What are the symptoms of oral candidiasis. How is esophageal candidiasis diagnosed. Who is at higher risk for developing candidiasis in the mouth and throat. What treatments are available for oral and esophageal candidiasis.

Understanding Candidiasis: A Common Fungal Infection

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts belonging to the genus Candida. While Candida normally resides on the skin and inside the body without causing issues, certain conditions can lead to its overgrowth, resulting in infection. The most common areas affected include the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina.

Oral candidiasis, also known as thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis, affects the mouth and throat. When the infection spreads to the esophagus, it is referred to as esophageal candidiasis or Candida esophagitis. These conditions can cause discomfort and, in some cases, may indicate underlying health issues.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Oral and Esophageal Candidiasis

Identifying the symptoms of candidiasis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. The manifestations can vary depending on the affected area:

Oral Candidiasis Symptoms:

• White patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, and throat
• Redness or soreness in the affected areas
• Cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• Loss of taste
• Pain while eating or swallowing
• Cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth

Esophageal Candidiasis Symptoms:

• Pain when swallowing
• Difficulty swallowing

Is oral thrush always visible? While white patches are a common sign, not all cases of oral candidiasis present with visible symptoms. Some individuals may experience only discomfort or altered taste sensations.

Risk Factors and Prevention of Candidiasis

Although candidiasis can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk of developing the infection:

• Infants, especially those younger than 1 month old
• Denture wearers
• Individuals with diabetes
• Cancer patients
• People living with HIV/AIDS
• Those taking antibiotics or corticosteroids, including inhaled corticosteroids for asthma
• Individuals with dry mouth conditions or taking medications that cause dry mouth
• Smokers

How can one prevent oral candidiasis? Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. For those using inhaled corticosteroids, rinsing the mouth or brushing teeth after each use can help reduce the risk of infection.

Diagnosing Candidiasis: From Visual Inspection to Laboratory Testing

Healthcare providers employ various methods to diagnose candidiasis:

Oral and Throat Candidiasis:

In most cases, a visual inspection of the mouth and throat is sufficient for diagnosis. However, if uncertainty exists, a small sample may be taken for laboratory examination under a microscope.

Esophageal Candidiasis:

Diagnosis typically involves an endoscopy, a procedure where a tube with a light and camera is used to examine the digestive tract. In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe antifungal medication without an endoscopy, monitoring symptom improvement to confirm the diagnosis.

Can blood tests detect oral thrush? While blood tests are not typically used to diagnose oral candidiasis, they may be employed to identify underlying conditions that increase susceptibility to the infection.

Treatment Options for Oral and Esophageal Candidiasis

The treatment approach for candidiasis depends on the severity and location of the infection:

Mild to Moderate Oral and Throat Infections:

• Topical antifungal medications (clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin) applied to the inside of the mouth for 7 to 14 days

Severe Infections:

• Fluconazole, taken orally or intravenously
• Alternative antifungal medications for fluconazole-resistant cases

Esophageal Candidiasis:

• Primarily treated with fluconazole
• Alternative antifungal medications for those unable to take fluconazole or non-responsive cases

How long does it take for oral thrush to clear up with treatment? With appropriate treatment, most cases of oral candidiasis resolve within 1-2 weeks. However, the duration can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual’s immune status.

The Impact of Candidiasis on Specific Populations

While candidiasis can affect anyone, certain groups are more susceptible to severe or recurring infections:

Infants and Young Children:

Oral thrush is common in infants due to their developing immune systems. It can be passed between mother and child during breastfeeding, necessitating treatment for both to prevent reinfection.

Individuals with Weakened Immune Systems:

People living with HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, or taking immunosuppressive medications are at higher risk for esophageal candidiasis. This condition can significantly impact quality of life and nutrition intake.

Denture Wearers:

Poor-fitting dentures or inadequate denture hygiene can create an environment conducive to Candida overgrowth, leading to persistent oral thrush.

Does oral thrush affect overall health? While generally not life-threatening in healthy individuals, oral thrush can be a sign of underlying health issues and may impact nutrition and quality of life if left untreated.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Candidiasis Management

The field of candidiasis research is evolving, with several promising areas of investigation:

Probiotics and Candidiasis:

Studies are exploring the potential of probiotic supplements in preventing and managing candidiasis by promoting a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body.

Novel Antifungal Agents:

Researchers are developing new antifungal medications to address the growing concern of drug-resistant Candida strains.

Immunotherapy Approaches:

Investigations into boosting the immune system’s ability to combat Candida infections are underway, potentially offering new treatment options for individuals with recurrent or resistant infections.

Can dietary changes help prevent candidiasis? While more research is needed, some studies suggest that reducing sugar intake and incorporating foods with antifungal properties, such as garlic and coconut oil, may help prevent Candida overgrowth.

Living with Candidiasis: Management and Quality of Life Considerations

For individuals prone to recurrent candidiasis, adopting certain lifestyle changes and management strategies can be beneficial:

Dietary Considerations:

• Limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can promote yeast growth
• Incorporating probiotic-rich foods to support a healthy gut microbiome

Oral Hygiene Practices:

• Regular brushing and flossing
• Proper cleaning and storage of dentures
• Using alcohol-free mouthwashes

Stress Management:

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, potentially increasing susceptibility to candidiasis. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga may be helpful.

Regular Health Check-ups:

For those with underlying conditions that increase candidiasis risk, regular medical check-ups and adherence to prescribed treatments are crucial.

How does candidiasis affect emotional well-being? Recurring infections can lead to frustration and anxiety. Support groups and counseling may be beneficial for individuals struggling with the psychological impact of chronic candidiasis.

Global Perspectives on Candidiasis: Prevalence and Public Health Implications

While exact global statistics on candidiasis are challenging to obtain due to lack of standardized surveillance, certain trends and concerns have emerged:

Geographical Variations:

The prevalence and species distribution of Candida infections can vary by region, influenced by factors such as climate, healthcare practices, and population demographics.

Antifungal Resistance:

The rise of antifungal-resistant Candida species, particularly Candida auris, has become a global health concern, prompting increased surveillance and infection control measures in healthcare settings.

Economic Impact:

Candidiasis, particularly invasive forms, can lead to prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs, presenting challenges for healthcare systems worldwide.

Public Health Initiatives:

Many countries have implemented public health campaigns to raise awareness about fungal infections, including candidiasis, and promote proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are there global disparities in candidiasis management? Access to diagnostic tools and antifungal medications can vary significantly between high-income and low-income countries, potentially impacting treatment outcomes and antimicrobial resistance patterns.

As research continues and our understanding of candidiasis evolves, healthcare providers and patients alike must stay informed about the latest developments in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By recognizing the signs of infection early and seeking appropriate care, individuals can effectively manage candidiasis and minimize its impact on their health and quality of life.

Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus | Fungal Diseases

About

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Candida normally lives on the skin and inside the body, in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems.¹ Sometimes, Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus changes in a way that encourages fungal growth.

Candidiasis in the mouth and throat is also called thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis. Candidiasis in the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach) is called esophageal candidiasis or Candida esophagitis. Esophageal candidiasis is one of the most common infections in people living with HIV/AIDS.²

Symptoms

Candidiasis in the mouth and throat can have many different symptoms, including:

• White patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, and throat (photo showing candidiasis in the mouth)
• Redness or soreness
• Cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• Loss of taste
• Pain while eating or swallowing
• Cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth

Symptoms of candidiasis in the esophagus usually include pain when swallowing and difficulty swallowing.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms that you think are related to candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus.

Risk and Prevention

Who gets candidiasis in the mouth or throat?

Candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus is uncommon in healthy adults. People who are at higher risk for getting candidiasis in the mouth and throat include babies, especially those younger than 1 month of age, and people with at least one of these factors:^3-7

• Wear dentures
• Have diabetes
• Have cancer
• Have HIV/AIDS
• Take antibiotics or corticosteroids, including inhaled corticosteroids for conditions like asthma
• Take medications that cause dry mouth or have medical conditions that cause dry mouth
• Smoke

Most people who get candidiasis in the esophagus have weakened immune systems, meaning that their bodies don’t fight infections well. This includes people living with HIV/AIDS and people who have blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. People who get candidiasis in the esophagus often also have candidiasis in the mouth and throat.

How can I prevent candidiasis in the mouth or throat?

Ways to help prevent candidiasis in the mouth and throat include:

• Maintain good oral health
• Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after using inhaled corticosteroids

Sources

Candida normally lives in the mouth, throat, and the rest of the digestive tract without causing any problems. Sometimes, Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus changes in a way that encourages its growth.

This can happen when:

• a person’s immune system becomes weakened,
• if antibiotics affect the natural balance of microbes in the body,
• or for a variety of other reasons in other groups of people.

Diagnosis and Testing

Healthcare providers can usually diagnose candidiasis in the mouth or throat simply by looking inside.⁸ Sometimes a healthcare provider will take a small sample from the mouth or throat. The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing, usually to be examined under a microscope.

Healthcare providers usually diagnose candidiasis in the esophagus by doing an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure to examine the digestive tract using a tube with a light and a camera. A healthcare provider might prescribe antifungal medicine without doing an endoscopy to see if the patient’s symptoms get better.

Treatment

Candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus is usually treated with antifungal medicine.⁶ The treatment for mild to moderate infections in the mouth or throat is usually an antifungal medicine applied to the inside of the mouth for 7 to 14 days. These medications include clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin. For severe infections, the most common treatment is fluconazole (an antifungal medication) taken by mouth or through a vein. If patient does not get better after taking fluconazole, healthcare providers may prescribe a different antifungal. The treatment for candidiasis in the esophagus is usually fluconazole. Other types of prescription antifungal medicines can also be used for people who can’t take fluconazole or who don’t get better after taking fluconazole.

If you are a healthcare provider, click here to see the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of CandidiasisExternalexternal icon.

Statistics

The exact number of cases of candidiasis in the mouth, throat, and esophagus in the United States is difficult to determine. This is because there is no national surveillance for these infections. The risk of these infections varies based on the presence of certain underlying medical conditions. For example, candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus is uncommon in healthy adults. However, they are some of the most common infections in people living with HIV/AIDS.² In one study, about one-third of patients with advanced HIV infection had candidiasis in the mouth and throat.⁹

Ever curious, Candida Höfer talks discovering spaces

Since her days under the tutorage of renowned conceptual artists Bernd and Hilla Becher, Candida Höfer has roamed the globe, exploring the spaces, objects and interior grandeur of some of the world’s most intriguing buildings. 

With her large-scale, mostly colour work (she was among the first of Becher’s students to embrace colour) from St. Petersburg and Dublin to Philadelphia, Düsseldorf and Napoli, Höfer has proved master at the art of the interior portrait. No longer just documents of impressive architectural feats, her images have become part of the visual record of our history and culture. 

As we announce Candida as the recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Contribution to Photography award, a prize given to the likes of Mary Ellen Mark, Eve Arnold, Elliott Erwitt and William Eggleston, we speak to the artist from Paris about how she chooses her spaces, her memory of an inflatable frog, and her wise advice to young photographers.  

Candida will be presented with her award at a ceremony in London on the 19th April. A personal selection of her works will be shown at the 2018 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition, from 20th April – 6th May. The show will include three of her most notable large-scale pieces – Musée du Louvre Paris XXI 2005, Hermitage St. Petersburg VIII 2014 and Trinity College Library Dublin I 2004 – which are on loan from Ben Brown Fine Arts, London. 

Hi Candida, thanks for talking with us! Do you remember your first experience with photography or picture making? Perhaps the first time you picked up a camera, or the first print or image that had an effect on you?

I can still remember that as a little girl – I must have been about 6 years old – I had to make a choice if I would like to have a camera or an inflatable frog. I chose the frog. I got my first camera when I was 18 – it was a Rolleiflex. You had to look into a shaft viewfinder, which helped me to concentrate.

What does photography mean to you today versus when you started out?

It is still the best way for me to make images.

Take us through the planning and logistics for a typical shoot. Do the ideas for work come spontaneously from your travels or do you seek these spaces out?

Let us say it is a place I’ve had on my wishlist for a while. I have done some research on the place. I would then ask my gallery there or friends to take a snapshot to have an idea how the places look like now. I then ask permission. Once I have the permission I plan my travels. At the place, I usually get time slots before and/or after opening hours. Then my assistant and I go from room to room. Usually, we ask that someone from the place accompanies us so that we can ask to open and close curtains, to switch on or off the lights in the room. I do not bring any lighting equipment, I always use the light in the room, natural or artificial or both. I usually find the spot from where to take the picture rather quickly; the space dictates it, and my experience consents. Back at the lab, usually after a while after I have taken the photograph, I work on the image. I do not try to reconstruct my impressions from the space. It is the image before me that has my concentration. Then when I am satisfied it goes to final printing. In parallel, while I am traveling I use a small handheld digital camera and shoot whatever seems interesting. It is a nice supplement to my other work, which is so heavy with organization.

What is it about a space or building that makes you want to come back and photograph it? Is there an instinctive feeling or are there some tick boxes each place has to fulfill?

First of all the spaces are sometimes so far away, or they are open only for a limited time, or a permission is running out so that I cannot count on “coming back” to take the photograph. After the preparation, as I have described it, I have to take the photograph or leave it. The room within the spaces, the spot from where to photograph in the room are matters of experience, I think. And the result of a sort of silent conversation between the personality of the room and me.

How important are the objects within your images – the books, the tables, the chairs, the ornaments? These are the items that not everyone might see straight away, but that often end up as the talking point of the photographs

The elements in a room are important, indeed. When I am taking the photograph I rarely perceive them separately but as an integral part of the room. When I have the image before me in the lab I start to take them in individually. I think it is an advantage of the medium that I can create an image that is inviting a slow gaze, a discovery process for the viewer, just as I experience it in the lab with the image before me.

You learned from the masters of black and white architectural photography, in the Bechers, but your work has focused on the use of vibrant colour and contrast. Can you talk about your relationship to both black and white, and colour photography? Has it changed over the course of your career?

The Bechers did not regard themselves as photographers of architecture; they were recognized early on as artists using photography. I have used black and white myself. Over time, however, I have realised that for me personally, black and white photography creates a kind of distance to my objects that I felt uncomfortable with.

In your eyes, how has the role of the photograph in society changed?

I have never focussed on photography as such that I feel I can make a meaningful statement on its role in society, beyond the obvious. Photography is just an artistic tool for me, like a canvas, paint, and brushes and I’m glad it is receiving acceptance as an art medium.

If you could give one piece of advice to young photographers, from many walks of life, what would it be?

Patience and perseverance.

What excites you most about the photography world as we move through 2018

As I have said before photography is just a tool for me. I try to keep it that way and do not want to be overwhelmed by its ever-increasing possibilities. It is the spaces that excite me. But I am a curious person. So I always like to learn more about upcoming technologies, like portable 3D scanners – not how they function, just what kind of images they produce.

What do you think are the biggest challenges we face as an industry?

To keep on producing good photo paper.

Where in the world are you? Can you tell us about any projects you are currently working on?

I am once again in Paris, always an intriguing city, and fortunately not so far away from my hometown. There are quite a few places I have not seen yet, and I look forward photographing in some of them. More I cannot say yet, I have to wait to see the images before me. And at my lab, I have to finish the photographs I took in Moscow a good while ago…

benbrownfinearts.com
worldphoto.org/exhibition

Candida Höfer – Artists – Sean Kelly Gallery

Born in Eberswalde, Germany in 1944, Candida Höfer attended the Kunstacademie Düsseldorf from 1973 to 1982. Whilst there she studied film with the Danish filmmaker Ole John and photography under the influential photographers Bernd and Hilla Becher, who also taught noted Düsseldorf School photographers Andreas Gursky, Thomas Struth, Axel Hütte and Thomas Ruff.

Known for her meticulously composed, large-scale color images of architectural interiors, Höfer’s oeuvre explores the structure, presentation, and influence of space. Interested in the psychological impact of design and the contrast between a room’s intended and actual use, Höfer has focused her lens on cultural and institutional buildings such as libraries, hotels, museums, concert halls, and palaces. Whilst devoid of people, the images allow us to consider the role of their missing inhabitants. The large-scale nature of the work invites the viewer to linger over the architectural details and contemplate the subtle shifts in light that make up the character of the space.

On her decision to exclude people from her photographs, Höfer has said, “…it became apparent to me that what people do in these spaces – and what these spaces do to them – is clearer when no one is present, just as an absent guest is often the subject of a conversation.”

Höfer’s internationally recognized work has been shown in solo exhibitions at the Kunsthalle in Basel and in Berne; the Museum Folkwang in Essen; the Louvre in Paris; the North Carolina Museum of Art; the Museo Amparo, Mexico; the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia;  the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin; and the Kunstmuseum Luzerne, Switzerland. Her work has also appeared in group exhibitions at The Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Power Plant, Toronto; Kusthaus Bregenz; Museum Ludwig, Cologne; the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao; and Documenta XI, Kassel. Höfer represented Germany at the 2003 Venice Biennale. In 2018, the Sony World Photography Awards recognized Candida Höfer for her outstanding contribution to photography. Her photographs are in major public and private collections worldwide.

Candida Höfer lives and works in Cologne, Germany.

Candida Albicans Stock Photo, Picture And Royalty Free Image. Image 144239216.

Candida Albicans Stock Photo, Picture And Royalty Free Image. Image 144239216.

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Candida Höfer’s In Mexico photographs capture 600 years of architecture

From decorative Baroque churches to shadowy nooks, Mexico’s architectural history is presented in this image set by German photographer Candida Höfer, which will be exhibited in Sean Kelly’s New York gallery.

Set to open next month, the In Mexico exhibition brings together the architectural interior photos that Höfer shot on a trip across Mexico four years ago.

The Cologne-based photographer toured the country with her camera as part of the Mexico-Germany Dual Year exchange programme. The initiative aimed to share Germany’s cultural, scientific, musical and educational projects with the partner country through 2016 and 2017.

Travelling across cities including Mexico City, Oaxaca and Puebla, Höfer captured a series buildings dating back to the 1500s.

“Capturing over 600 years of architectural history from her precise perspective, Höfer’s photographs document not only the physical details of these interiors but also capture the spirit and essence of each space,” said Sean Kelly Gallery in a statement.

Among the earliest projects in In Mexico is the National Museum of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, built by the Jesuits in the 1500s. In Höfer’s image, pink-toned columns are seen beside chunky, golden structures.

Interior shots also capture the ornately detailed structures in the Baroque style, which flourished during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Luis Barragán’s “emotional architecture” recreated in model photographs

Weathered walls covered in floral patterns feature in the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán – a monastery completed in Oaxaca in 1731 – while Puebla’s Catholic church San Andres Cholula is shown to be much more decorative, with statues protruding from the walls.

Höfer’s images are devoid of people, instead drawing focus to the design of the spaces instead, which is typical to her photography style.

“I realised that what people do in those places – and what the spaces do to them – is more obvious when nobody is present, just as an absent guest can often become the topic of conversation,” said Höfer.

Moving onto the 19th century, Höfer has captured The Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara. The centre, which provided care and shelter for disadvantaged people, was designed by Manuel Tolsá in the neo-classical architecture style. Today, it is celebrated for its architectural heritage and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Höfer’s photo shows a rounded vault coloured in bold paint – a feature added to the building as part of a series of interventions by French conceptual artist Daniel Buren. Other more contemporary works in the series include the art-deco Basurto Building, shown in an image of a brightly lit curving passageway.

There are also a handful of detailed images captured by the artist’s hand-held camera, showing hidden nooks she spotted in the country.

These include an opening with blocky pink walls that recalls the work of Mexican architect Luis Barragán – who formed the focus of another Sean Kelly exhibit – and a courtyard covered in triangular tiles that create patterned shadow effects.

“From the subtle light breaking through a doorway entrance to the harsh shadows cast by the sun on an exterior wall, these quiet yet emotional images enhance the dialogue between the micro and the macro and bring to our attention the details in spaces that are often overlooked or inaccessible,” the New York gallery said.

Sean Kelly will display Höfer’s In Mexico photos from 2 February to 16 March 2019 at its gallery on 475 10th Ave, marking the photographer’s second exhibition at the space.

Other exhibitions currently taking place in New York include the Gagosian’s showcase of surfboards and swords designed by Marc Newson and Carpenters Workshop’s display of David/Nicolas’ furniture.

A Mysterious Infection, Spanning the Globe in a Climate of Secrecy

There once was a man named Albert Alexander. He was a policeman — “[American accent] Hey.” — in England. “[British accent] Hello.” One day on patrol, he cut his cheek — “Ouch!” — which led to a terrible infection. See, this was back in 1941, before patients had antibiotics. These were the days when a little scratch could kill you. “Or you got an ear infection and you died. A cat bite and you died. Or you stepped on a stick and you died. All of a sudden, antibiotics come along and bang.” The antibiotic era had begun. Soon a slow and painful death became a seven-day course of antibiotics and a $10 copay. And Albert? Albert was the first patient in the world to receive the antibiotic — penicillin. And it worked. “We just came up with a lifesaving, life-extending drug, one of the greatest developments in human history. Except not.” That’s Matt Richtel, a science reporter for The New York Times. For the past year, Matt’s been talking to health experts to find out if we are reaching the end of the antibiotic era. Modern medicine depends on the antibiotic. “And having used it so much, we’re now putting it at risk. Is our fate sealed?” “First off, I don’t think people respect bacteria enough.” This is Ellen Silbergeld, one of the leading scientists studying antibiotic resistance. “Bacteria rule the world. We are just a platform for bacteria. Within the human body, there are more bacterial cells than there are human cells. So we are, in fact, mostly bacteria.” “Alexander Fleming —” the man who discovered penicillin “— in his Nobel speech said, hang on, be aware. When you start killing this stuff off, it’s going to fight back.” “Did we pay any attention to that? No.” “The C.D.C. got our attention today with a warning about what it calls ‘nightmare bacteria.’” “These are bacteria that are resistant to most, if not all, antibiotics.” When we take antibiotics to kill infections, some bacteria survive. It used to be they’d replicate, and eventually resistance would grow. But now, they’re way more efficient and share drug-resistant genes among themselves. So every time we take an antibiotic, we risk creating stronger, more resistant bacteria. And stronger, more resistant bacteria means less and less effective antibiotics. And this is a problem because we take lots of antibiotics. “Money gets made over the sale of antibiotics.” Big money. Globally, the antibiotics market is valued at $40 billion. And in the U.S., the C.D.C. estimates that about 30 percent of all prescribed antibiotics are not needed at all. That’s 47 million excess prescriptions. And in many places outside of the U.S., you don’t even need a prescription. “You can walk into a pharmacy. A pharmacist will diagnose you and give you antibiotics. I tend to think of it as a story of Darwinian forces multiplied by the pace and scale of global capitalism. In an interconnected world — travel, import, export — we’re moving the bugs with us.” “I can go to a meeting in China or Vietnam or some place —” This is Lance Price, the director of the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center. “I can become colonized by untreatable E. coli. And I might not have any symptoms. But you can get colonized. And you can become this sort of long-term host.” So you could be healthy and still spreading bad bacteria without even knowing it. “Drug-resistant bacteria have never been able to travel the world as fast as they do today.” And that’s just part of the problem. “You should know that about 80 percent of antibiotic production in this country goes into agriculture.” “Why on earth did somebody think putting antibiotics in agriculture was a great idea?” “We’ve said, hey, look, cram these animals together. Don’t worry too much about hygiene or trying to keep them healthy. Just give them antibiotics. And then in a couple weeks, you’re going to have full-grown animals that you can chop up and eat. Right? And you can make money off of that. ” “Nobody was making the connection between feeding animals antibiotics and the fact that the food would be carrying drug-resistant bacteria.” So Ellen did a study. She compared different kinds of store-bought chicken. And she found that poultry raised with antibiotics had nine times as much drug-resistant bacteria on it. “Now, let’s talk about the vegetarians. I just want you to understand, you’re not safe. You know all these outbreaks that take place among the lettuce and the things like that. Have you ever wondered how that happened? It’s because animal manure is used in raising crops. Organic agriculture lauds the use of animal manure.” “Unless you’re just a complete, ‘I’m a vegan, and I only hang out with vegans, and I eat sterilized vegetables,’ you know, it’s very likely that you’re picking up the same bacteria.” Resistant bacteria seep into the groundwater, fly off the back of livestock trucks and hitch a ride home on the hands of farm workers, all of which makes trying to pinpoint exactly where resistant bacteria is originating extremely difficult. And even when it seems like there is a clear source, things still aren’t so simple. “No one wants to be seen as a hub of an epidemic.” Say your grandmother makes you a rump roast. And then that rump roast makes you sick. Well, if you live in France, or Ireland, or pretty much anywhere in the E.U., packaged meat has a tracking label. You can figure out exactly what farm that meat came from. But in the U.S., not even the top public health officials can do that. “Most countries have animal ID laws. We don’t.” Pat Basu, former chief veterinarian for the U.S.D.A.’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, basically one of the top veterinarians in the country. “Let me start at the beginning. We got a case where we had resistant bacteria causing illness in people. There were sick people that C.D.C. identified.” “More than 50 people in eight counties have gotten an unusual strain of salmonella linked to pork.” “This is not your grandmother’s pathogen anymore. This is a new bug.” Health officials traced the outbreak back to the slaughterhouse and identified six potential farms where the outbreak could have come from. But then the investigation shut down. “The individual farmers have to agree voluntarily to share the data with these investigators who go out. We couldn’t go any further back. It was a dead end.” 192 people sick, 30 hospitalizations and zero access for health officials to investigate the farms. “The secrecy is maintained because there are big economic forces behind it. Farms are scared of losing their ability to get antibiotics. Hospitals are scared of driving away patients.” “Well, as a physician, I do get very upset. I get very upset, as a patient, that information is being withheld.” This is Kevin Kavanagh, a doctor and a consumer advocate for patients. “Drug-resistant bacteria is a huge problem. If it occurs at a restaurant, if it occurs in a cruise ship, you know about this immediately —” “A salmonella outbreak —” “within days or hours of an outbreak occurring.” “This morning, Chipotle is keeping dozens of its restaurants in the Pacific Northwest closed —” “But yet, in a hospital, it can take you months or even over a year until this data appears on a governmental website or reported by the C.D.C.” In the U.S., hospitals are under no obligation to inform the public when a bacterial outbreak occurs. “Defend and deny. They are very concerned about the short-term economic benefits, rather than looking at long-term problems.” “There’s always this response like, well, but there’s still a drug, right? Like, this isn’t the end.” Remember Albert Alexander? — “Hello. Ouch!” — the first patient to be given penicillin? Well, his story didn’t end there. Five days after he started recovering, the hospital ran out of the new drug, and Mr. Alexander died. Today, we don’t have to worry about antibiotics running out. We have to worry about using them so much that they stop working altogether. “— want to know why a metro health department didn’t shut down a restaurant —” “It’s a very resistant bacteria —” “We really need to change the way we use antibiotics. Because the way we use antibiotics is destroying them.” “It’s putting at risk the entire system of care that we depend on for lengthening our lives and improving the quality of our lives.” The British government commissioned a study which predicted a worst case scenario where more people will die by 2050 of these infections than will die of cancer. “That’s a generation from now.” “It takes 10 years to identify, develop, test and bring to market a new antibiotic. And it takes a billion dollars.” “This is a common issue for humanity.” “Very similar to global warming.” “You can’t control it as a single company. You can’t control this as a single government.” And because the bacteria are now working together so efficiently — “Unless the world acts consistently together, it doesn’t make a difference.”

Candida & Yeast Infections – How To Treat It

ANTIBODIES: Check for total IgG, IgM, IgA antibodies to see if your immune system is mounting a response to an infection—i.e. if your levels are high. A low level of IgA (as outlined above), however, could indicate that you have a suppressed immune system and that your body is not able to mount a response. Also check for IgG, IgA, and IgM Candida antibodies in your blood—high levels of these antibodies indicate that you have a Candida overgrowth that your immune system is responding to. You don’t need to see a functional medicine doctor—any lab can order this blood test.

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC): A low white blood cell count (WBC) has been associated with yeast overgrowth, as well as a high neutrophil and low lymphocyte count. Although not specific to yeast, I see this pattern frequently in patients with Candida overgrowth.

STOOL TEST: You’ll need to seek out a functional medicine doctor, and ask for a comprehensive (rather than standard) stool test, which will include a check for Candida in your colon/lower intestines. (It will also check your level of IgA in stool.) From a stool test, the lab can usually identify the type of yeast (if it is not Candida) and the most effective treatment path.

URINE ORGANIX DYSBIOSIS TEST: Looks at a marker of the Candida waste product (like anything, yeast excretes waste) called d-Arabinitol. A high level indicates that there is yeast overgrowth in the upper gut/small intestines.

INFECTION: A swab of a yeast infection can be sent off to the lab for analysis to determine which type of yeast you have.

There is a self-spit test (find it with simple Google search)—which doesn’t have a lot of scientific data around it—that I know many of my patients have done on their own before coming into the office. Most of the time, I find the above tests confirm that the patient has an overgrowth, but again, the spit test is not as exacting as these medical tests.

Q

What’s the best treatment plan?

A

The best way to treat Candida is with a three-step approach:

1. STARVE THE YEAST

The first key is to eliminate foods that have yeast in them and foods that yeast likes to eat.

This means cutting out vinegar, beer, wine, mushrooms (as part of the fungi family, they can cross-react with Candida) and sugar, refined carbs, processed foods.

But you also want to limit healthy carbs like legumes, grains, starchy veggies to 1 cup a day, and a single piece of fruit a day—because even good carbs unfortunately feed yeast.

Along the same lines, I tell people to hold off on good fermented foods (not something all doctors agree on)—i.e. sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi—until they’ve killed off the yeast. While these foods are beneficial for the good bacteria in your microbiome, they also are good for yeast (which isn’t helpful if you have an overgrowth).

2. OVERPOWER THE YEAST

Some patients need a prescription anti-fungal (like Diflucan or Nystatin).

Anti-fungal supplements can be effective, too: My two-go supplements are caprylic acid (naturally found in coconut oil) and Candifense (TM) (contains enzymes that break down parasitic and fungal cell walls). Some people take oil of oregano, which is broad spectrum, meaning that it will kill good and bad organisms in the microbiome, but I try to stick with more targeted supplements that really only kill yeast.

3. REPLENISH GOOD BACTERIA

During treatment, take high-quality probiotic supplements, which help protect your body against future infections. You don’t want to take prebiotics while you’re trying to get rid of Candida—which feed good bacteria and yeast—but you can add them in, along with fermented foods down the line, once your Candida is under control.

Q

Are there ways to get rid of Candida without going on an as restrictive diet? Are there beneficial foods you can add to your diet to combat Candida?

A

It’s really hard to get rid of Candida without adjusting your diet—even if you’re on an anti-fungal prescription, you need to take away the foods that are contributing to the overgrowth.

Foods you want to add to your diet to fight Candida are:

• COCONUT OIL: Contains caprylic acid (mentioned above), which kills yeast cells.

• OLIVE OIL: The antioxidants in olive oil help your body get rid of Candida.

• GARLIC: Contains allicin, a sulphur-containing compound with specific-to-Candida anti-fungal properties.

• CINNAMON: Has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: This is the only vinegar I recommend consuming while you’re treating a Candida overgrowth—its enzymes may help break down Candida.

• LEMONS: Has some anti-fungal properties; and helps your liver detox.

• GINGER: Has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, plus it supports your liver.

• CLOVES: Very effective (internal) anti-fungal. Clove oil can also be used as a topical aid for infections.

• CRUCIFEROUS VEGGIES: Broccoli, radishes, brussels sprout, cabbage, etc. have sulphur- and nitrogen-containing compounds that attack Candida.

• WILD SALMON: Omega-3 fatty acids fight fungal infections.

Q

How long does it typically take to get rid of a Candida overgrowth?

A

It largely depends on what caused the Candida overgrowth. Let’s say it was a one-off scenario: You had bronchitis, went through two rounds of antibiotics and then got Candida. After a few weeks of a Candida cleanse (i.e. following the above diet guidelines), you can likely get rid of the overgrowth, and restore your gut microbiome and move on.

If it wasn’t a one-off situation, it likely won’t be a quick fix. While this doesn’t mean that you can’t ever have a glass of wine or a slice of cake again, you might find that you feel your best with longer-term lifestyle adjustments to your diet.

Amy Myers, M.D. is the founder and medical director of Austin UltraHealth, a functional medicine clinic based in Austin, Texas. Dr. Myers specializes in women’s health issues, particularly gut health, thyroid dysfunction, and autoimmunity. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of The Autoimmune Solution and The Thyroid Connection.

The views expressed in this article intend to highlight alternative studies and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of goop, and are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.

Candidiasis (thrush) of the oral cavity – symptoms and treatment

Candidiasis of the oral cavity is an inflammatory disease that develops against the background of damage to the mucous membranes by fungi of the genus Candida. This is usually associated with a deterioration in local and general immunity. According to studies, up to 90% of the adult population is carriers of this fungus, but the disease most often does not develop, since under normal conditions the pathogen does not act aggressively.

Causes of candidiasis

Thrush in the mouth in an adult is a mucosal lesion that may indicate serious health problems. For the reproduction of the fungus, special conditions are required. Most often, the disease occurs in patients who neglect oral hygiene. The presence of tooth decay, inflammatory gum disease increases the chances of developing fungal inflammation. This is because a large number of pathogenic microorganisms deplete the defense mechanisms.

The second group of reasons is a weakening of immunity due to a number of diseases and conditions:

• HIV, diabetes mellitus;

• oncological diseases;

• degeneration, deficiency of vitamins, minerals;

• previous operations, severe infections, etc.

There are also specific reasons for the development of thrush. It can appear after long-term and powerful antibiotic therapy. The use of antibiotics leads to the destruction of beneficial flora and imbalance. This becomes the reason for the active multiplication of Candida.

Oral candidiasis also develops while taking inhaled corticosteroids. Usually, the lesion has the appearance of erythema and appears in the areas where the drug has come into contact with the mucous membrane: in the palate, tongue.

Features of the diet affect the likelihood of developing candidiasis. Thus, the predominance of carbohydrates predisposes to the activity of the fungus. Candida growth and attachment to the mucosa are enhanced in the presence of sugars.

Bad habits increase the chances of developing leukoplakia, lichen planus and other diseases. In particular, we are talking about smoking. Candidiasis often develops in patients with tongue piercings.

The presence of removable dentures is also a risk factor if the patient does not follow the hygiene rules.In the absence of high-quality cleaning, the prosthesis is covered with a biofilm, which contains many fungi. Disinfection is the main measure for the prevention of the disease and part of the comprehensive treatment for progressive oral candidiasis. If the patient does not remove the structure at night, this also increases the likelihood of developing the disease. The mucous membrane remains without oxygen for a long time, is not washed by saliva – these conditions are suitable for the development of fungi and anaerobic microorganisms. The prosthesis can injure mucous membranes if it does not fit.Microtrauma weaken local defenses and contribute to the onset of the development of a fungal infection. Injuries can also be associated with sharp chipped teeth and fillings, chemical and thermal burns.

Dryness of the oral cavity due to a decrease in salivation, a change in the viscosity of saliva, its composition is one of the causes of candidiasis. This can be due to other medical conditions, so it is important to find out the causes of dryness in order to effectively deal with the consequences.

Candidiasis in the mouth of a child is more common.The lack of formation of the immune system, the colonization of the oral cavity with Candida from the vaginal canal of the mother during natural childbirth leads to the development of the disease in early infancy. However, older children can also suffer from an illness that is associated with a weakening of immune forces.

Types of oral candidiasis and symptoms

The presentation of oral candidiasis may differ from patient to patient. This is due to the degree of damage to the mucous membranes, as well as the specific type of disease.There are four forms:

• acute pseudomembranous;

• acute atrophic;

• chronic atrophic;

• chronic hyperplastic.

Although the treatment regimen is almost the same for all forms, symptoms can vary significantly. Let’s consider them in more detail.

Acute pseudomembranous candidiasis

This form of oral candidiasis may be asymptomatic.There is slight discomfort due to a white film or small plaques that rise above the mucous membrane. With a mild course, one or more plaques appear, they are easily removed by scraping, and the area of ​​the mucous membrane under them has a bright red color. In severe cases, large plaques appear in large numbers. They can coalesce to form large lesions. Sometimes the symptoms cover the entire mucous membrane. When the plaques are thickened, their removal becomes problematic. A severe course is more typical for infants, as well as in adult patients after antibiotic therapy, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants.

Acute and chronic atrophic candidiasis

Acute atrophic candidiasis is accompanied by severe burning sensation. There may be no white plaque, and the mucous membrane becomes bright red. Many patients experience a metallic, sour, salty, or bitter taste in their mouth. A typical manifestation of the disease is dry mouth. This form of the disease is often associated with drug therapy.

In chronic atrophic candidiasis, redness and burning are less pronounced.Usually, the disease develops with the installation and wearing of prostheses.

Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis

This form of the disease is typical for adults. Oral thrush can spread to the mucous membranes of the cheeks, the corners of the mouth and lips, the back of the tongue, and the soft palate. One of the symptoms is the appearance of white plaques that tend to fuse with each other. As the disease progresses, their surface becomes rough, rough. Elements may turn yellow over time. The formations merge with the mucous membranes and cannot be removed.

Diagnostic methods

A dentist-therapist is involved in the treatment. Diagnostics begins with an examination and a detailed survey: the doctor will find out what drugs you have taken recently, whether there are chronic and infectious diseases. A cytological study of plaque taken from the mucous membrane is mandatory. This is important because an accumulation of non-fungal flora can be easily confused with a fungal infection.

Scraping is performed in the morning on an empty stomach; you do not need to brush your teeth before the procedure.On the eve, it is important to refuse to eat foods rich in carbohydrates so as not to provoke the growth of pathogenic flora. Research allows not only to accurately determine the causative agent and the type of Candida fungus, but also to find out the sensitivity of fungi to the main antifungal drugs. Based on the test results, the doctor will determine the fungus in the oral cavity and prescribe medication.

Features of treatment

Systemic and local antifungal drugs form the basis of treatment. Today they are widely represented in the pharmaceutical market, but it is important to know that the level of resistance of Candida fungi is growing every year to fixed assets.For example, resistance to drugs such as “Fluconazole” is almost complete. Previously, this remedy was used in almost all cases of the disease, but today doctors are forced to revise the standard therapy regimens.

Treatment of thrush in the mouth in adults is selected individually. The choice of a systemic antifungal agent is based on the type of pathogen, the patient’s condition and the individual characteristics of his health. There are remedies to which the infection has minimal resistance. The doctor may prescribe drugs based on nystatin, imidazole derivatives, etc.

In addition, local means must be used:

• solutions for rinsing the mouth;

• gels and suspensions for application to affected areas;

• local tablets and lozenges for sucking;

• solutions for irrigation and aerosols;

• ointments for laying in the oral cavity on a cotton-gauze swab, etc.

A specialist may prescribe a pharmacy antiseptic or mild saline rinse.Usually, solutions based on iodine, chlorhexidine, potassium permanganate, gentian violet, sodium tetraborate in glycerin are used. Some pills may be recommended by the doctor to be placed on the cheek.

Conditions for effective treatment

Effective treatment of thrush in the mouth involves the elimination of the underlying cause. It is very important to sanitize the oral cavity: to cure teeth destroyed by caries, to remove non-viable teeth and roots that can no longer be restored. These are chronic foci of inflammation, so simultaneous debridement will shorten the treatment time.Tartar and plaque should also be removed. This is especially true for cases of candidal stomatitis associated with trauma to the gums with sharp edges of hard dental deposits.

Patients with removable dentures should be retrained in the hygiene and disinfection of orthopedic structures. If the time of using the prosthesis is coming to an end, it is important to replace it in time. Treatment of candidiasis will be useless if a person uses the prosthesis incorrectly and again creates conditions in the oral cavity for the growth of fungi.

Unsuitable crowns, bridges and other constructions are also subject to replacement. It is also important to eliminate chips of enamel, which become a source of injury to the gums, mucous membranes of the cheeks and tongue.

Smokers should, if possible, reduce their smoking episodes or quit the bad habit. If the disease has developed while taking corticosteroids, it is important to explain the rules of treatment: rinse the mouth with plenty of warm water after spraying the drug.

In the treatment of oral candidiasis, which developed against the background of antibiotic therapy, measures should be taken to restore the normal microflora of the intestine and oral cavity. You may need to consult another specialist with a narrow profile or a therapist: you will need to take probiotics and prebiotics.

For all patients who treat candidiasis, there are several general recommendations:

• observance of oral hygiene;

• rejection of food rich in carbohydrates;

• rejection of sugary drinks.

It is necessary to exclude from the diet food that can irritate the mucous membrane: dishes cooked with vinegar, marinades, spicy, peppery foods, smoked meats, sour fruits and berries. Also, you can not eat pastries, yeast baked goods, sugar. Better to give preference to warm dishes. You need to follow this diet for another 1.5-2 months after recovery.

In some cases, it is advisable to use toothpastes with glucose oxidase, lysozyme, lactoferrin.They help to improve the defenses of the oral mucosa and can be part of a comprehensive prevention of the development of inflammation. The choice of toothpaste must be agreed with the doctor, he will recommend the best remedy, and also tell you which brush is suitable.

Prevention of candidiasis

Specific prophylaxis of candidiasis in the oral cavity is carried out only in the presence of HIV infection, the patient undergoing radiation therapy, immunosuppressive or antibacterial therapy.In the absence of these risk factors, the doctor will make recommendations for a specific case.

Prevention of fungal diseases in patients with diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, chronic systemic ailments provides for control over the underlying pathology. It is important to regularly see a doctor of your profile, take the prescribed funds.

If there is a need for antibiotic therapy, you must adhere to the following rules:

• take antibiotics only as directed by a doctor;

• Observe a sufficient duration of the course of treatment – do not cancel independently prescribed drugs when relief occurs;

• if a long course of treatment is required or in the case of repeated antibiotic therapy, take prescribed antifungal agents for prophylaxis.

When treating bronchial asthma, consult your doctor about the possibility of using nebulizers. After inhalation, it is important to rinse the mouth in order to prevent the negative effects of the drug components on the mucous membranes.

If candidiasis of the mouth often recurs, it is better to undergo a comprehensive examination: a standard clinical examination or use specific diagnostic methods that a doctor will select. Fungal infections of the mucous membranes can be a manifestation of an underlying condition that you are not aware of.Contact a therapist to find out the exact reasons and take action in time.

90,000 symptoms, causes and how to treat – ISIDA Clinic Kiev, Ukraine

Contents

Thrush (vaginal candidiasis) is an inflammatory disease of the female genital organs caused by yeasts of the genus Candida.

Itching, burning, pain in the external genital area – all these can be signs of thrush. This condition is very common and has characteristic symptoms.The diagnosis of the thrush itself is quite simple, but to understand what is the true cause of this problem, sometimes you have to smash your head.

What is thrush (vaginal candidiasis)

Fungal infection of the mucous membrane of the vaginal walls – vaginal candidiasis. It is an inflammatory condition that occurs more often in women of childbearing age. The causative agent is conditionally pathogenic yeast fungi of the genus Candida. They are present in small quantities on the mucous membrane of any healthy person.If the balance of microflora is disturbed, the number of microorganisms increases and symptoms of thrush occur. Thus, thrush is a variant of dysbiosis.

The disease occurs in two clinical forms:

1. Acute inflammatory process.
2. Pronounced clinical signs of pathology.

Chronic thrush. Periodic onset and disappearance of symptoms is characteristic.

Each form requires diagnosis and proper treatment.

Causes of occurrence

There are many factors contributing to the development of the disease, the main ones include:

• Taking antibiotics. When using antibacterial agents, the microflora is significantly disturbed.
• Stress. Frequent conflicts, clarification of relationships, quarrels significantly reduce the body’s defenses. Against this background, the yeast microflora can be activated and symptoms of candidiasis in women can occur.
• ARVI, acute food poisoning.
• Chronic sexually transmitted diseases, for example, thrush can mask trichomoniasis or chlamydia, etc. Often the manifestation of thrush is associated with a change of sexual partner.
• Hormonal changes. Thrush can occur during pregnancy, during menopause.
• This may be a reaction to tampons or pads, or to personal care products.
• Underwear. Models made of synthetic materials, incorrectly selected in size, will cause the activation of the fungal flora.It is important to choose loose linen from high quality natural fabrics.
• Endocrine diseases.
• Diet disorder. An increased amount of carbohydrates in the diet leads to the activation of the growth of yeast fungi and the development of candidiasis.
• Abrupt climate change can lead to the development of vaginal candidiasis
• etc.

Research methods

To diagnose a disease, in addition to examining a gynecologist, an additional study of the analysis of vaginal secretions is required (bacterioscopy and tank.sowing). Enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction have not gained widespread acceptance due to the lack of diagnostic benefits.

Symptoms of thrush in women

The clinical picture of the disease is often very bright. For thrush, the following manifestations are characteristic:

• Discharge. Their number is increasing significantly. The discharge becomes cheesy, white, abundant, without a strong odor.
• The mucous membrane of the vagina, labia minora and labia majora becomes edematous, hyperemic.
• Itching and burning of the external genital organs, aggravated after urination and during intercourse.

How is thrush treated

In the absence of symptoms of the disease, therapy is not used.

If the disease has an acute character, a bright beginning and understandable reasons for its occurrence, for example: a course of antibiotic therapy for acute pneumonia, then the doctor understands, firstly, that the yeast infection was caused by a decrease in immunity, illness and antibiotic therapy, and, secondly, how to treat it (antifungals and probiotics).

During treatment, of course, sexual rest is prescribed. sexual intercourse at this time will, firstly, provoke relapses, and, secondly, can cause illness in the partner.

If the patient has a chronic, recurrent form of the disease, then it is necessary to figure out what it is? Chronic stress? Menstrual irregularities? Endocrine problems (diabetes, hypothyroidism, etc.)? Is it an allergy to a new hygiene product or a reaction to synthetic underwear? And, depending on this, prescribe sedatives or a diet, consult an endocrinologist, or simply change your personal hygiene product, and synthetic panties for panties and natural fabrics.

Prevention of the disease

It is better to prevent the disease than to treat thrush. To do this, it is important to adhere to the following principles:

1. Proper nutrition is the basis of a healthy lifestyle and prevention of thrush as well. And if we consider that dysbiosis in the vagina always accompanies intestinal dysbiosis, it becomes clear why this is the first principle of prevention.
2. Refusal from habitual intoxication.
3. Sex life with a regular sexual partner.When you change your sexual partner, the risk of sexually transmitted diseases increases.
4. For water procedures, you need to use either clean water or intimate hygiene products (they have an optimal pH and do not lead to a violation of the vaginal microflora).
5. Antibacterial drugs are powerful drugs that can be helped or harmed if taken incorrectly. Therefore, it is important not to self-medicate, but to take antibacterial drugs only as directed by a doctor.Doctors, knowing the side effects, prescribe drugs for the prevention of thrush, and probiotics, which will restore the normal microflora.
6. Choose your underwear carefully.
7. In the presence of endocrine diseases, try to follow all the doctor’s recommendations in order to prevent hormonal disruptions.

If incomprehensible symptoms arise, then in no case try to prescribe drugs for yourself, but consult a doctor for adequate diagnostic and therapeutic help.

Treatment of oral candidiasis. What drugs are treated?

What is oral candidiasis? What caused it?

Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by various types of fungus of the genus Candida. These microorganisms are conditionally pathogenic, that is, they are constantly in the human oral cavity without causing diseases. Hormonal changes in the body, hypothermia, endocrine pathologies, suppression of the body’s immune functions can activate the reproduction of the fungus and the development of the disease.Infants and the elderly are most susceptible to candidiasis: the immunity of children is still being formed, and the protective functions of the body of the elderly are often weakened by chronic diseases.

Under the influence of specific substances secreted by the fungus, an immune response is generated in the body, which manifests itself in the form of an allergic reaction as damage to the oral mucosa. Candida also has a spectrum of enzymes that can invade and destroy human epithelial tissue cells.

What does candidiasis look like?

Common symptoms of candidiasis are redness of the oral mucosa, its swelling, tongue coated with a white coating, dry mouth, rashes in the mouth, similar to semolina. Wounds may appear in the corners of the lips. If the candida has moved to the mucous membrane of the pharynx, a curdled plaque may be visible on the tonsils. With candidiasis, a person feels pain when eating, talking, burning, tingling and dry mouth.

The disease can manifest itself in different ways and take several forms.

Acute pseudomembranous candidiasis, aka “thrush”

More common in children than adults. A newborn baby can become infected with candidiasis from the mother, passing through the birth canal, as well as during breastfeeding. The incidence of thrush affects older children, whose immunity is weakened by long-term infectious diseases.Also “thrush” occurs against the background of hypovitaminosis, endocrine diseases, long-term use of antibiotics. On the mucous membrane of the tongue, palate and cheeks, white dotted growths are formed, merging into spots that have a cheesy appearance. The mucous membrane of the oral cavity is bright in color, dry mouth is observed. The child’s tongue is often coated, swollen, and the papillae of the tongue are enlarged. The child may refuse to eat, complain of discomfort, tingling and itching in the mouth. If you do not consult a doctor in time, the process spreads throughout the body and is accompanied by an increase in body temperature.

Mycotic jam

There are cracks in the corners of the mouth, covered with plaque or crusts. Sometimes the process goes to the lips, they acquire a bright shade and become covered with gray scales. Candida cheilitis develops. There is a burning sensation and tingling sensation in this area, pain when eating, opening the mouth, and smiling. Pathology is often found in older people with pathological changes in the bite.

Chronic and acute atrophic candidiasis

White plaque can be seen on the sides of the tongue and in the deep folds of the mouth. The tongue has a crimson hue and a shiny surface, the papillae of the tongue are smoothed. The corners of the mouth may be affected. Usually occurs in people who use removable orthopedic structures for a long time. This form of candidiasis can both appear suddenly and disturb the patient for a long time.

Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis

The mucous membrane of the mouth is red. There is a large amount of whitish-gray coating on the tongue and palate, sometimes yellow-gray films are observed. The surface of the palate often becomes bumpy. There is a dry mouth, pain when eating.

How to treat candidiasis?

If you find yourself showing signs of candidiasis, see your dentist first.He will examine the oral cavity and determine what could have caused the onset of the disease.

The dentist will then prescribe topical antifungal and pain relieving agents for you. To confirm the diagnosis, biological material is taken from the oral mucosa, after which it is sent to the laboratory for sowing. This is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

If a dentist has suspicions that a patient has a pathology that could provoke the development of candidiasis, he is redirected to a specialist of the appropriate profile.Treatment of the underlying disease is necessary in order to avoid recurrence of the fungal infection in the future.

Treatment of candidiasis: recommendations for the patient

It is recommended not to use removable dentures temporarily during treatment. If there is a need for daily wearing of removable orthopedic structures, it is recommended to regularly treat them with the same antiseptics as the oral cavity. Also, a sick person will have to reconsider their diet.Foods that are high in carbohydrates, starch and sugar contribute to the growth of Candida. They create an environment in the oral cavity favorable for the reproduction of the pathogen. For a speedy cure, it is advisable to adhere to a healthy diet, drink plenty of water.

Perform oral hygiene after every meal. Follow all your doctor’s recommendations, rinse your mouth regularly, and use only the medicines prescribed by your doctor.If a white coating does not come off your tongue or cheeks, do not try to remove it yourself. You can injure the lining of the mouth, causing candidiasis to enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.

Candidiasis: disease prevention

Candida fungus can live in carious cavities of diseased teeth, in untreated dental canals. Sometimes it is localized in microscopic cracks on ceramic prostheses and under them, covers plastic orthopedic structures.To prevent the development of candidiasis, it is recommended to carry out high-quality sanitation of the oral cavity, to replace outdated bridges and crowns in time.

Avoid self-medication. Incorrectly selected drug therapy can provoke a state of dysbiosis, as a result of which the number of “useful” microflora in the body will decrease, and pathogenic, for example, pathogens of candidiasis, will increase.

If there is a small child in the house, try to follow the rules of hygienic child care.Avoid hypothermia, stressful situations, follow a normal sleep schedule to prevent a decrease in immunity.

90,000 Candida: why everyone is talking about her and how it affects the skin condition :: Beauty :: RBK Style

© daria nepriakhina / unsplash

Author

Yulia Vakhonina

07 March 2018

Recently, candida has become one of the most discussed topics not only among doctors, but also among cosmetologists. Pink talks about this type of fungus, its effect on the skin and the basic principles of getting rid of.

Many people mistakenly associate Candida exclusively with thrush. This is a misconception, since Candida is a type of fungus that, among other things, causes this disease, as well as many other ailments, and is even capable of infecting any organs.In the body of a healthy person, the fungus can be present for years and not manifest itself. However, under unfavorable conditions, Candida immediately begins to multiply rapidly and cause the first symptoms.

Antibiotics are considered to be one of the most well-known causes of candida growth because they weaken the body’s defenses. Immunity problems, endocrine, oncological diseases can also cause the spread of the fungus. Another common cause is considered to be an unbalanced diet, namely the abuse of sweets.

In addition to such basic symptoms as thrush and a white coating on the tongue, candida manifests itself in other ways. Cravings for sweets, irritability, apathy, memory impairment, sleep disturbances, mood swings, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, constant fatigue, persistent illnesses – all this can also signal that this type of fungus is actively thriving in the body.

© Ruben Hutabarat / Unsplash

Effect on skin

By the way, the deterioration of the quality of the skin – rashes, eczema and even acne – is also a symptom of the presence of candida in the active phase of reproduction. The fact is that the fungus first manifests itself as redness, and then develops into a rash with active inflammation. Therefore, it is not surprising that competent cosmetologists and doctors never begin skin treatment without a large number of tests to identify internal causes.

Of course, Candida should be treated exclusively under the supervision of specialists. The fight against this type of fungus can be divided into several stages, since it must be complex.

In addition to taking the necessary antifungal drugs, it is important to follow a special diet that excludes sugar and any sugar substitutes, alcohol, vinegar, sauces, fruits and dried fruits, sweet types of vegetables, cereals, dairy products, coffee, foods that contain yeast (bread, beer, cheeses).Coconut oil is added to the diet, as it contains lauric acid, which inhibits the activity of candida. As well as ginger, chili, cinnamon and almost all green vegetables and herbs.

In addition, it is important to check all used preparations for the presence of yeast, fungi, and sulfur in the composition. The fact is that in laboratory conditions, biochemists add sulfur-containing substances to germinate candida. That is why preparations with sulfur in the composition do not help at all, but only turn getting rid of candida into a cyclical process.

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90,000 Skin candidiasis – symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment

Most often, when the word “candidiasis” or “thrush” is mentioned, everyone immediately remembers the gynecological office, but this unpleasant Candida fungus tends to manifest itself not only on the genitals. The mucous membrane of the mouth and skin areas may be affected. This type of fungus lives in the human body, but against the background of the influence of high temperatures, for example, summer heat, due to which the secretion of sweat increases, the fungus begins to multiply and has an adverse effect on the skin.

Causes of cutaneous candidiasis

Basically, cutaneous candidiasis appears for the following reasons: metabolic disorders, overweight, immunodeficiency, diabetes, lack of vitamins, infection or poisoning of the body, and with prolonged use of antibiotics.

Sometimes the formation of fungal disease is influenced by external factors such as:

• Acute sweating and high air temperature. In such weather, it is necessary to get rid of synthetic clothing and tight shoes.
• Profession costs. Work related to the chemical industry for the manufacture of building materials and the drug industry.
• Injuries in the form of scratches, wounds, burns.
• Insufficient personal hygiene.

How to recognize cutaneous candidiasis and what to do with it

Skin affected by fungi has the following symptoms:

• Itching.
• Cracks.
• Redness and swelling.
• Peeling.
• In case of damage to the oral cavity, curdled areas appear on the mucous membrane.

Having found these symptoms, you should contact a dermatologist in order to undergo a series of laboratory tests and get confirmation for fungal infections. After the examination, the doctor will prescribe the correct treatment that will prevent the development of a fungal infection.

Prevention of skin candidiasis

In the event that the disease appeared due to problems with the health of the digestive organs, the endocrine system, or against the background of problems with gynecology, then you must first cure the concomitant diseases.The second option occurs due to weather conditions or inattention to one’s own health, then it is necessary to revise the daily diet and living conditions.

Dermatologists suggest the following to avoid skin candidiasis:

• Proper nutrition.
• Daily diet with the presence of dairy bio-cultures, fresh vegetables and fruits.
• Eliminate sugar and carbohydrates.
• Normalize weight.
• Refuse medication.
• Compliance with personal hygiene and clothing made from natural fabrics.

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90,000 Oral candidiasis: symptoms, features, diagnosis and treatment of the disease

Contents of the article:

1. What is candidiasis?
2. Causes of oral candidiasis URL
3. Symptoms and features of the course of candidiasis in children
4. Symptoms of oral candidiasis in adults
5. Diagnosis of oral candidiasis
6. Treatment of candidiasis

The health of our body directly depends on the state of the oral cavity.However, if you thought that only the integrity of the teeth affects the state of the oral cavity, this is not the case. In addition to dental units, the oral mucosa, which is an ideal breeding ground for various bacteria, which can both strengthen immunity and adversely affect the general state of the body, have a no less effect on human health, causing various diseases. One of these ailments is oral candidiasis, which has no age restrictions, and therefore occurs in people of any age.

What is candidiasis?

Oral cavity candidiasis (thrush) is a white curdled plaque on the oral mucosa caused by a single-celled fungus of the genus Candida. Ideally, this organism is present in a small amount among the useful microflora of the intestine, vagina, nasopharynx, or on the skin of 70-80% of people. This state of affairs in medicine is considered the norm, since in small quantities this type of fungus is completely harmless. However, under the influence of certain factors, the acidic environment in the human body may become less concentrated, which will lead to an increase in the pH level and the multiplication of a fungus such as Candida.

Oral candidiasis is most common in children and the elderly who are forced to wear a denture, under which an ideal environment for the growth of the fungus is formed. Adults also suffer from candidiasis, whose immunity has weakened for one reason or another.

Causes of thrush in the oral cavity

The following circumstances can serve as the reasons for the appearance and development of candidiasis:

• Weakened immunity. These can be age-related changes or a deficiency of immune cells as a consequence of a previous illness.
• Pregnancy. In women who are in an “interesting” position, the hormonal background changes, which leads to metabolic disorders and weakening of the immune system. As a result, the body turns into a favorable environment for the development of a harmful fungus.
• Taking antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy many representatives of the beneficial microflora, and fungi resistant to its effects, on the contrary, begin to multiply.
• Radiotherapy (radiation therapy). Exposure to radioactive rays not only kills cancer cells, but also disrupts the body’s microflora.
• Wearing a denture. An ideal breeding environment for harmful organisms of candidiasis develops under the construction of the prosthesis.
• Bad habits (smoking, alcohol and drug use).
• Microtrauma of the oral mucosa.
• Chronic dysbiosis. For some organisms, an imbalance in microflora is common. In such patients, the disease may be mildly chronic.

Also, among the factors that can cause the development of candidiasis, include some diseases that significantly weaken the immune system: tuberculosis, HIV, diseases of the digestive tract and adrenal glands.

Symptoms and features of the course of the disease in children

Children belong to the risk category, which is more susceptible than adults to the “attack” of white Candida. According to statistics, 20% of infants under the age of 1 year and 5% of newborn babies carry thrush, having become infected from the mother or from the staff of the maternity hospital. The reason for infection and active reproduction of the fungus is the lack of formation of the oral mucosa, weak immunity, as well as the instability of microflora, which is the norm for children of this age.

Usually, the inner side of the baby’s cheeks becomes the breeding ground for the fungus. But tonsils, tongue and pharynx can also be affected. As a rule, it is quite difficult to identify thrush at an early stage in infants. A slightly reddened oral cavity, on which there is not even a sign of plaque, does not cause concern for mothers. However, after a few days, characteristic grains appear in the baby’s mouth, which in appearance resemble particles of semolina. If at this stage you do not start treatment of oral candidiasis, then small “semolina” dots will gradually turn into large cottage cheese-like lumps, and in some places – into white films.Both those and other manifestations of the disease are easily removed with a sterile swab. After removing plaque, pink spots remain in place of lumps and films, and sometimes even droplets of blood appear.

In the absence of treatment, the child’s oral cavity is covered with a uniform white coating, hiding the inflamed oral membrane. The child becomes moody, refuses to eat and breast. There may also be an increase in temperature up to 39C.

Symptoms of oral candidiasis in adults

Candidiasis in adults, as well as in children, does not appear immediately.Therefore, the symptoms of the disease at different stages will differ. However, with an increase in the number of bacteria on the surface of the mucous membrane, the signs of the disease become more and more evident.

1. Slight redness, swelling and dry mouth. These are signs of the initial stage, when the fungus is just beginning to “conquer” the territory. Candida penetrates into cells and, releasing enzymes, dissolve mucosal tissues. As a result, the patient experiences slight discomfort (it can also be more or less noticeable painful sensations).
2. The appearance of a white curdled bloom. First, small, barely noticeable white grains appear on the mucous surface of the cheeks, gums, palate or tongue, which subsequently turn into well-visible lumps and merge together into white films. At this stage, the flakes are easily removed, and under them red spots with small drops of blood are found. Also at this stage, the patient may experience slight itching and burning.
3. Severe itching and burning. These symptoms of candidiasis indicate deep tissue damage and allergies, with which the body reacts to the secretion of enzymes by fungal organisms.At this stage, not only the mucous membrane of the cheeks, gums, tongue and palate, but also the pharynx and even the surface of the lips can be affected. Also at this stage, an increase in temperature and the appearance of a mycotic seizure in the corners of the mouth is possible.

The most severe stage of candidiasis is complete poisoning of the body with the enzymes of candida white, and, as a result, a significant weakening of the immune system. However, such severe manifestations are currently extremely rare, since most patients seek to cure oral candidiasis, the symptoms of which do not yet indicate extreme stages.

Diagnosis of thrush of the oral cavity

In order to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor performs a visual examination of the oral cavity, and also listens to the patient’s complaints. In addition, the patient will also have to pass some tests, which include:

• scraping from the outer mucous membrane;
• blood sugar test;
• clinical blood test.

After receiving the results of laboratory tests, the doctor will be able to make the right appointments.Indeed, often an ailment is a side effect of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, leukemia and gastrointestinal diseases. Accordingly, without eliminating the listed diseases, you should not hope to get rid of thrush.

Treatment of candidiasis

Treatment of the disease in each case will be assigned on an individual basis. However, any system will contain drugs such as:

1. Antimycotics (polyene antibiotics and imidazoles). They destroy candida not only on the surface of the oral mucosa, but also in other organs, contributing to the restoration of damaged tissues.
2. Vitamins (B2, B6, C and PP). Helps strengthen the immune system.
3. Calcium gluconate and iron. Calcium will reduce the manifestation of an allergic reaction, and the constant intake of new doses of iron into the body will restore the exchange of iron, which is disturbed due to the multiplication of candida.
4. Preparations for local exposure (iodine, lysozyme tablets, levorin ointment). The funds have a local effect on the foci of thrush.
5. Rinsing solutions.These can be disinfectants and alkaline solutions, which are used to rinse your mouth every 2-3 hours.

Also, during the course of therapy, it is recommended to follow a diet, during which you should limit the amount of confectionery, spicy and sour foods, focusing on warm and semi-liquid dishes with a neutral taste.

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90,000 What is oral candidiasis?

Candidiasis of the oral mucosa is an infectious disease caused by yeast of the genus Candida.These fungi are normal inhabitants of the human body surface and mouth. Usually they do not cause any harm, however, with a decrease in immunity, candidiasis develops.

CAUSES OF ORAL CANDIDOSIS

The reasons why candida begins to multiply actively, leading to candidiasis, are different: taking antibiotics, especially long-term, the use of inhalers for asthma, wearing dentures, especially when they are loose, non-observance of oral hygiene, dry mouth, smoking, chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.

Candidiasis of the oral mucosa usually occurs with diseases of the immune system and in old age.

SYMPTOMS OF CANDIDOSIS OF THE ORAL CAVITY

A symptom of candidiasis is a white cheesy plaque on the mucous membrane of the mouth. It usually forms on the tongue and lining of the cheeks, but it can also affect the gums, palate, tonsils, and the back of the throat. When plaque is removed, reddened areas are visible, which may bleed a little.

Symptoms of oral candidiasis also include loss of taste, bad taste in the mouth, redness in the mouth and throat, burning, pain, and cracks in the corners of the lips. In severe cases, it becomes difficult for a person to swallow.

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor. He will prescribe the necessary treatment.

PREVENTION OF CANDIDOSIS OF THE ORAL CAVITY

Oral cavity candidiasis is an unpleasant disease.Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it from happening:

• Practice good oral hygiene. This should include brushing your teeth with a fluoride paste 2 times a day and regularly using dental floss or interdental brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas between your teeth.
• See your dentist regularly. The doctor will be able to identify problems before they get worse. Regular dental check-ups are especially important if you wear dentures or are missing your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth after eating and using an asthma inhaler.
• Try to quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit smoking.
• Keep chronic illnesses under control. If you have a chronic medical condition, following your doctor’s recommendations will help prevent oral candidiasis.