How can recurrent yeast infections be effectively managed. What are the best treatment options for chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis. Why do some women experience persistent yeast overgrowth. Which maintenance therapies are recommended by experts for long-term control.

Understanding Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC)

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), commonly known as a yeast infection, affects a significant portion of the female population. While many women experience isolated episodes, a subset faces the challenge of recurrent infections. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is defined as experiencing three or more episodes within a single year, affecting between 6% and 10% of women.

These persistent infections can cause considerable discomfort, including:

• Burning sensation
• Itching
• Pain during and after intercourse

For women dealing with chronic or recurrent yeast infections, the focus often shifts from complete eradication to symptom management and mycologic control.

First-Line Treatments for Recurrent Yeast Infections

When addressing RVVC, healthcare providers typically start with more aggressive treatment approaches compared to those used for isolated infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following first-line treatment:

• Oral fluconazole: Weekly doses for 6 months

This extended regimen aims to suppress the fungal overgrowth and provide long-term relief. However, oral antifungal medications may not be suitable for all patients.

Who should avoid oral fluconazole?

Certain groups of women may need to consider alternative treatments due to potential risks associated with oral fluconazole:

• Those taking statin medications
• Patients with kidney disease
• Women at risk for arrhythmias
• Pregnant individuals

For these patients, topical treatments may be a safer and more appropriate option.

Topical Treatment Options for RVVC

When oral medications are contraindicated or ineffective, topical treatments can provide a viable alternative. A recent study published in Women’s Health Reports highlighted several effective options for managing RVVC caused by Candida albicans:

• Clotrimazole
• Miconazole
• Terconazole
• Intravaginal boric acid

These topical medications can be applied directly to the affected area, providing targeted relief and control of fungal growth.

Nystatin: A Potential Alternative

While not commercially available in the United States, nystatin ovules have shown promise in treating RVVC. According to the CDC, this medication may be even more effective than some of the more commonly prescribed options. However, it must be compounded by a specialty pharmacy, which may limit its accessibility for some patients.

Maintenance Therapy for Long-Term Management

After initial treatment, many women with RVVC require ongoing maintenance therapy to prevent recurrence. The experts consulted in the study suggest a tailored approach based on individual patient needs:

• Frequency: Once to three times per week
• Optimal regimen: Twice weekly application for most cases

This maintenance strategy helps to keep fungal growth in check and minimize the likelihood of symptom recurrence.

Choosing the Right Antifungal

Selecting the most appropriate antifungal for maintenance therapy can be crucial for long-term success. The International Society for the Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) has developed an app to assist healthcare providers and patients in matching the best antifungal treatment to the specific yeast species causing the infection.

Beyond Medication: Addressing Underlying Factors

While antifungal treatments are essential for managing RVVC, addressing underlying factors that contribute to recurrent infections is equally important. Healthcare providers may recommend several strategies to support overall vaginal health and reduce the risk of future infections:

• Removing implanted devices like IUDs
• Controlling blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes
• Addressing immunocompromised states
• Reviewing and adjusting medication use
• Minimizing the use of corticosteroids and antibiotics when possible

By taking a comprehensive approach that combines targeted antifungal therapy with lifestyle modifications, many women can achieve better control over their recurrent yeast infections.

The Role of Non-albicans Candida Species

While Candida albicans is the most common culprit behind yeast infections, it’s important to note that up to 20% of recurrent cases may be caused by non-albicans species. This distinction is crucial because:

• Fluconazole may be less effective against non-albicans infections
• Alternative treatment strategies may be necessary

Identifying the specific fungal species responsible for the infection can help guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes for women with RVVC.

Ibrexafungerp: A New Treatment Option

In June 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved ibrexafungerp, a novel antifungal medication for treating vulvovaginal candidiasis. Unlike fluconazole, which inhibits fungal growth, ibrexafungerp has fungicidal properties, meaning it can actually kill the fungus. Key features of this new treatment include:

• Dosage: Two doses taken on the same day
• Mechanism: Fungicidal action
• Limitation: Contraindicated during pregnancy

This new addition to the antifungal arsenal may provide an alternative for women who don’t respond well to traditional treatments or who cannot use fluconazole due to contraindications.

Personalized Approaches to RVVC Management

Given the complex nature of recurrent yeast infections and the variability in patient responses to different treatments, a personalized approach is often necessary. Factors that may influence treatment decisions include:

• Patient preferences (e.g., oral vs. topical medications)
• Presence of underlying health conditions
• History of previous antifungal use and response
• Identification of the specific Candida species involved

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in guiding patients through the process of identifying the root cause of their recurrent infections and determining the most appropriate maintenance treatment regimen.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is fundamental to effective RVVC management. This may involve:

• Microscopic examination of vaginal secretions
• Fungal cultures to identify the specific Candida species
• Assessing for other potential causes of symptoms (e.g., bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections)

By ensuring a correct diagnosis, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans more effectively and avoid unnecessary or ineffective interventions.

Lifestyle Modifications and Preventive Measures

While antifungal treatments are the cornerstone of RVVC management, lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in reducing the frequency and severity of recurrences. Some strategies that may help include:

• Wearing breathable, cotton underwear
• Avoiding tight-fitting clothing
• Maintaining good hygiene practices
• Limiting the use of scented products in the genital area
• Managing stress levels
• Maintaining a balanced diet low in refined sugars

These preventive measures, when combined with appropriate medical treatment, can contribute to better long-term outcomes for women with RVVC.

The Role of Probiotics

Some research suggests that probiotics may help in maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome and potentially reducing the risk of yeast overgrowth. While more studies are needed to confirm their efficacy, some healthcare providers may recommend probiotic supplements as part of a comprehensive RVVC management plan.

Navigating the Emotional Impact of RVVC

Recurrent yeast infections can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life, affecting everything from daily comfort to intimate relationships. It’s important for healthcare providers to address not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional toll of RVVC. This may involve:

• Providing emotional support and reassurance
• Offering resources for coping with chronic conditions
• Discussing the impact on sexual health and relationships
• Connecting patients with support groups or counseling services if needed

By taking a holistic approach to RVVC management, healthcare providers can help patients achieve better overall outcomes and improved quality of life.

Future Directions in RVVC Research and Treatment

As our understanding of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for treatment and prevention. Some areas of ongoing investigation include:

• Development of new antifungal agents with improved efficacy against non-albicans species
• Exploration of immunotherapeutic approaches to enhance the body’s natural defenses against Candida
• Investigation of the role of biofilms in persistent infections and strategies to disrupt them
• Studies on the potential use of bacteriotherapy to restore a healthy vaginal microbiome

These ongoing research efforts hold promise for improving the management of RVVC and potentially reducing its impact on women’s health.

The Importance of Continued Education

As new treatments and management strategies emerge, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to stay informed about the latest developments in RVVC care. Continuing education programs, professional conferences, and up-to-date clinical guidelines can help ensure that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

For women experiencing recurrent yeast infections, staying informed about their condition and actively participating in treatment decisions can lead to better outcomes. Open communication with healthcare providers, adherence to treatment plans, and a willingness to explore different management strategies are all key components of successful RVVC management.

By combining expert medical care, personalized treatment approaches, and patient engagement, many women with RVVC can achieve significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life. As research continues to advance our understanding of this challenging condition, there is hope for even more effective and targeted treatments in the future.

Twice weekly maintenance therapy ideal for recurrent yeast infections

Apr 22, 2022

Rachel Zimlich, RN, BSN

Contemporary OB/GYN JournalVol 67 No 7

Volume 67

Issue 7

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)—commonly known as a yeast infection—is a problem many women face at some point. About half of all women have had at least 1 of these infections clinical diagnosed, and between 6% and 10% are believed to develop a recurrent form of this condition with 3 to 4 or more episodes in a single year, according to a new report.

These infections can cause symptoms like burning, itching, or even pain during and after intercourse. When these infections become chronic or recurrent, the women who experience them usually have to rely on symptomatic control rather than trying to actually resolve the fungal infection.

A new study, published in Women’s Health Reports, sought to develop a consensus among vulvovaginal experts on the best ways to treat chronic or recurrent yeast infections.

For episodic yeast infections, over-the-counter antifungal treatments or a single oral dose of fluconazole are usually used and can resolve symptoms to produce a negative culture in up to 90% of women who complete the regimen.

Recurrent yeast infections, however, are rarely ever “cured.” Curing the fungal infection completely is nearly impossible, and most women with this condition aim instead for mycologic control. This usually takes more than a single course of oral fluconazole—normally 3 doses—or up to 2 weeks of topical treatment. Beyond this initial treatment strategy, however, there is little guidance on what it takes to maintain that control.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of oral fluconazole weekly for 6 months as an initial first-line treatment for recurrent yeast infections. If oral antifungal medication can’t be used for a number of reasons, the CDC suggests that intermittent topical treatments can be used, but the type and frequency of these treatments isn’t specified.

The study authors note that while most women prefer oral fluconazole over topical medications for convenience, its use may carry additional risk for women:

• Who take statin medications
• With kidney disease
• Who are at risk for arrhythmias
• Who are pregnant

Additionally, the study reveals that fluconazole may not be effective against infections caused by the nonalbicans species of fungi, which is responsible for up to 20% of recurrent yeast infections. There are some other options for oral treatment, too, including ibrexafungerp. This medication was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2021 and is taken in just 2 doses given the same day. It kills the fungus instead of just stopping its growth like fluconazole, but is also contraindicated during pregnancy.

Other management strategies for mycologic control in recurrent yeast infections may include things like:

• Removing implanted devices like IUDs
• Controlling blood glucose levels and/or diabetes
• Addressing immunocompromise
• Reviewing medication use
• Minimizing the use of corticosteroids and antibiotics

When it comes to topical medication choices, the study concluded that clotrimazole, miconazole, terconazole, and intravaginal boric acid were ideal topical treatments for RVCC caused by Candida albicans. Nystatin ovules are also an option and may actually be more effective, according to CDC, but this medication isn’t commercially available in the United States and must be compounded by a specialty pharmacy.

After initial treatment, the experts polled in the study suggest that topical treatments of whatever medication is used by continued once to 3 times a week, depending on how often symptoms of infection return. In most cases, twice weekly use of topical treatments is sufficient, according to the report. In choosing a topical for maintenance use, the study notes that there is an app available from the International Society for the Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) to help clinicians and patients match the best antifungal with the species of yeast that is causing the problem.

The study authors conclude by stating that while fluconazole may be enough to suppress RVVC in many women, some will need clinician guidance on identifying the cause of their recurrent infection and determining the best course of maintenance treatment.

Reference

1. Phillips NA, Bachmann G, Haefner H, Martens M, Stockdale C. Topical Treatment of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: An Expert Consensus. Women’s Health Reports. March 2022;3(1):38-42. doi:10.1089/whr.2021.0065.

Chronic Yeast Infections: Causes and Treatments

Yeast infections can recur or become chronic if there’s an imbalance in the bacteria in your vagina. Certain practices may help prevent them.

Yeast overgrowth

While yeast infections can happen to anyone at any age, there are certain factors that can increase your chances.

Let’s look at causes of chronic yeast infections and the steps you can take to manage and prevent the most common recurring yeast infections.

Recurring yeast infections are those that happen four or more times within a year.

Chronic yeast infections can occur if conditions in the body are favorable for yeast overgrowth. An overgrowth of Candida causes most cases of yeast infections. This type of yeast is naturally present in our bodies.

In the vagina, chronic yeast infections can happen when there’s an imbalance or variation in vaginal bacteria. These bacteria normally help keep Candida from overgrowing. An imbalance or variation can happen if too much bacteria are removed via antibiotics or douching.

It’s crucial to have a balance of healthy microorganisms in the body. This is where probiotic supplements or foods like yogurt with active cultures may help. Although this isn’t accepted as proven treatment for yeast infections, some people feel it’s helpful for promoting healthy vaginal bacteria.

Candida also tends to thrive in wet conditions, such as sweat or saliva. A lack of regular hygiene practices, such as daily showers and brushing your teeth, or a constantly damp environment can also lead to chronic yeast infections.

You’re also at risk of recurring yeast infections if you have a weakened immune system. The following can weaken your immune system:

• age
• some medications
• certain health conditions

Here are some possible causes of chronic yeast infections.

The initial yeast infection wasn’t completely treated

If your yeast infection didn’t respond to the first course of treatment, your doctor may prescribe long-term antifungals. This may include weekly oral or vaginal medications for up to six months.

Transmitting the infection back and forth

Candida infections can happen on other areas of skin and in the mouth. They can spread via skin-to-skin contact. This is most common between breastfeeding moms and their babies.

The key to prevent recurring transmissions is to make sure both mom and baby are completely cured of yeast infections. You may have to pump your breast milk and bottle-feed while the infections clear up.

Sexual activity

While not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it’s possible to pass yeast infections back and forth between sexual partners.

Wearing condoms and dental dams can help, especially if you or your partner have recurring yeast infections. You can also shower after intercourse (but don’t douche) to keep Candida at bay.

Humidity and moisture

Yeast tends to thrive in wet, humid conditions. Living in a humid environment, constantly sweating, and wearing damp clothing can contribute to yeast or fungal growth. It may be helpful to wear cotton underwear and breathable fabrics.

Drug-resistant strains of yeast

While rare, a species of yeast that’s able to resist common medications may be behind your chronic yeast infection.

If your yeast infection isn’t responding to treatment, your doctor may recommend a different antifungal medication and a multifaceted approach. This might include lifestyle changes and supplements.

It’s not a yeast infection

Some conditions can mimic the symptoms of a yeast infection, such as:

• bacterial vaginosis
• STIs
• skin allergies
• ureaplasma

It’s important to see your doctor for a first-time yeast infection or for a yeast infection that returns. They can take a sample (culture) of the suspected yeast infection to determine if it’s attributed to another condition.

The genital area naturally contains Candida. Once this balance is disrupted, though, Candida overgrowth can happen.

For some people, being prone to yeast infections is simply hereditary. Overgrowth of yeast can also happen as a result of:

• douching
• moist conditions
• poor hygiene
• antibiotic use

Genital yeast infections are also more common in people with compromised immune systems and who have diabetes. Sexual activity and high estrogen levels are other risk factors.

There are also somestudies suggesting chronic yeast infections may be due to hypersensitivity to Candida.

A genital yeast infection can cause burning and itching sensations. You may also notice a red rash, especially around the vulva or anywhere on the penis. When you urinate, you may see a cottage cheese-like discharge and feel burning on the surrounding skin.

Over-the-counter suppository medications can usually treat vaginal yeast infections. However, if this is your first yeast infection or first recurring yeast infection, you may want to see your doctor. They can rule out the possibility of other infections.

Once treated, you can help keep genital yeast infections from returning by keeping good hygiene habits and promoting normal vaginal bacterial balance. Here are some tips:

• Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.
• Take daily showers.
• Wash and sterilize any clothing and towels you used during your infection.

Like the genital area, Candida is naturally occurring inside your mouth. But if Candida levels get out of control, you may develop thrush.

Symptoms include thick, white lesions that grow on the insides of the cheeks, tongue, and back of the throat. You may also have an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in your mouth. This can cause difficulty eating and swallowing.

Oral thrush tends to be more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as:

• babies
• the elderly
• people who have an autoimmune disorder

Wearing dentures or taking antibiotics can also lead to Candida overgrowth in your mouth.

Oral thrush is easily treatable. It involves taking antifungal medication taken by mouth.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to recurring thrush infections. Chronic oral thrush can also occur in babies who need to continue breastfeeding.

Ways to cut down on chronic oral thrush include the following:

• Replace your toothbrush or any mouth gear after an active oral thrush infection so you don’t re-infect yourself.
• Clean and sterilize retainers and other dental gear like dentures, mouthguards, and water flossers. Consider consulting a dentist or doctor for tips.
• For babies with oral thrush, both mom and baby need to receive treatment. Having the household take preventive measures at the same time is also important.

It’s also possible to develop a throat and esophageal yeast infection. Mucocutaneous candidiasis is behind this type of yeast infection. It affects the mucous membranes in the throat and esophagus.

Esophageal yeast infections can occur if oral thrush is left untreated.

These types of yeast infections are also most common in people with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mouth and throat yeast infections occur in about a third of people living with HIV.

Treatment and preventive measures for yeast infections in the throat and esophagus are similar to that of oral thrush. Your doctor will likely prescribe an antifungal called fluconazole.

The sooner you treat a yeast infection, the faster you can get rid of the associated discomfort. Call your doctor if your yeast infection seems persistent.

Once your doctor confirms the diagnosis, it’s important to take the necessary steps to make sure you get rid of it for good. This will also help manage the possibility of chronic cases. Consider the following tips to manage chronic yeast infections:

• Make sure you take your full course of medication, even if symptoms go away before the medicine is gone and even if you don’t think it’s working right away.
• If you’re sexually active, ask your partner to get tested for Candida, too. This will help prevent the infection from spreading.
• Change and launder your clothing and fabrics, like towels and sheets, regularly and separate from other clothing. Consider adding bleach, or distilled white vinegar to the wash.
• Wash items that come into contact with infected areas directly after use to prevent spreading yeast cells or re-infecting yourself.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or if the infection returns after the treatment is complete.

Yeast infections are complex, but they can be cured. Severe or recurring yeast infections will just take more time. Keep in touch with your doctor if symptoms of a yeast infection get worse or come back.

Fungal infections – diagnosis and treatment at affordable prices in Chelyabinsk

Our services

Millions of people around the world suffer from fungal infections. Candidiasis, trichophytosis and other pathologies occur even in people who follow hygiene. Often the disease is recurrent. What to do? Contact the specialists of the network of expert clinics “Citymed”. Here, the treatment of fungal diseases is approached comprehensively, always achieving an effect.

Why do fungal infections occur and can you protect yourself from them?

Opportunistic pathogens are constantly present in the human body. With a decrease in immunity, they cause harm.

The following factors provoke the development of fungal infections :

• stress;
• bad habits;
• malnutrition;
• poor hygiene;
• taking antibiotics;
• hormonal “jumps”;
• chronic somatic diseases. For example, diabetes.

Do not think that as soon as you improve your diet or get rid of bad habits, give birth to a child or start washing your hands more often, the symptoms will disappear. It is simply impossible to do without the help of a specialist!

When to go to the doctor?

Consultation with a specialist is required for any fungal diseases.

We recommend making an appointment at the Citymed Allergology and Immunology Clinic if you experience the following symptoms :

• lesions of the nail plates on the hands and feet;
• skin itching and peeling;
• swelling of the mucous membranes and the appearance of a white coating on them, resembling cottage cheese in consistency;
• keratinization of the skin;
• itchy scalp;
• hair loss.

It is dangerous to postpone therapy! Advanced diseases are more difficult to treat and require significant material and time costs.

Start effective treatment now!

For the treatment of fungal diseases in our clinic, modern methods and drugs that have proven their effectiveness are used. Treatment is prescribed only after a thorough diagnosis and assessment of the individual characteristics of the patient. We never limit ourselves to antifungal drugs! Specialists additionally prescribe other modern means, as well as physiotherapy.

Do you want to take the help of a doctor and forget about fungal diseases? Call! Our phone: +7(351) 216-64-16

Doctors

Malakhova Svetlana Ivanovna

Allergist-immunologist, pediatrician, pulmonologist Ph.D., doctor of the highest category

Cost of admission — 1800/1500

causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention

Increased sensitivity to fungal flora is not a rare occurrence in the practice of modern allergology. Among the huge species diversity of protozoa, mold is considered the leader. In the vast majority of cases, the process is localized in the respiratory tract with subsequent involvement of the bronchi, conjunctiva of the eye, and nasal mucosa. Mold easily penetrates the structure of the lungs, causing allergic alveolitis. Less often, the skin is affected, and the picture at the same time resembles a typical atopic dermatitis.

The peculiarity of fungal diseases is that they are prone to a chronic course with frequent relapses, so they are difficult to treat. Only an experienced allergist-immunologist can carry out a high-level diagnosis. It is these specialists who work at the Edcar clinic, where not only patients living in Kaliningrad, but also patients from other regions of the country often turn.

General

Recurrent fungal diseases may be based on hypersensitivity to both opportunistic and pathogenic fungi. These microscopic organisms are present in the air, household dust, food products. Approximately 75% of mold spores are found in the atmosphere and are inhaled by humans.

Mold allergy peaks during the warm season and high humidity. But fungi of the genus Penicillium and Aspergillus are active in cold weather. For immunocompromised patients, a mycogenic infection, such as bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, is of great danger.

Causes and risk factors

Fungi are very sensitive to their environment. For their comfortable life, two conditions are necessary: ​​good humidity and warmth. In such an ideal environment, they actively breed indoors, settle on some food products.

• Cladosporium herbarum. This is the most common type of mold that causes allergic bronchitis and rhinitis.
• Penicillum notatum owes its wide popularity to Fleming, the creator of the world’s first antibiotic. Penicillin mold thrives in residential areas, it hides under wallpaper, is present in the air and dust. Affects the skin and respiratory tract.
• Aspergillus fumigatus is the strongest allergen that lives on fruits and vegetables. It is thanks to this fungus that the process of decay starts. When eating damaged fruits, poisoning with the alkaloid fumigoclavine occurs.
• Alternaria tenuis or better known as black rot lives in rooms with a high level of humidity: a bathroom, a bathroom. This pathogen provokes the development of dermatitis and asthma.

Fungal entry routes are through inhaled air or spoiled food. But at the same time, one should not forget about the risk factors:

• aggravated heredity;
• stay in a damp room;
• harvesting dead leaves without proper protection;
• work in a laboratory or food industry.

Symptoms of fungal allergy

Clinical manifestations depend on the type of fungus that has entered the body. Much also depends on the primary lesion. If the pathogen has settled in the upper respiratory tract, then the patient has the following symptoms:

• dry, painful cough without sputum;
• shortness of breath;
• attacks of suffocation.

The most common allergic reaction to mold is bronchial asthma.

If aspergillosis is added to asthma, then along with the clinic of bronchial obstruction, there is a rise in temperature, pain in the chest, cough with hemoptysis. In general, the picture may resemble a pneumonia clinic.

Molds of the class Aspergillus fumigatus also cause allergic alveolitis (mushroom grower’s disease). This disease is characterized by an acute onset and symptoms of pneumonia. In the chronic form, the patient loses a lot of weight, his working capacity decreases, and severe shortness of breath appears at the slightest load.

The mildest form of fungal allergy is considered to be rhinitis and conjunctivitis with symptoms characteristic of these pathologies:

• sneezing attacks;
• pain in the eyes;
• lacrimation;
• persistent nasal congestion;
• pruritus on the background of rash.

It is very difficult to determine the specific type of allergen. This will require a thorough diagnosis using modern techniques.

Diagnostic features

The basis of diagnostic measures for fungal allergies is a competent history taking. An allergist-immunologist at the initial appointment will ask the patient about cases of allergic diseases in the family, and will conduct an examination. In addition, the specialist will appoint:

• a set of laboratory tests;
• chest ultrasound;
• radiographic examination;
• allergy testing;
• spirography;
• endoscopy of the nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract.

It may be necessary to additionally determine the concentration of immunoglobulins in the blood. It is very important to differentiate mold allergy from other pathologies with similar clinical manifestations.

Treatment and prognosis

Fungal allergy is treated individually. Based on the results obtained during the study, the doctor develops a treatment program. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and antifungals are usually prescribed in the acute period. The patient must understand that only long-term therapy will help reduce sensitization to the allergen.

In terms of prognosis, allergic diseases caused by fungal pathogens are most often chronic. Hence the difficulty in diagnosis. The patient turns to an allergist-immunologist as a last resort, when the quality of life and his working capacity reach a low level. But after the start of specific treatment, the state of health immediately improves. True, changes in the bronchi and lungs caused by mold fungus become irreversible.

Prevention

To protect yourself from allergies to mold fungi, it is enough to strictly adhere to these simple rules:

• regularly clean the room, the kitchen requires special attention;
• ventilate the room;
• if possible, remove or limit the number of potted plants in the dwelling;
• dry bed linen and clothes well after washing;
• be cautious about eating certain foods: cheeses, dairy products, fermented wines.