What are the common symptoms of a yeast infection. How can you differentiate between a yeast infection and other vaginal conditions. What are the available treatment options for yeast infections. Can yeast infections lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections are a common condition affecting millions of women annually, particularly during their reproductive years. These infections occur due to an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus naturally present in the vaginal flora. While often considered a minor inconvenience, yeast infections can cause significant discomfort and, in rare cases, lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.

Causes of Yeast Infections

Several factors can contribute to the development of yeast infections:

• Hormonal fluctuations
• Antibiotic use
• Weakened immune system
• High blood sugar levels
• Certain sexual activities
• Tight or non-breathable clothing

Understanding these risk factors can help women take preventive measures and recognize when they might be more susceptible to developing a yeast infection.

Recognizing Yeast Infection Symptoms

Identifying the symptoms of a yeast infection is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. While some women may experience mild or no symptoms, others may encounter more noticeable signs.

Common Symptoms of Yeast Infections

• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
• Burning sensation, especially during urination or intercourse
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain or soreness
• Thick, white, odorless discharge with a cottage cheese-like consistency

Are these symptoms always indicative of a yeast infection? Not necessarily. Similar symptoms can be associated with other vaginal conditions, making it essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis, especially if experiencing these symptoms for the first time.

Differentiating Yeast Infections from Other Vaginal Conditions

Yeast infections share symptoms with other common vaginal conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis. Understanding the differences can help in seeking appropriate treatment.

How can you determine which condition you have? While this table provides a general guide, a healthcare professional can perform tests to confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options for Yeast Infections

Once diagnosed, yeast infections can often be treated effectively with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications. MONISTAT® is a popular OTC treatment available in various formulations to suit different needs and preferences.

MONISTAT® Treatment Options

• MONISTAT® 1: Highest dose, single-day treatment
• MONISTAT® 3: Regular strength, three-day treatment
• MONISTAT® 7: Low dose, seven-day treatment

Which MONISTAT® option is best for you? The choice depends on your lifestyle, severity of symptoms, and personal preferences. MONISTAT® 1 may be ideal for busy women seeking quick treatment, while MONISTAT® 7 is recommended for pregnant or diabetic women, as per CDC guidelines.

Regardless of the chosen treatment, most women experience symptom relief within 3 days and complete relief within 7 days. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many yeast infections can be treated with OTC medications, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. These include:

• Fever or chills
• Rash or hives
• Lower abdominal, back, or shoulder pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Foul-smelling or greenish/grayish vaginal discharge
• Missed periods
• Frequent urination or difficulty passing urine

Why is it crucial to consult a healthcare professional in these cases? These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition or a different type of infection that requires alternative treatment.

Potential Complications of Untreated Yeast Infections

While yeast infections are often considered a minor health issue, leaving them untreated can lead to more serious complications in rare cases.

Candidemia and Invasive Candidiasis

In some instances, untreated yeast infections can spread to the bloodstream, a condition known as candidemia. This is one of the most common bloodstream infections in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Invasive candidiasis occurs when the yeast infection affects other parts of the body, including the blood, brain, and heart. This typically happens when an open sore is exposed to a yeast infection and is not usually related to vaginal yeast infections.

How can you prevent these complications? Prompt treatment of yeast infections and maintaining good overall health can significantly reduce the risk of these rare but serious complications.

Preventing Yeast Infections

While not all yeast infections can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes and habits can help reduce the risk of recurrence:

• Wear breathable, cotton underwear
• Avoid tight-fitting pants or pantyhose
• Change out of wet swimsuits or workout clothes promptly
• Avoid douching or using scented feminine hygiene products
• Maintain good hygiene, but avoid over-washing the vaginal area
• Consider probiotics to maintain a healthy vaginal flora
• Manage underlying health conditions, such as diabetes

Can these measures guarantee prevention of yeast infections? While they can significantly reduce the risk, it’s important to remember that some factors, such as hormonal changes or necessary antibiotic use, may still lead to yeast infections despite preventive measures.

The Impact of Yeast Infections on Quality of Life

Yeast infections, while not typically dangerous, can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. The discomfort, itching, and burning sensations can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and intimate relationships.

How do yeast infections affect women psychologically? The recurring nature of yeast infections can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even depression in some women. It’s important to address both the physical and emotional aspects of dealing with yeast infections.

Coping Strategies

• Educate yourself about yeast infections and their management
• Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns
• Consider joining support groups or online forums for women with recurrent yeast infections
• Practice stress-reduction techniques, as stress can exacerbate symptoms and increase susceptibility
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support overall vaginal health

By understanding yeast infections, recognizing their symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical attention, women can effectively manage this common condition and minimize its impact on their lives. Remember, while yeast infections are often easily treatable, persistent or recurring infections should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying health issues or more serious conditions.

Is It a Vaginal Yeast Infection or Something Else?

Every year, millions of cases of vaginitis (vaginal inflammation) affect women of all ages, but they are especially susceptible during the reproductive years.1 Fluctuating hormonal levels, bacteria, and sexual activities are just a few of the most common reasons women experience vaginal infections and discomfort. Knowing your body well and understanding your symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatment options will help you decide upon a course of action that is right for you.

How to identify a vaginal yeast infection

Not all women will experience noticeable symptoms of a yeast infection. If the infection is mild, the symptoms may be subtle. Knowing what’s normal for you will help you identify changes in your vaginal health. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for the first time, consult your healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Most women have one or more of these yeast infection symptoms:

• Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and vulva
• Pain when urinating or having sex
• Vulvar inflammation (redness, swelling, rash)
• Vaginal pain, soreness, or burning
• Vaginal discharge that may be thick, white, and lumpy like cottage cheese

The three most common forms of vaginitis are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and trichomoniasis. Symptoms for all three can include some form of vaginal discharge, itching, and irritation, so it is important to understand how they are different so you can get the right treatment. Use the following information as a guide to help identify a vaginal yeast infection:2-5

If you experience any of the following symptoms, ask a healthcare professional before using MONISTAT®, as they could be signs of another type of infection.

• Fever
• Chills
• Rash or hives
• Lower abdominal, back or shoulder pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Foul-smelling or greenish/grayish vaginal discharge
• Missed periods
• Frequent urination, an urgent need to urinate or difficulty passing urine

Treating a Yeast Infection

If you know that it is a yeast infection from past experience and are familiar with the symptoms, you want an effective and convenient medicine – one that works at the site of the infection. Try MONISTAT®, the #1 OTC antifungal.

MONISTAT® comes in 3 doses: highest dose MONISTAT® 1, regular strength MONISTAT® 3, and low dose MONISTAT® 7. Regardless of which product you choose, you should begin to experience some symptom relief after 3 days, and complete relief in 7 days.

Highest Dose MONISTAT® 1 may be the perfect solution for busy women with active lifestyles. This powerful single-dose product is available in the Ovule® form for use day or night and will stay in place during daily activities, even during exercise.

Regular Strength MONISTAT® 3 is a great option for women who want a less concentrated treatment that provides consistent treatment and relief at moderate dosage levels.

Low Dose MONISTAT® 7 has smaller doses of the active ingredient evenly distributed throughout the week at bedtime. Only 7-day topical yeast infection treatments are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the treatment of yeast infections in pregnant and diabetic women (consult your healthcare professional).

Yeast Infection Complications

Sep 14, 2016

By

Eileen Bailey

Yeast infections might seem trivial, more a nuisance than a serious health problem. While that is true most of the time, you should be aware of potential complications.

Symptoms of a yeast infection include a white vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese and burning, irritation and redness of the vaginal area. With more severe yeast infections, you might have swelling of the lips of the vagina.

Untreated yeast infections can sometimes get into the bloodstream. This is called candidemia. It is one of the most common bloodstream infections in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.

Invasive candidiasis occurs when the yeast infection affects other parts of the body including the blood, brain, and heart. This normally happens when an open sore is exposed to a yeast infection, and it isn’t usually related to vaginal yeast infections. With invasive candidiasis, you might have a fever and chills. It can cause serious health complications if not promptly treated.

Some people have treatment-resistant Candida yeast infections. Normally, a yeast infection should clear up in seven to 14 days with treatment. If your infection does not, you should contact your doctor to confirm your diagnosis and for further treatment.

Some women experience recurrent yeast infections, sometimes getting yeast infections several times per year. Some find yeast infections occur at or around their monthly period because of hormonal fluctuations. If you have recurrent yeast infections, your doctor might suggest taking maintenance medications for six months to prevent them from returning.

Many women develop yeast infections during pregnancy due to changing hormones and pH in the vagina. Treatments for yeast infections during pregnancy are limited to vaginal creams or suppositories. It might take longer — between 10 and 14 days — for a yeast infection to clear up during pregnancy. Oral yeast infection medications have not been proven safe during pregnancy.

Untreated yeast infections can lead to additional health problems. The area around your vagina might become inflamed, sore, or cracked. This can lead to skin infections. A long-term yeast infection can result in a lowered immune system and increase the chance that the yeast infection can spread to other parts of the body.

Some rare side effects of an untreated yeast infection include headaches, mood swings, mouth problems (thrush), fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems.

Yeast infections can change the pH level in your vagina, which can lead to difficulty conceiving. Sperm require a specific pH to survive, and the yeast infection could cause sperm to die before reaching the uterus or fallopian tube.

Recurrent or severe yeast infections can interfere with your monthly cycle. Yeast infections can cause your body to produce a false estrogen. Some women experience worsening of menstrual cramps or a disruption to their period.

If you believe you have a yeast infection, you should contact your doctor. Even if you are receiving treatment, should you experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, or chills, you should immediately call your doctor.

Thrush in the mouth (candidiasis) – articles “Dental Formula”

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• Thrush in the mouth (candidiasis)

Thrush in the mouth (candidiasis) develops as a result of infection of the mucous membrane with opportunistic fungi Candida albicans. The disease is often diagnosed in children and the elderly, due to the reduced activity of the protective functions of the body. From a sick person to a healthy person, the infection is transmitted by contact-household way. The disease has characteristic symptoms that should be a reason to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Treatment of thrush in the mouth should be comprehensive, self-medication in this case is fraught with serious complications. Our doctors will prescribe an effective therapy regimen based on the results of the tests and help get rid of the pathology in the shortest possible time.

General information

Oral thrush is an infectious disease that develops against the background of a fungal infection of the mucous membrane of Candida albicans. Candida albicans is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism that is an associate of the normal microflora of the body. However, when unfavorable factors concur, the fungus begins to multiply uncontrollably, causing pathological processes of various localization: skin, oral mucosa, vagina, etc. But one penetration of the fungus into the oral mucosa is not enough for the active development of the disease. Loose spores are easily removed from the mouth while eating, drinking, rinsing, etc. Pathology begins to develop when unfavorable factors coincide against the background of a decrease in the protective functions of the body.

Development factors

The development of oral thrush is facilitated by conditions in which the function of the immune system is suppressed, namely:

• pregnancy;
• prematurity, underweight newborn;
• congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies;
• active stage of pulmonary tuberculosis; malignant processes of any localization;
• acute infectious processes;
• frequent acute respiratory infections, SARS;
• hormonal, endocrine disorders;
• metabolic diseases;
• chronic diseases of the digestive system;
• uncontrolled intake of certain groups of medicines: antibiotics, glucocorticosteroids, hormone-containing drugs, cytostatics;
• bad habits: smoking, alcohol abuse;
• chronic injuries of the oral mucosa;
• thermal, chemical burns;
• unbalanced diet.

What does thrush look like in the mouth and what symptoms does it cause? After removal of plaque, a hyperemic dry mucosa is visible.

Other signs of pathology:

• burning, itching, which increase during eating, drinking, talking;
• dryness, discomfort, feeling of tightness in the mouth;
• non-healing cracks on the lips, at the corners of the mouth;
• sore throat when swallowing;
• inflammation of the lymph nodes;
• fever.

Thrush in a child’s mouth causes constant anxiety, lack of appetite, problems with sleep. In children, the disease occurs with more severe symptoms. It is important to start treatment in a timely manner, since oral candidiasis can turn into a chronic form, which is much more difficult to deal with and takes longer /

Complications

Complications of oral canidosis develop as a result of untimely or incorrect treatment:

• Candidal esophagitis. Fungal infection of the walls of the esophagus, manifested by difficulty in swallowing, discomfort and pain in the chest. With a long course of pathology, severe beriberi develops, the patient’s condition worsens, and rapid weight loss occurs.
• Candida tracheitis. It is characterized by a fungal infection of the trachea. Typical symptoms: dry painful cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever. If there is no treatment for the pathology, the fungus can spread to the internal organs.
• Gastrointestinal candidiasis. Fungal infection of the stomach, intestines is accompanied by nausea, bouts of vomiting, general intoxication, abdominal pain.
• Candidal sepsis. A general purulent infection that develops as a result of penetration into the bloodstream of a fungal pathogen and its metabolic products. Sepsis is a serious complication that, in the absence of emergency medical care, leads to death.

Diagnosis of oral candidiasis

If you have characteristic symptoms, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. The diagnosis is established by a specialist on the basis of a set of data;

• patient complaints;
• results of a dental examination;
• laboratory data.

To determine the nature of the disease, laboratory diagnostics is prescribed, including the following tests:

• Panoramic microscopy, which allows to detect Candida fungi in smears taken from the affected areas of the mucosa.
• Bakposev, which allows you to identify not only the pathogen itself, but also its concentration.
• Serological tests – intradermal allergy test for antibodies to Candida IgG / IgA.
• PCR analysis of scrapings. The most accurate analysis that allows you to identify the pathogen and select the most effective treatment regimen.

How to treat thrush in the mouth

Treatment of thrush in the oral cavity is complex and should be carried out under strict medical supervision. The main methods to destroy the infection and get rid of the disease:

• oral hygiene;
• relief of pathological symptoms;
• treatment of concomitant diseases;
• strengthening immunity.

Effective drugs

Antifungal treatment is based on topical preparations. Ointments have proven themselves well:

• “Nystatin”;
• “Levorin”;
• “Dekamin”;
• Clotrimazole.

Sanitation of the oral cavity is carried out by regular rinsing with solutions of drinking soda, “Fukortsin”, “Iodinol”. Symptomatic treatment allows you to get rid of pain, burning, discomfort in the oral cavity. To do this, use ointments and gels with a cooling and analgesic effect. If candidiasis is complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection, systemic antibiotics are prescribed.

Physiotherapy

Effective auxiliary methods of complex treatment of oral thrush include physiotherapy procedures that:

• enhance the effect of prescribed drugs;
• accelerate recovery;
• prevent the development of complications;
• activate the protective functions of the body.

Physiotherapy for illness

• electrophoresis with potassium iodide solution;
• ultraviolet phototherapy;
• laser therapy;
• magnetotherapy.

Medical nutrition

Diet for oral candidiasis is an integral part of complex therapy, which allows you to speed up recovery and prevent complications. The main objectives of clinical nutrition:

• stop the growth and development of yeast-like fungi;
• to restore the own microflora of the mucosa;
• to strengthen the immune system in order to prevent relapses.

The first thing that patients with diagnosed thrush need to fly to is to exclude carbohydrates from the diet, which are a favorable environment for the active life of a fungal infection. What foods are banned:

• sweets;
• bakery products;
• milk, moldy cheeses;
• fatty sauces;
• smoked products;
• canned food;
• products containing artificial colors, preservatives, flavor enhancers;
• carbonated soft drinks;
• beer.

During the diet, emphasis should be placed on the following foods:

• fresh vegetables, fruits with moderate sweetness, herbs;
• lean meat, fish;
• cereals: buckwheat, oatmeal, rice;
• fermented milk products: cottage cheese, natural yoghurt;
• butter, vegetable;
• vegetarian soups.

Cooking is recommended using gentle methods: boil in water, steam, grill, oven. Do not forget about the drinking regimen. The daily norm is 1.5 – 2 liters of pure non-carbonated water. To improve the functioning of the digestive tract and strengthen the immune system, it is useful to consume juices from vegetables and fruits such as:

• carrots;
• tomatoes;
• pumpkin;
• cranberries.

Useful herbal teas from chamomile, sage, lavender. The drink must be at room temperature. To improve the taste, you can add a teaspoon of natural honey.

Prevention of oral thrush

Prevention of candidiasis includes:

• A healthy lifestyle without bad habits.
• High-quality, balanced nutrition that helps to strengthen the immune system and maintain the proper functioning of all organs and systems.
• Visiting the dentist at least once every six months, timely treatment of dental diseases.
• Professional oral hygiene every 6 to 12 months.
• Proper care of dentures.
• Strengthening the protective functions of the body: hardening, regular walks in the fresh air, moderate exercise, taking vitamin preparations, etc.

Author of material

Vavilova Victoria Vyacheslavovna

Member of the Professional Society of Orthodontists of Russia (StAR). He takes an active part in international congresses and conferences. He is a certified specialist in working with Incognito™ lingual braces systems, a certified specialist in working with Star smile aligners.

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The thrush appears almost out of nowhere and makes herself known as a real torture. And she also has a vile property to return. We tell you what the causes of the disease are, whether it is worth waiting until the tests are ready, and how to reduce the risk of a new disease.

What is thrush and where does it come from

Thrush (candidiasis) is an infection caused by fungi of the genus Candida. They are part of the natural human microflora, usually live on the mucous membranes and do not interfere, because the body’s defenses inhibit their growth. But sometimes they begin to multiply at a high rate. They most often prevent women from living, developing on the vaginal mucosa, and young children, when they affect the oral cavity due to the fact that babies pull everything into their mouths.

But sometimes candidiasis also affects the internal organs, if the immune system cannot resist fungi. This happens with HIV infection, after chemotherapy, when taking drugs that depress the immune system (for example, during organ transplantation).

This is what happens if you:

1. Woman 20-40 years old. According to statistics, candidiasis at this age is more common.
2. Pregnant. Changes in the hormonal background and the restructuring of the body also change the conditions in which the microflora lives.
3. Have sex when there is not enough natural or artificial lubrication: microtraumas contribute to the appearance of thrush.
4. You are taking antibiotics. Antibacterial drugs destroy not only harmful microbes, but also beneficial ones. Their place is taken by Candida.
5. Suffer from diabetes. Elevated blood sugar creates a breeding ground for fungi.
6. A person with weak immunity. Moreover, fungi are activated both in serious diseases and in ordinary acute respiratory viral infections.

Thrush is well treated with special antifungal antibiotics, but it has a nasty property to return again and again, because it is almost impossible to completely exterminate all these microorganisms.

Symptoms of thrush

Symptoms of the disease depend on which organs are affected. With a general infection, a person develops a high fever, chills and trembling, nausea, and headache. With candidiasis, stomatitis develops in the mouth: it hurts to eat and swallow, the gums turn red, round white spots appear on the mucous membranes – foci of infection.

Thrush in women is manifested by characteristic symptoms:

1. Severe itching and discomfort in the genital area.
2. Copious white or yellowish discharge. They can be dense and resemble cottage cheese.
3. Pain during intercourse.
4. Sometimes – burning and pain during urination.
5. Redness and swelling of the vulva.

How to cure thrush

Thrush is treated with special antibiotics that are active against fungal infections. Clotrimazole, fluconazole, natamycin are taken orally or suppositories and creams are used, sometimes combining these types of therapy.

Depending on the type of medication and how it responds to treatment, it can take anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks. If the fungal infection often recurs, the doctor prescribes long-term treatment.

When thrush in the mouth is helped by rinsing with a soda solution: it inhibits the reproduction of fungi.

Is it possible to treat thrush without a visit to the doctor?

Women already familiar with thrush, who know what could have caused the flare-up and who already have a working prescription, can start treatment even before a visit to the doctor. The results of the analysis for candidiasis appear no earlier than a week later, and the wait can be unbearable.

But if the signs of the disease make you doubt the diagnosis (the discharge smells bad, you feel pain in the lower abdomen, unusual symptoms appear), then it is better to go and take a smear. Maybe Candida isn’t the only microbe that’s caused the inflammation.

If you have never had thrush and you have diagnosed yourself on the Internet, then immediately forget about it and go to the doctor.

Mandatory consultation about treatment if:

1. You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
2. Thrush has started twice in the last six months.
3. You or your partner have previously been diagnosed with an STD.
4. Symptoms persist 7–10 days after starting treatment.

In all these cases, the doctor must clarify the diagnosis and choose the best treatment.

How not to get thrush

1. Use underwear made from natural fabrics that do not pinch or rub anywhere. Irritated skin, heat and humidity are ideal conditions for the development of fungi.
2. Wash your sportswear more often.
3. For genital hygiene – only water or special mild soap (the latter no more than once a day).
4. Use hygiene products that are free of dyes and fragrances.
5. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels.
6. Sometimes fungi react even to changes in diet and alcohol. Eat less sweet and spicy foods.
7. Try to ensure that the child does not put dirty hands and objects into his mouth: this way there is less chance of earning stomatitis.
8. And universal advice: support your immune system with proper nutrition and active walks in the fresh air.

In case of symptoms of thrush – do not wait, be sure to consult a doctor.