is a yeast infection. But it should be noted that this disease occurs in several stages.

• Candidal vaginitis. At this stage, the inflammatory process is localized only in the mucosa of the external genitalia. There is itching, burning, cheesy discharge education.
• Candidal vaginitis. The pathogen spreads to the mucous membranes of the vagina. The symptoms are worse, patients complain of pain that occurs during physical activity, intercourse, or even touch.
• Oral pielotsistit. The pathogen penetrates into the submucosatissue, the inflammatory process extends to the tissue of the bladder, kidney structure. Patients complain of pain during urination. On the mucous membrane of the vagina are formed deep, sometimes even bleeding ulcers. Urine contains a yeast fungi.

Possible complications

Many women face such problem as thrush. Specialists indicate that the acute form of the fungal disease responds well to medical therapy. But if untreated, inflammation can become chronic, which is fraught with dangerous complications:

• The formation of adhesions between tissues of the organs of small pelvis;
• Adhesions, can sometimes lead to obstruction of the fallopian tubes, resulting in infertility;
• Chronic inflammation weakens the immune defenses, resulting in the body becomes much more susceptible to infection;
• Thrush during pregnancy can result in intrauterine infection of the fetus;
• Inflammatory process can go on other pelvic organs, e.g., rectum, bladder, ovaries;
• Very rarely, the activity of the causative agent leads to sepsis.

That is why it is too late to treat the disease. Thrush in women can be dangerous, so you can ignore its not worth it.

Symptoms of pathology in men

Despite the fact that this pathology is considered feminine, men also often diagnosed thrush. Symptoms naturally, look different, but men are also prone to such fungal disease.

Candidiasis in men is in the form of balanoposthitis. The foreskin and the glans of the penis swells and become red, hot to the touch. Patients complain of discomfort, itching, burning sensation that worsens during physical activities and sexual intercourse. In prepucialna cavity begin to accumulate cheesy discharge with a characteristic sour smell.

Sometimes appear and the General symptoms of intoxication. There is an increase in body temperature, weakness, body aches. Sometimes you can see the increase in the inguinal lymph nodes.

And Possibly the development of erosive candidal balanoposthitis. Starts maceration of the tissues, on the skin of the penis appear small ulcers, erosions. The process is accompanied by severe pain and sometimes slight bleeding.

What is a dangerous disease for men? Description of possible complications

Should I be concerned patients diagnosed with a yeast infection? Treatment with drugs usually effective. But the absence of therapy is fraught with unpleasant, and sometimes dangerous complications.

• Thrush in men increases the risk of cracks and erosions in the tissues of the external genitalia. In addition, the disease increases the susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections.
• The Inflammatory process may spread to other organs of the urogenital system, leading to the development of urethritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, nephritis, glomerulonephritis.
• In severe cases the Candida triggers inflammation of the prostate gland.
• Proved that this pathology increases the risk of impotence and male infertility.

Diagnostic measures

How to treat thrush? This will tell you doctor. But first we need to make an accurate diagnosis. As a rule, visual inspection is sufficient to suspect the presence of yeast infection. Women are shown the standard pelvic examination and the male genitals are examined by a urologist. In the future, there are some additional tests.

• First is the microscopic examination of a smear from the vagina (or urethra, if we are talking about the patient-male). This is a quick procedure that is performed practically in every clinic. Alas, during the test, it is not always possible to obtain reliable results.
• More informative is the bacteriological culture, using samples taken from the mucosa of the vagina and urethra. Such a study helps to identify the exact type of pathogen, and also to test his reaction to certain drugs. This diagnostic technique is effective, but takes a few days.
• PCR study helps to identify the DNA samples of yeast-like fungi (or other agents).
• The Patient is also undergoing testing in the determination of sexually transmitted diseases, determining HIV status.
• If there are symptoms of complications, patients are referred for additional diagnostics, which includes ultrasound of the pelvic organs, colposcopy and other procedures.

Medication

Many people are interested in questions about how to treat thrush. Immediately is to say that trying to get rid of the disease alone is not worth it — inept attempts to cope with infection can lead to the development of chronic complications. Only a doctor knows what therapy requires thrush. Treatment for this disease should be comprehensive.

For starters, patients are prescribed antifungal agents both local and systemic effect. Effective are these pills for thrush as “Flucostat”, “Diflucan”, “Material”. These drugs inhibit the activity of pathogenic microflora, inhibit the growth of fungal organisms.

Use other drugs. For example, vaginal suppositories yeast infection in therapy, if we are talking about the patient-the woman. Such agents for local application, such as “Terminal”, “Poliginaks” contain in their composition the same nystatin. Effective are and vaginal pills for yeast infection “Pimafucin”. List effective antifungal drugs also include tools such as “Ovulum”, “Lomexin”, “If”, “Betrothal”, “Nizoral". Medication produced in the form of suppositories, tablets, ointments, creams, solutions for irrigation.

Of Course, a combination of drugs and their dosage determined by the attending physician. In most cases, therapy lasts 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, it is extremely important to follow the diet, to practice good personal hygiene (soap for the treatment of intimate areas need to be selected very carefully), to refuse sexual contact, as in this period, the body is extremely susceptible to other infections.

Thrush is very often associated with intestinal dysbiosis. It is therefore important to restore the normal composition of beneficial microflora. Patients take “Lactulose”, “hilak Forte”, “Suitable” and other drugs that help to populate the intestine with beneficial bacteria.

Proper diet for thrush

In modern medical practice are often recorded cases of thrush in women. Treatment for this disease necessarily includes adequate nutrition. The fact is that some foods can affect the activity of the microflora of the human body that sometimes only exacerbates the situation. Patients with a similar diagnosis temporarily contraindicated in:

• Food and foods that contain large amounts of sugar (this category also includes sweet fruits and juices);
• Pastries, white bread, pastries, pasta — all these products contain in their composition of starch, which eventually breaks down into molecules of glucose (high sugar content creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi);
• All food and products cooked with yeast (including beer).

Observing such a simple rule can speed up the healing process. Incidentally, the same diet needs to adhere to and men during therapy.

Folk remedies for the treatment

A Yeast infection at home can also be cured. Of course, medicinal teas and other remedies cannot be a substitute for a medical therapy. Such drugs can only Supplement the treatment, accelerate the healing process.

• Honey is known to possess many beneficial properties. This product detrimental effect on bacterial and fungal microorganisms that helps to relieve inflammation and to eliminate unpleasant symptoms of thrush. Folk healers recommend to dilute the honey with boiled water in proportion 1 : 10 and this liquid to treat external genitals.
• Effective infusions and decoctions of sage, juniper, eucalyptus, calendula and chamomile. These funds are taken orally as a tea. They help to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• For washing and douching used decoctions of oak bark, St. John's wort, burdock root and calendula flowers.

Of Course, starting a home therapy only after consulting a doctor — a specialist will help you choose an effective and safe means.

Is There an effective prevention?

You already know about what is thrush and why develops. In certain situations, this disease can lead to many complications. That is why it is much easier to try to avoid the development of candidiasis. Rules of prevention is actually very simple.

• Observe the rules of personal (intimate) hygiene. Use appropriate soap.
• It is Worth remembering that promiscuity are risk factors. If such contacts do occur, it is important to use protective equipment.
• Doctors recommend to regularly inspect the vulva, check for rash, redness, discharge and other symptoms.
• Important is proper diet — is to limit the amount of fat and flour products.
• It is Also important to strengthen the immune system, exercise, avoid stress, gradually stab the body.

You already know about what is a yeast infection. The symptoms of this disease are very characteristic. Noticing such violations must be immediately referred to a specialist. The sooner you get started the therapy, the lower the risk of complications.