Can a yeast infection cause abdominal pain and bloating?

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Abdominal pain and bloating are common symptoms that can have many underlying causes, such as gastrointestinal problems, food intolerances, and hormonal imbalances. However, yeast infections are often overlooked as a possible culprit for these uncomfortable symptoms. Although commonly associated with vaginal discomfort, yeast infections can also impact the digestive system, leading to discomfort and distress.

In this blog post, we will delve into the connection between yeast infections and abdominal pain. We will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for this condition, shedding light on a lesser-known but potentially significant cause of abdominal discomfort.

Understanding Yeast Infections 

Yeast infections, or candidiasis, result from the overgrowth of naturally occurring Candida fungus in the body, primarily in the mouth, intestines, and genital area. However, various factors, such as a weakened immune system, hormonal imbalances, or antibiotic usage, may disturb the natural microorganisms’ balance, leading to yeast overgrowth. In women, yeast infections are commonly associated with vaginal discomfort, but men also suffer from it and can affect different body parts, including the digestive system.

Yeast Infections and the Digestive System

Gastrointestinal candidiasis is a condition that arises from an overgrowth of Candida in the digestive system. When this occurs, the yeast penetrates the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation and disruption of normal digestive processes. Furthermore, this overgrowth can impair the immune system and exacerbate abdominal pain and bloating. 

Yeast Infection Symptoms in the Abdomen

Yeast infections in the digestive system often result in abdominal pain and bloating. People with gastrointestinal candidiasis may experience uncomfortable cramping, sharp or dull abdominal pain, and excessive gas production leading to bloating. Furthermore, additional symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and a general sense of unease may accompany the discomfort.

Causes of Abdominal Pain and Bloating in Yeast Infections 

Yeast infections can cause discomfort in the form of abdominal pain and bloating. Let’s delve into the factors that contribute to these symptoms: 

1. Yeast overgrowth can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, resulting in dysbiosis. This condition causes inflammation in the intestinal lining, leading to abdominal pain. Learn more about the effects of dysbiosis on gut health in this professional blog.

1. Fermentation of undigested carbohydrates by yeast can cause unwanted gas buildup, leading to discomfort and bloating. This occurrence can lead to abdominal distension and a “fullness” sensation.

1.  Individuals with yeast infections often experience increased abdominal pain and bloating due to a compromised immune system response. A healthy gut and the ability to fight infections depend heavily on proper immune system function. However, weakened immune systems can lead to ineffective regulation of Candida growth and inflammation control within the digestive system.

Seeking Medical Attention

If you find yourself struggling with consistent bloating and abdominal pain, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. While yeast infections could play a role, symptoms like these could point toward other issues. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other food intolerances could all be at play. The best way to determine the cause is to receive a thorough evaluation from an emergency clinic like Schertz Cibolo Emergency Clinic. They can recommend appropriate diagnostic tests necessary to finally get to the bottom of your discomfort.

Treatment Options for Yeast Infections 

Dealing with yeast infections in the digestive tract involves a careful approach that addresses the overgrowth of Candida, restores gut health, and reduces symptoms. There are various treatment options available, such as antifungal medications to target excess yeast, probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria, or changes in your diet to eliminate foods that promote yeast growth. However, it’s crucial to adhere to a customized treatment plan created by a healthcare professional based on your particular condition.

How to Keep Yeast Infections At Bay and Ease Abdominal Pain and Bloating

Yeast infections can be a nuisance and come with uncomfortable symptoms. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Simple lifestyle changes like upping your fiber intake, engaging in regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help support your immune system, which fights off infections. It’s also important to practice good hygiene and steer clear of unnecessary antibiotics, which can disturb the balance of healthy bacteria in your body. Making these changes can not only prevent yeast infections but also reduce the risk of abdominal pain and bloating.

When to Visit an Emergency Clinic for Abdominal Pain 

Yeast infections are usually manageable with primary care, but in certain situations, emergency medical attention may be necessary. If you’re experiencing severe abdominal pain, fever, persistent vomiting, blood in your stool, or dehydration, you should seek immediate abdominal pain services from Schertz Health. These symptoms can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that requires urgent evaluation and treatment. Don’t hesitate to act – swift medical attention could be critical.

Conclusion 

Abdominal pain and bloating can stem from various causes, including yeast infections. It’s vital to recognize the link between yeast infections and these symptoms to obtain appropriate treatment. Our emergency clinic offers specialized abdominal pain services that focus on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and patient education. Our healthcare professionals are dedicated to alleviating your discomfort and supporting your digestive health. If you’re experiencing abdominal pain and bloating, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Remember, early intervention and proper treatment can significantly improve your well-being and quality of life.

Can a Yeast Infection Cause Abdominal Pain and Bloating?

Yeast infections can cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating and pain in your abdomen. It seems strange to get symptoms in an area of your body where the infection isn’t located, but it’s not that improbable. Our bodies are more connected than we realize, and in this article, we will explain how the different parts of your body can be linked together. It is possible to develop a yeast infection in your gut. So, can a yeast infection cause abdominal pain and bloating? The answer depends on the circumstances and location of the infection. 

What is a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections come from Candida overgrowth, a fungus that exists on our skin and around our body and normally doesn’t cause issues. They can appear in your gut, digestive system, mouth, skin, and the vulva and vagina. Most women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point, but no worries, they’re easy to treat. 

Having yeast in our bodies is an important part of our body microbiome as some amounts of Candida promote good gut health and help with the absorption of nutrients. It’s a good bacteria in moderation, but as yeast infections appear, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. 

What Causes a Yeast Infection?

Yeast overgrowth is the cause of yeast infections, and they can develop as a result of a few different things. They can occur if your skin gets damaged or if you have a weakened immune system. Yeast also thrives in humid conditions, so they are more common during summertime. Taking antibiotics can also cause yeast to flourish and overgrow because antibiotics kill the good bacteria in your body that keeps the yeast levels in check. 

While a yeast infection isn’t classified as an STD, people who have sex more frequently might be more likely to develop an infection. When unfamiliar bacteria enter the body, it can be enough to trigger a yeast infection.

Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

Depending on the location of the infection, the signs could be slightly different. However, a visit to the doctor can always confirm with a quick physical exam if you’re unsure. If you think you have a yeast infection, look for these common symptoms: 

• Painful rash
• Yellow or white vaginal discharge
• Redness
• Itchiness
• Burning sensation
• Swelling
• White patches on the tongue or inside of the cheeks
• Patches that ooze clear fluid

Yeast in the Gut

If you’ve been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or a similar condition, you could experience inflammation in your gut. As a result of the increased levels of inflammation, it is possible to develop candida overgrowth in your gut. The symptoms will be different from typical yeast infections. Examples of these symptoms include:

• Excessive gas
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Bloating
• Losing weight unintentionally
• Blood in stool

Abdominal Pain and Bloating

These symptoms aren’t common unless there’s an overgrowth of Candida (or yeast) in your gut. So to answer the question, “Can a yeast infection cause abdominal pain and bloating,” the answer is a “yes” when it’s an internal yeast infection. The fungus growing in your digestive system might lead to a backup of gas and put a lot of pressure on your body, leading to further issues. This includes leaky gut syndrome or constipation, which can add to your abdominal pain. 

With bloating, the more you consume food and fluids throughout the day, the more the yeast in your gut is fermenting, which produces more gas than normal. When you combine the fungus overgrowth preventing gas from being expelled with producing more gas than usual, it can lead to an uncomfortable amount of abdominal bloating. 

Treating a Yeast Infection with Village

If you suspect you have a yeast infection, we advise you to visit a medical professional as soon as possible. Just like with anything else—the sooner it is treated, the better. Getting treatment from a physician can stop the infection from spreading and ease your symptoms. You might be prescribed an antifungal medication or a single-dose medication to help control the overgrowth of yeast in your body. 

At Village Emergency Centers, we are here to help anytime, day or night. A yeast infection, whether it’s in your gut or another part of your body, can be uncomfortable, and our board-certified physicians can get you treated in minutes instead of hours to help ease your symptoms. Find your nearest Village location on our website. 

Can the stomach hurt with thrush?

13. 06.2022

Thrush is a fungal disease accompanied by various symptoms. Can the lower abdomen hurt with thrush ? Pain occurs in exceptional cases and as a result of various provoking factors, after the elimination of which the condition stabilizes. In this situation, immediate treatment is required, which is selected exclusively by gynecologist .

Can thrush cause pain in the lower abdomen?

According to clinical studies, pain in genital candidiasis is rare. With a fungal infection of the inner walls of the vagina , the patient first of all has a different symptomatology, indicating the development of pathogenic microflora. But there are cases of exception, when a woman complains that she is pulling the lower abdomen with thrush , especially during the period of therapy . Discomfort is observed in the suprapubic region or in the lower parts of the waist .

Acute pains in the lower abdomen in case of thrush are characteristic when passing urine , as urine gets on the irritated and damaged skin of the external genital organs . If there are complaints of pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar , it is necessary to look for provoking factors. These include the following reasons:

1. Acute phase of diseases of the genitourinary system, adrenal glands, large intestine , which are not associated with the development of a fungal infection.
2. The body’s reaction to taking a prescribed antifungal drug. In this situation, therapy adjustment is required.
3. Chronic gynecological pathologies – endometritis, cyst, ovarian diseases , cervical erosion .
4. Regular sex life even during treatment. There is additional irritation of the mucous surface. Also, pain in this situation occurs as a result of insufficient release of natural lubrication during intercourse.
5. Premenstrual syndrome.

Pain in thrush in women, which is associated with the spread of infection to the bladder and occurs as a result of damage to the organ, is observed in the suprapubic region. In this situation, in addition to consultation at gynecologist additional examination is required at urologist . Pain is often observed in patients with inflammation of the appendages of the uterus in a chronic form.

Women with a weakened immune system from thrush may have pain in the lower abdomen . the infectious process affects ovaries and fallopian tubes, inflammation of this area is observed. Signs characteristic of this case: spasms, unilateral pulling pain. The body reacts negatively to thrush with pathologies such as ovarian cyst, erosion, endometriosis. The patient will notice that the stomach hurts with thrush , but such symptoms as delayed menstruation, a disturbed cycle, and feeling unwell during menstruation.

Pain in thrush in women also occurs due to non-compliance with the exclusion of sexual intimacy. In this situation, even more trauma to the mucous surface occurs, which may be accompanied by not abundant blood discharge. A fungal infection will further affect the genitals. If the bottom hurts belly with pregnancy and thrush , then this is an alarming sign that must be reported to the gynecologist . Only a specialist can determine the cause of discomfort. The course of treatment is selected individually. For the period therapy it is recommended to exclude sexual relations so as not to aggravate the condition.

Can the stomach hurt with thrush?

Yes, it is necessary to remember that sensations are not permanent. They can be observed in the patient after urination , during exacerbation of chronic diseases, during sexual contact or other irritating factors (for example, during the treatment of a fungal infection with vaginal suppositories). All the rest of the time, only the standard symptoms of thrush will bother the woman.

Can thrush cause lower back pain?

thrush can cause pain in the lower abdomen and lower back . This symptomatology occurs as a result of the spread of the inflammatory process to the pelvic organs, as well as due to the patient’s cholelithiasis. In addition to itching and burning, a woman will notice other symptoms that indicate the cause of pain.

Discomfort in the lumbar region is also diagnosed as a result of kidney inflammation . Signs that you need to pay attention to are the appearance of flakes, pus and blood in urine , fever. The pain at the same time becomes more pronounced, it is difficult for the patient to move, bend over, the general condition worsens. In this situation, consultation urologist is required, a thorough examination and comprehensive treatment.

If is thrush and the stomach hurts or the lower back , then this indicates the development and spread of a fungal infection, an exacerbation of existing chronic diseases. In the normal course of candidiasis pain is absent or occurs as a result of non-observance of personal hygiene rules.

Published in Infectology Premium Clinic

Thrush pains in the lower abdomen: causes and treatment

According to statistics, thrush is in first place among infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system ^[1] . Its symptoms are well known to 75% of women worldwide ^[2] . But if abdominal pain occurs against the background of typical manifestations of thrush, this is a cause for concern. We tell you what could be the reason and when you should see a doctor.

What causes pain in thrush

Thrush is the common name for vulvovaginal candidiasis. This is an infectious disease of the external genital organs in women, which is caused by opportunistic Candida fungi. The usual uncomplicated thrush is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vulva and vagina. This causes itching and burning in the intimate area, discharge with the smell of sour milk and a white coating appear. Pain in the lower abdomen for the disease is atypical.

In the absence of adequate treatment, thrush leads to complications – inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs. Most of them are characterized by pain in the lower abdomen.

Sometimes the pain is not related to the reproductive system. For example, it can be caused by indigestion.

“Before doing laboratory tests for pain in the lower abdomen, it is necessary to consult a therapist in person for a complete examination and exclusion of diseases. Perhaps, then you will be referred to specialists of a narrow profile, since pain in the lower abdomen is not only a symptom of gynecological diseases. After the examination, the doctor will decide on the appointment of additional laboratory and instrumental methods of research.

Tsaturova Kristina Ashotovna, Candidate of Medical Sciences, obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductologist, chief physician of LLC Clinic for Assisted Reproductive Technologies

“Tube Children”

Let us consider in more detail the possible reasons why the lower abdomen hurts with thrush.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID for short) is a common name for a variety of diseases of the upper female reproductive system. These include:

● salpingitis – inflammation of the fallopian tubes;

● oophoritis – inflammation of the ovaries;

● endometritis – inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus;

● pelvioperitonitis – inflammation of the pelvic peritoneum;

● tubo-ovarian abscess – acute purulent inflammation of the uterine appendages.

Each of these forms can occur in isolation, but their combination is more common (for example, salpingo-oophoritis).

The cause of PID is an infection. It enters the pelvic organs from the lower urinary tract. The causative agents can be both pathogenic (gonococci, chlamydia) and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, including candida.

PID occurs in acute, subacute or chronic form. In most cases, the symptoms are mild. Only 4% of patients have a severe course that requires hospitalization ^[3] .

The main symptoms of PID:

● sharp or pulling pain in the lower abdomen, may radiate to the lower back and lower limbs;

● vaginal discharge;

● bleeding outside of menstruation;

● pain during intercourse;

● In acute form – fever.

Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs are widespread: they account for up to 65% of cases of visiting gynecologists. These diseases are dangerous due to complications that develop in a quarter of patients in the absence of timely treatment ^[4] . Among them are infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Non-inflammatory gynecological diseases

Pain in the lower abdomen is a frequent companion of diseases of the internal genital organs in women. They do not always have an infectious-inflammatory nature.

Pain can be the result of diseases such as:

● Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue outside the inner layer of the uterus. In the foci of the disease, the same processes occur as in the normal endometrium, including monthly bleeding. Endometriosis often results in infertility.

● Ovarian cysts are tumor-like benign formations. They are cavities filled with fluid. Cysts are diverse in origin and structure. Some of them are completely harmless and spontaneously resolve over time. Others threaten complications such as torsion and torsion of the pedicle, leading to peritonitis.

● Benign and malignant tumors of the reproductive organs. They don’t show up for a long time. Pain in the lower abdomen and other symptoms occur when the neoplasm reaches a large size.

“Pain in the lower abdomen before menstruation is not uncommon, but it is important to distinguish pain by type, because under the guise of pain before menstruation, you can miss a serious pathology, so a full-time consultation with a gynecologist is necessary to exclude serious diseases.”

Tsaturova Kristina Ashotovna, PhD, obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductologist

Cystitis

Pain in the lower abdomen may be due to cystitis, which develops as a complication of thrush, or as a result of other causes. The bladder is located close to the uterus and appendages. Therefore, irritation of its wall provokes pain in the suprapubic region, as in gynecological diseases.

Other signs of cystitis:

● frequent painful urination;

● admixture of blood in the urine;

● in the acute phase – a slight increase in body temperature.

Cystitis often recurs: in 75% of patients, episodes of the disease recur 4 times a year and more often ^[5] . The disease not only reduces the quality of life, but can also be complicated by an ascending infection of the kidneys.

Diseases of the digestive system

Sometimes pain in the lower abdomen is associated with the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, she is often accompanied by stool disorders (constipation or diarrhea), bloating, flatulence. By nature, the pain is cramping, paroxysmal, dull aching; by location – local or widespread.

The usual indigestion caused by dietary errors is unlikely to last longer than two days. If the symptoms persist for a long time, most likely the cause is one of the diseases or syndromes:

● Appendicitis. Usually the pain is localized in the lower abdomen on the right, although it initially occurs in the umbilical region. Gradually, it intensifies, nausea and vomiting join. Rarely, chronic recurrent forms of appendicitis occur, when the pain periodically appears and disappears.

● Diverticulitis. Inflammation of a diverticulum – a hernial protrusion of the colon wall. Pain occurs in the right or left lower abdomen, may be constant (for several days) or intermittent, aggravated by pressure and physical activity. It is accompanied by stool disorders – constipation, diarrhea, or their alternation.

● Bowel obstruction. It develops as a result of a tumor, Crohn’s disease and other pathologies. The pain increases gradually, with partial obstruction, it can temporarily subside.

● Irritable bowel syndrome. A complex symptom complex, in the development of which psycho-emotional factors play a role. The pain in this condition can last for years, but the general condition of the patient does not worsen. The pain syndrome is accompanied by flatulence, constipation or diarrhea. Pain in the abdomen often appears after eating and weakens after defecation, does not bother at night.

What to do if there is pain in the lower abdomen due to candidiasis

Actions depend on the nature of the pain and the general condition of the patient.

The picture of an “acute abdomen” is a reason to immediately call an ambulance. Most often, this is a sign of surgical pathology: appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, ectopic pregnancy, rupture or torsion of the legs of an ovarian cyst, and other life-threatening conditions. In addition to sharp severe pain, the “acute abdomen” is characterized by tension in the anterior abdominal wall, vomiting, non-excretion of stools and gases, and sometimes fever.

In other cases, emergency medical care is most likely not required. But this does not mean that the cause of the pain can be ignored. Pay attention to the nature of pain and accompanying symptoms that were not there before with thrush. They can tell you which doctor to contact for an examination.

For example, if abdominal pain is combined with stool disorders, you should first visit a gastroenterologist. Frequent urination indicates a disease of the urinary tract and requires an appeal to a urologist. If the pulling pain in the lower abdomen is combined with menstrual dysfunction or is not accompanied by additional symptoms, start with a visit to the gynecologist.

“Pain in the lower abdomen that occurs during sexual intercourse can be associated with both an exacerbation of thrush and the manifestation of other gynecological diseases and extragenital pathology, therefore, first of all, I recommend that you contact a gynecologist in person for a complete examination.”

Tsaturova Kristina Ashotovna, PhD, obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductologist

Diagnostics and treatments

To determine the cause of pain, the doctor will ask about complaints and conduct an examination. Depending on the profile of the specialist, the diagnosis includes palpation, percussion (tapping) of the abdominal organs, bimanual vaginal examination, gynecological examination using mirrors.

Based on the results of the initial examination, the doctor will prescribe laboratory tests and instrumental studies. Help make a diagnosis:

● Ultrasound of the small pelvis, kidneys, bladder and abdominal organs;

● computed tomography;

● laparoscopy;

● endometrial biopsy;

● general blood test;

● General analysis and urine culture;

● blood test for the level of sex hormones;

● Infection tests, etc.

Treatment depends on the identified cause of the pain. It can be medical, surgical and combined.

Medical treatment

Antibiotics serve as the basis for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. If it is not possible to identify the pathogen, drugs are prescribed that act on a wide range of microorganisms.

Additionally, antispasmodics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be prescribed to relieve pain, probiotics to prevent microflora imbalance, and other drugs.

If the cause of the pain is a complicated thrush that caused concomitant diseases, the doctor may add local immunomodulators to the complex therapy. One of these, for example, is Gepon. The tool is active in all strains of candidiasis. The drug has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and helps to relieve symptoms: itching, swelling, redness in the area of ​​the vagina and labia ^[6] . Gepon helps to form stable local immunity, reduce the risk of thrush recurrence.

Surgical treatment

Some gynecological diseases (cysts, tumors, endometriosis) require surgery. Also, surgery is the only way to treat appendicitis and other acute processes in the abdominal cavity. Thanks to the possibilities of modern medicine, many operations are performed in a minimally traumatic way – with the help of laparoscopy.

Folk methods

Traditional medicine offers many remedies for pain in the lower abdomen. On the net you can find a variety of recipes for decoctions and infusions of herbs with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, laxative effects. But it is unacceptable to apply them without knowing the exact diagnosis.

Firstly, it may turn out that the cause of the pain requires urgent medical or even surgical treatment. In this case, it is dangerous to waste time. Secondly, self-medication, including folk remedies, can blur the clinical picture of the disease, and it will be more difficult for a doctor to make a correct diagnosis.

Terminals

➢ Vulvovaginal candidiasis is usually not accompanied by pain. If the lower abdomen hurts with thrush, this indicates concomitant diseases or complications.

The most common cause of pain is pelvic inflammatory disease. They occur as complications of thrush or other genital infections.

➢ Sometimes pain in the lower abdomen is a symptom of diseases of the digestive or urinary system.

➢ To establish the cause of the pain, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination.

➢ Treatment, depending on the diagnosis, can be medical or surgical.

^[1] Popova AL, Dvoryansky SA, Yagovkina NV Modern aspects of treatment and prevention of vulvovaginal candidiasis (literature review) // Vyatskiy Medical Bulletin. – 2013. – No. 4. — URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovremennye-aspekty-lecheniya-i-profilaktiki-vulvovaginalnogo-kand…

^[2] Yunusova E. I. et al. Urogenital candidiasis: the current state of the problem // Medical scientific and practical portal “Attending Doctor”. – 09/23/2019. — URL: https://www.lvrach.ru/2019/09/15437373

^[3] Serov VN, Dubnitskaya LV, Tyutyunnik VL Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs: diagnostic criteria and principles of treatment // BC. Mother and child. – 31.01.2011. – No. 1. — P. 46. — ​​URL: https://www.