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Can a yeast infection cause nausea. The Comprehensive Guide to Yeast Infections: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

by alexxlab

Do yeast infections cause nausea? What are the common symptoms of a yeast infection in women and men? When should you see a doctor for a yeast infection? Get all the answers in this in-depth article.

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Understanding Yeast Infections (Candidiasis)

Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida. This yeast is naturally present in the body, but when it multiplies excessively, it can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms. Yeast infections can occur in different parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, vagina, and even the skin.

Causes of Yeast Infections

Yeast infections can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

  • Antibiotics, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body
  • Pregnancy, which can cause hormonal changes that promote Candida growth
  • Diabetes, which can lead to high blood sugar levels that feed the yeast
  • Weakened immune system, as seen in conditions like HIV/AIDS or cancer treatments
  • Tight or synthetic clothing, which can create a warm, moist environment that
    yeast thrives in
  • Douching or using harsh feminine products, which can disrupt the vaginal pH

Symptoms of Yeast Infections

The most common symptoms of a yeast infection include:

  • Itching, burning, or redness in the affected area
  • A thick, white, clumpy vaginal discharge (often described as resembling cottage cheese)
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Pain or discomfort when urinating

Can Yeast Infections Cause Nausea?

While nausea is not a typical symptom of a yeast infection, it is possible for some people to experience it. Nausea may occur if the yeast infection has spread to the esophagus, causing a condition called esophageal candidiasis. In this case, the nausea would be accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing, heartburn, and chest pain. However, nausea is more commonly associated with the side effects of systemic antifungal medications used to treat severe or recurrent yeast infections.

Treating Yeast Infections

Yeast infections can be treated with a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications, including:

  • Topical antifungal creams, ointments, or suppositories
  • Oral antifungal medications like fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • Boric acid suppositories for recurrent or difficult-to-treat infections

In some cases, a healthcare provider may also recommend probiotics or other natural remedies to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the body.

Preventing Yeast Infections

To help prevent yeast infections, it’s important to:

  • Wear loose, breathable clothing and avoid tight-fitting underwear
  • Avoid using harsh soaps, douches, or other feminine products that can disrupt the vaginal pH
  • Maintain good hygiene, including wiping from front to back after using the bathroom
  • Manage any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, that may increase the risk of yeast infections
  • Avoid using antibiotics unnecessarily, as they can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria

When to See a Doctor for a Yeast Infection

If you experience any of the common symptoms of a yeast infection, it’s generally recommended to see a healthcare provider, especially if it’s your first time dealing with the condition. Some signs that you should seek medical attention include:

  • Severe or persistent symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments
  • Recurrent yeast infections (more than four per year)
  • Symptoms that don’t match your previous yeast infections
  • Symptoms that occur alongside other concerning symptoms, such as fever or abdominal pain

Your healthcare provider can properly diagnose the condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

In summary, yeast infections are a common fungal condition that can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, burning, and vaginal discharge. While nausea is not a typical symptom, it can occur in some cases, particularly if the infection has spread to the esophagus. Proper treatment and prevention strategies can help manage yeast infections and prevent them from recurring.

International Association of Providers of AIDS Care

WHAT IS CANDIDIASIS?

Candidiasis, also known as Candida, is a common opportunistic infection (OI) in people with HIV. It is an infection caused by a common type of yeast (or fungus) called candida that is found in most people’s bodies. A healthy immune system keeps it under control. Candida usually infects the mouth, throat, and/or vagina. It can occur months or years before other more serious OIs.

In the mouth, the infection is called thrush. When the infection spreads deeper into the throat it is called esophagitis. It looks like white patches similar to cottage cheese or red spots. It can cause a sore throat, pain when swallowing, nausea, and loss of appetite. Thrush can also cause cracking at the corners of the mouth. This is called angular chelitis.

In the vagina, the infection is called a yeast infection or vaginitis. This is a common vaginal infection. Symptoms include itching, burning, and a thick whitish discharge.

Candida can also spread and cause infection in the brain, heart, joints, and eyes.

CAN CANDIDIASIS BE PREVENTED?

Antifungal drugs such as clotrimazole, nystatin, fluconazole, and itraconazole may be used to prevent Candida but drug resistance may occur with prolonged use. Strengthening the immune system by taking combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the best way to prevent Candida.

HOW IS CANDIDIASIS TREATED?

Treatments can be local or systemic. Local treatments are applied where the infection is found. Systemic treatments affect the whole body. Many healthcare providers prefer to use local treatment first. It puts the medication directly where it is needed and it has fewer side effects than systemic treatment. Also, there is less risk of Candida becoming resistant to the medications. The medications used to fight Candida are antifungal drugs. Almost all their names end in “-azole.” They include clotrimazole, nystatin, fluconazole, and itraconazole.

Local treatments include:

    • Creams
    • Suppositories
    • Liquids
    • Troches or lozenges that dissolve in the mouth

Local treatments may cause some stinging or irritation.

Systemic treatment is needed if local treatments don’t work or if the infection has spread into the throat (esophagitis) or other parts of the body. Some systemic drugs are taken in pill form. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Less than 20% of people have these side effects.

Candidiasis can come back repeatedly. Some healthcare providers prescribe antifungal drugs on a long-term basis. This can cause resistance. The yeast can mutate so that a drug no longer works.

Some serious cases do not respond to other medications. Then, amphotericin B might be used. It is a very potent and toxic drug, given orally or intravenously. The major side effects are kidney problems and anemia. Other reactions include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and headache. These usually get better after the first few doses.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Candidiasis is a very common yeast (fungal) infection. The fungus normally lives in the body. It cannot be eliminated. The best way to avoid an outbreak of candidiasis is to strengthen your immune system by taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs).

Most Candida infections are easily treated with local therapies. In people with weakened immune systems, these infections may become more persistent. Systemic antifungal drugs can be taken, but Candida might become resistant to them. The most potent antifungal drug, amphotericin B, has serious side effects.

MORE INFORMATION

CDC: Candidiasis

UCSF HIV in Site: Candidiasis and HIV

nam aidsmap: Candidiasis (thrush)

HIV.gov: Candidiasis (Mucocutaneous)

Reviewed March 2021

 

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