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Candida

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida.

• Over 20 species of Candida yeasts that can cause infection in humans.
• The most common albicans.

Candidiasis normally reside in the intestinal tract and can be found on mucous membranes

Types of Candidiasis

• Candida infections of the mouth, throat, esophagus
• Vaginal Candidiasis

Candida infections of the mouth, throat, esophagus

Symptoms

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

Potential causes of Candida infections of the mouth, throat, esophagus

• Wear dentures
• Have diabetes
• Have cancer
• Have HIV/AIDS
• Smoke
• 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

Ways to help prevent Candida infections of the mouth, throat, esophagus include:

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

Some studies have shown that chlorhexidine mouthwash may help to prevent oral candidiasis in people undergoing cancer treatment.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Usually Candida infection can be determined simply by looking inside the mouth. Sometimes a small sample from the mouth or throat will be take and sent to a laboratory for testing . Treatment for mild to moderate infections in the mouth or throat is usually an antifungal medicine that is applied to the inside of the mouth for 7 to 14 days. These medications include clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin. For severe infections to the esophagus the treatment is usually fluconazole.

Vaginal Candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis is common. In the United States, it is the second most common type of vaginal infection after bacterial vaginal infection Vaginal candidiasis can be more frequent in people with weakened immune systems.Candidiasis in the vagina is commonly called a “vaginal yeast infection.” Other names

• vaginal candidiasis
• vulvovaginal candidiasis
• candidal vaginitis

Symptoms

• Vaginal itching or soreness
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain or discomfort when urinating
• Abnormal vaginal discharge

Some women can develop severe infections involving redness, swelling, and cracks in the wall of the vagina.

Potential causes of vaginal candidiasis

• pregnancy
• Use of hormonal contraceptives (for example, birth control pills)
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Take or have recently taken antibiotics
• Wearing cotton underwear might help reduce the chances of getting a yeast infection.

Diagnosis & Treatment

A laboratory test is usually needed to diagnose vaginal Canadians because the symptoms are similar to those of other types of vaginal infections. They begin by taking a small sample of vaginal discharge to be examined under a microscope or sent to a laboratory for a fungal culture. Vaginal candidiasis is usually treated with antifungal medicine or a single dose of fluconazole taken by mouth. For more severe infections, or keep coming back after getting better, medicines applied inside the vagina such as boric acid, nystatin, or flucytosine.

Statistics

Overall, there is a tough way to determine the exact number of people with Candida because there is no survey that has been done. However there is a high chance for people who have weak immune systems and those who have HIV.