A Closer Look at Yeast Infection

05Oct09

You have heard about it. You have seen it on the telly commercials. But what truly is yeast infection? Yeast infection is a condition caused by a bunch of fungi under the genus, Candida ; therefore, the proper term, Candidiasis. There are 20 or so known species of this genus ; however [*COMMA] the most common of which and is more often than not the causative agent for yeast infection cases is the infamous Candida albicans.

These fungi are found literally on all surfaces of the body but they have a special affinity for damp and warm areas. Their numbers are typically kept in check by all the other micro-organisms which make up the body’s standard flora. However [*COMMA] any interruption in this delicate balance would simply lead to an overgrowth and eventually the manifestations of the illness.

Candidal infections are frequently seen as vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and diaper rash. There have been reports , however , of infection occurring around dentures, nail beds, on the skin beneath the breast and lower abdomen, and on other skin folds. All of these types, though, are purely insubstantial and can be dealt with easily.

Rarely does a yeast infection become systemic. This only happens when an individual’s immune system has been severely compromised. However, this is going to be taken seriously as it can become fatal. Actually, three out of 4 patients with widespread candidal illness may die.
The factors behind yeast infection can be cut down to two broad classes : factors that lead to a direct change on the number of standard flora or its environment and preexisting conditions that weaken a person’s immunological reaction. With both scenarios , however , the end result is the same ‘ C.albicans begin to proliferate beyond control.

Examples of the first category would be the utilization of antibiotics, steroids or birth control tablets, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause. The second include cancer, HIV, or transplant patients, and those with diabetes. Virtually 15% of immunocompromised patients develop a wide spread candidal infection ; with the brain, heart, kidney, blood, and eyes as the commonly centered organs. The fungus may become even more widespread and infiltrate the liver, spleen, and lungs.

The treatment for candidiasis would depend on both the location and seriousness of the infection. For superficial ones, topical antifungal medications, like clotrimazole, nystatin, or ketoconazole are generally enough. Infrequently, an one time oral dose of Flucanazole would be prescribed instead or vaginal suppositories and medicated douches. For more widespread infections, stronger medicines are required. Amphotericin B, voriconazole, and caspofungin are frequently ordered.

Yeast infection may appear like a relatively harmless illness but one should never be too careful. It’s your health that is at stake, after all.
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