Candida is a very common yeast-like fungus that causes several kinds of diseases; among them is Candidiasis, a condition characterized by the presence and overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungi in the body.
Since Candidiasis is caused by a yeast-like fungus, the infection is also commonly referred to as a yeast infection. Although it is said that Candida fungi are ubiquitous (in fact 80% of all persons with normal skin have the fungus on their skin), not everyone develops infection. Good bacteria in the body and the immune system control their growth; however, due to some factors such as the intake of antibiotics, their growth becomes unmanageable.
Infection can be triggered other factors such as intravenous catheters, ulceration, surgery, trauma, premature birth and organ transplants.
Symptoms of the Candidal infection depend on the kind of infection the person has. Usually the infection affects a localized area of the skin; the infection is called Cutaneous Candidiasis. Symptoms include itchiness, inflammation of the skin and rashes.
Oral or thrush Candidiasis affects the mouth and is characterized by moisture in the area around the lips, red patches on the tongue and cheeks. When the fungal infection in the mouth is not cured, Candida fungus may reach the esophagus. This condition is called as Esophagitis Candidiasis. The infection causes inflammation of the esophagus, making it hard for the patient to swallow. Also, he may experience chest pain.
Vaginal candidiasis, which affects the female genitalia, is characterized by itchiness and soreness of the genitals, thick white or yellowish discharge, burning sensation, and flaking of the skin.
Paronychia, a candidal infection of the nails, is manifested by the swelling of the area surrounding the fingernails or toenails. Pus usually develops in the infected area and this needs to be drained to treat the infection.
Infection of the reparatory tract varies in terms of severity from one person to another. It can be mild on some patients and fatal to some, especially to those with very weak immune system due to an illness. Symptoms are like those of pneumonia.
When the fungus reaches the bloodstream, it becomes a root cause of many disorders. As it destroys the cells and the tissues, it makes the person weak and vulnerable to illnesses and abnormalities ranging from bad breath to indigestions, ulcers, diarrhea, chronic fatigue, skin allergies and a lot more. In severe cases, Candida fungus infection can lead to multiple organ failure and death.
Overgrowth of the fungi can be easily treated by means of antifungal ointments for some but others, especially for critically ill patients, oral medication is necessary. The kind of treatment also differs from one patient to another depending on the location of the fungus infection and the kind of Candida fungus that caused the infection.
Home treatments can also be done instead of antifungal drugs; among these are eating or application of yogurt on the infected area (yogurt contains good bacteria), and application of crushed garlic (garlic produces an antifungal substance called allicin).
Persons with serious cases of the infection may need to undergo surgical removal of the part infected with the fungus. Like for example in the case of a person with endocarditis, infection of the lining of the heart, the valve needs to be removed and replaced.
Antifungal drugs are still necessary after the surgery to prevent multiplication the Candida fungus.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Development of A Candida Infection
Candida is a kind of fungi that is ever-present, making it one of the most common disease-causing fungi. The presence of these fungi in the human body, specifically in the skin is in itself not harmful; when the growth of the fungi becomes uncontrollable, infection occurs.
The fungus is usually controlled by bacteria in the body and the immune system; however, people continuously acquire them from the environment. Also, when immune system weakens—particularly if the patient has AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) or diabetes mellitus—and when the native bacteria in the body are diminished by means of antibiotics, the growth of Candida fungus rapidly increases.
Infection begins with the colonization of the skin and mucous membranes. Rate of colonization mark the severity of the infection; this differs from one patient to another. The infected area soon gets inflamed and disrupted, breaking the protective barrier between the external part and the bloodstream and allowing the fungus to get into the blood. Candida fungi produce toxins in the blood; thereby, destroy the tissues and make the immune system weak.
Candida infection in the blood is called Systemic Candidiasis. This condition further leads to the infection of internal organs and thus, to more serious diseases.
Serious Candidal infection or deep candidiasis that involves contamination of the blood is usually common among newly born babies, especially those who are underweight, have very weak immune system or have delicate health conditions. The fungi find their way into the skin or the bloodstream through surgical and open wounds and tubing inserted into body cavities.
People with normal health conditions may also develop candidiasis through drug abuse, high intake of antibiotics and severe cuts, wounds and burns.
When fungus infects the bloodstream, the stomach, the esophagus and the small intestine are among the first to be infected. Twenty percent of the patients usually suffer infections in the small intestinal tracts. Infections in the stomach and the intestines could lead to malignant ulcers and perforations. Furthermore, one may acquire other diseases or disorders since the food may not be properly digested, nutrients may not be properly absorbed, and wastes may not be properly eliminated.
A Candida fungus infection also causes iron deficiency. This happens because Candida fungus makes it hard for the body to absorb iron. Because of this, tissues do not get enough supply of oxygen, making them again vulnerable to diseases.
In addition, the Candida fungus produces waste called acetaidehyde and ethanol as a byproduct. These wastes destroy enzymes that are used to energize the cells. As they destroy enzymes, they also release free radicals, chemicals that cause damage to the cells, tissues and organs, especially the brain. In effect, the person ages too quickly and loses his physical strength.
Although the way the Candida fungus develops and destroys the tissues and organs in the body is almost similar, the symptoms of each kind of Candidal infection differ from one another. This makes it hard for physicians and patients alike to discern the real health condition. Many patients with diabetes are found to have Candidal infection.
Patients are usually given antifungal drugs in forms of pills and creams to prevent the yeast-like Candida fungus from multiplying. Many of the topical drugs can be bought over the counter while antifungal drugs taken orally are mostly prescribed by the doctor. This is because topical drugs have lesser side effects. If rashes occur in a localized area of the skin, antifungal ointment or creams could give fast remedy.
The fungus is usually controlled by bacteria in the body and the immune system; however, people continuously acquire them from the environment. Also, when immune system weakens—particularly if the patient has AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) or diabetes mellitus—and when the native bacteria in the body are diminished by means of antibiotics, the growth of Candida fungus rapidly increases.
Infection begins with the colonization of the skin and mucous membranes. Rate of colonization mark the severity of the infection; this differs from one patient to another. The infected area soon gets inflamed and disrupted, breaking the protective barrier between the external part and the bloodstream and allowing the fungus to get into the blood. Candida fungi produce toxins in the blood; thereby, destroy the tissues and make the immune system weak.
Candida infection in the blood is called Systemic Candidiasis. This condition further leads to the infection of internal organs and thus, to more serious diseases.
Serious Candidal infection or deep candidiasis that involves contamination of the blood is usually common among newly born babies, especially those who are underweight, have very weak immune system or have delicate health conditions. The fungi find their way into the skin or the bloodstream through surgical and open wounds and tubing inserted into body cavities.
People with normal health conditions may also develop candidiasis through drug abuse, high intake of antibiotics and severe cuts, wounds and burns.
When fungus infects the bloodstream, the stomach, the esophagus and the small intestine are among the first to be infected. Twenty percent of the patients usually suffer infections in the small intestinal tracts. Infections in the stomach and the intestines could lead to malignant ulcers and perforations. Furthermore, one may acquire other diseases or disorders since the food may not be properly digested, nutrients may not be properly absorbed, and wastes may not be properly eliminated.
A Candida fungus infection also causes iron deficiency. This happens because Candida fungus makes it hard for the body to absorb iron. Because of this, tissues do not get enough supply of oxygen, making them again vulnerable to diseases.
In addition, the Candida fungus produces waste called acetaidehyde and ethanol as a byproduct. These wastes destroy enzymes that are used to energize the cells. As they destroy enzymes, they also release free radicals, chemicals that cause damage to the cells, tissues and organs, especially the brain. In effect, the person ages too quickly and loses his physical strength.
Although the way the Candida fungus develops and destroys the tissues and organs in the body is almost similar, the symptoms of each kind of Candidal infection differ from one another. This makes it hard for physicians and patients alike to discern the real health condition. Many patients with diabetes are found to have Candidal infection.
Patients are usually given antifungal drugs in forms of pills and creams to prevent the yeast-like Candida fungus from multiplying. Many of the topical drugs can be bought over the counter while antifungal drugs taken orally are mostly prescribed by the doctor. This is because topical drugs have lesser side effects. If rashes occur in a localized area of the skin, antifungal ointment or creams could give fast remedy.
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