Candida is a fungus that normally lives on the skin, in the oral cavity, intestines and vagina without causing problems.
In the presence of certain predisposing factors such as weakened immunity or an imbalance of the body's normal flora, overgrowth occurs, leading to infection. The most common causative agent of the genus is Candida Albicans.
The main infections caused by the fungus are:
- Oral candidiasis
Of the forms of oral candidiasis, the most familiar is acute pseudomembranous candidiasis. It occurs in newborns, with infection occurring through the birth canal. It also develops in elderly patients on antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, diabetes, anaemia, blood diseases, leukaemia or advanced malignancy.
Another form is chronic atrophic candidiasis, which affects about 65% of denture-wearing patients. Infection in this case is secondary to mechanical irritation of the permanent denture. Clinically, it manifests with redness of the oral mucosa.
Candidiasis angularis cheilitis is often a combination between the yeast of Candida and other microorganisms. Predisposing factors are most often deficiency of folic acid, iron or vitamin B12. Infection at this site is manifested by redness of the corners of the lips or small ulcers with discharge.
Improving oral hygiene is needed to stop the growing infection. Chlorhexidine preparations are a good tool for this purpose. For more serious infection, antifungal agents and antibiotics (fluconazole, ketoconazole, Nystatin) are prescribed.
- Genital candidiasis
It often occurs during pregnancy due to increased hormone levels, which is considered normal. Other cases in which genital candidiasis develops are poor hygiene, as well as excessive hygiene (leading to an imbalance of the vaginal flora), unprotected intercourse, use of antibiotics, etc.
The common symptoms are redness in the intimate area, itching, it is also possible to experience burning when urinating, discharge of discharge with an unpleasant odor and unusual consistency. They call Candida thrush as it forms a discharge similar to curdled milk. This is the first visible sign of the infection.
For mild infection, topical treatment with vaginal globules and pessaries is prescribed, combined with a single oral intake of an antifungal drug (fluconazole), as well as creams applied to the external genitalia. The active ingredients are similar to those in oral infection.
The intake of probiotics is recommended, as they contain lactobacilli, which favor the normal balance of vaginal and intestinal flora. They absorb the excess glycogen that Candida colonies feed on.
- Invasive candidiasis (Candidemia)
The factors determining the development of invasive candidiasis are different from those in the previous two infections.
A major factor is surgery, particularly abdominal surgery.
Another factor is age, as well as the body's antibiotic load after the surgical procedure. Since Candida is mainly found in the intestine, the possibility of spreading to adjacent tissues and organs during intervention in the abdominal area is high. The risk increases in the presence of a contaminated surgical instrument or when a venous catheter becomes infected by the patient's skin. The organs most commonly affected are the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart and lungs, and the outcome can be fatal if measures are not taken in time. In these cases, the causative organism is isolated only by culture and/or histological examination of the organs.
Symptoms of invasive candidiasis are more extensive and include fever, hypotension, confusion, nausea, and sometimes coma.
Treatment is done by administering an antibiotic intravenously and depends on the patient's age, immune status and severity of infection.
Accompanying symptoms to those specific to the localization of the infection may be:
- lack of concentration
- depression
- increased allergic response to certain foods
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- hair loss
- and other ailments associated with the acid released by the fungus
Information on whether we have had a fungal infection or whether one is currently developing can be obtained by testing the immunoglobulins in the body:
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) gives us information about antigen entering the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, throat or respiratory tract (i.e. an incoming threat).
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) indicates the primary touch of the pathological antigen and the development of a fresh infection. IgM values are higher in freshly developed infection than in chronic infection.
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) e distributed evenly in internal and extra-vascular fluids. Its values are elevated in chronic, prolonged infection and may remain so long after its resolution.
Prevention
To prevent Candida overgrowth, you need to keep your skin clean and dry and try to eat a healthy diet.
Fast carbohydrates (anything containing sugar, pasta and alcohol) are a staple food for fungus.
People with diabetes should pay particular attention to this fact and keep their blood sugar under control as they are susceptible to fungal infections against a background of weakened immunity.For more information, we at Medical Karaj are at your service.
Call us on the following numbers "Medical Karaj": 0879 977 401 or 0879 977 402.
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