Candidiasis

  1. 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.

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