Learn the types of Yeast infection that could infect you. What is yeast infection? As the name suggests, attack by foreign disease-carrying agents – in this case yeaston an organism is known as Yeast Infection. Yeast is a fungus scientifically known as Candida that is fond of living in remote and populous places across the globe, including the human body. The rapid and abnormal growth of the yeast cells inside a certain body is what constitutes as an infection, as a result of which the host gets affected adversely. In the human body usually, the yeast cells exist as capsulated within mucous membranes. Throughout history, cases of infection by yeast have been considerably less however in as recent as 2009, it was found that C. Auris existed in patients over 9 countries. This included the United States as well. (cdc.gov)
Types of Yeast Infection When the overgrowth of the yeast cells begin, the host organism goes to various symptoms. These shall be discussed in detail later in this piece. All of these ‘starting events’ lead to the infection- although in many of its types. Hence, a look into the types of Yeast Infection is crucial in understanding the entire disease. There are three types of this infection namely: Oropharyngeal/Esophageal Candidiasis (Thrush), Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Vaginal Infection) and Invasive Candidiasis. Thrush Infection by the yeast cells in the mouth or in the throat is known as Oropharyngeal/Esophageal Candidiasis (Thrush). It can be recognized by the presence of white patches or plaques on the tongue and other membranes in the mouth and throat that contain mucus. How one can identify that he has contracted Thrush is by noticing the redness and soreness near the affected areas. Also, there will be some difficulty in swallowing alongside little cracking on the sides of the mouth. Interestingly, thrush is uncommon among adults rather is found mostly in infants less than one month old. Vaginal Yeast Infection It is a common disease among women. A healthy woman’s vagina contains a small amount of yeast cells. When the infection occurs, there is intense itching, swelling and irritation. The way through which this type of yeast infection is spread is mainly sexual contact, though it is not generally considered as a sexually transmitted infection. The severity of this is variable. Several imbalances in a woman such as stress, uncontrolled diabetes, poor eating habits and hormonal
imbalance due to menstruation also allow overgrowth of the yeast cells in the vaginal cavity. Invasive Candidiasis This sort of yeast infection is different from all the types of Candidiasis. That is because of its aggressive effect on the human body. Rather than appearing on areas of the anatomy, it attacks the heart; brain; eyes; bones and other parts of the human body. It is a severe case of infection. People who develop invasive candidiasis are most of the time already sick from other medical conditions, so it can be difficult to know which symptoms are related to a Candida infection. However, the most common symptoms of invasive candidiasis are fever and chills that don’t improve after antibiotic treatment for suspected bacterial infections. Other symptoms can develop if the infection spreads to the body’s vital organs.
YEAST INFECTION DURING PREGNANCY Pregnancy is a very crucial phase medically in the life of a woman, making it sensitive to various diseases as well. Yeast Infection is not uncommon amongst expecting women, especially during the second trimester of the pregnancy. Thin, white and an odd smelling discharge from the body can be noted- a common symptom. This infection changes the chemical composition inside the vagina such as an increased amount of sugar in the vaginal secretions. The ample percentage of sugar allows the yeast to feed off of it, increase in number, cause an imbalance and produce too much fungus at the end. Simultaneously, there will be a lot of discomfort for the mother during urinating or intercourse. It is also likely that the intake of antibiotics for a long term causes the rapid cell multiplication inside the yeast cell. That is because in addition to killing off bacteria that are targeted, these medicines can affect the normal protective bacteria in the vagina, allowing the yeast to overgrow.
TREATMENT FOR YEAST INFECTION For the different types of yeast infection, the treatments vary. In regard to Thrush the preferred treatment would be the prescription of anti-fungal medication. The dosage and duration of the cure depend on the severity of the infection and the human weight and immune status etc. Oral candidiasis responds to straight forward treatment such as clotrimazole troches and nystatin suspension (nystatins “swish and swallow”). Anti-fungal medication such as fluconazole or itraconazole may be necessary for oropharyngeal infections that do not respond to these treatments. For severeesophageal candidiasis, treatment with amphotericin B may be necessary.
As for Vaginal Yeast Infection, anti-fungal suppositories or creams are commonly recommended. The therapy ranges from one to seven days, where mild infections can be treated with ease by one dose of the medication. Over use of such a treatment though would result in the bacteria becoming resistant to the creams etc. The specific type and dose of anti-fungal medication used to treat invasive candidiasis usually depends on the patient's age, immune status, and location and severity of the infection. For most adults, the initial recommended anti-fungal treatment is an echinocandin (caspofungin, micafungin, or anidulafungin) given through the vein (intravenous or IV). Fluconazole, amphotericin B, and other anti fungalmedications may also be appropriate in certain situations. Usually it is recommended to use these medications for up to 2 weeks.
HOME REMEDIES FOR YEAST INFECTION The use of the following items on would most likely help cure yeast infection: ▪
Yogurt – Application on the affected area
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Coconut Oil- Application on the affected area
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Apple Cider Vinegar- To be drunk with warm water or to be bathed in with lukewarm water.
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Garlic Paste- Application on the affected area
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Cranberries- To be drunk as it clean the urinary tract etc.
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Boric Acid- Dilute with water and soak body in it. (Not recommended for pregnant women).
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