Candida Overgrowth: How to Tell You Have an Infection
There are several types of fungi that habitat the human body. Among these is a specific species of yeast referred to as Candida. An interesting thing about this fungus is that it’s not problematic when finding in normal levels. Candida coexists with the good bacteria in the body and is not harmful until its balance gets disrupted. Typically, candida is present in small quantities in the human intestine, mouth, vagina, and on the skin. It’s only when it begins to grow and spread uncontrollably that an infection called candidiasis occurs. This most commonly found fungal infection in humans is the result of poor diet, excessive use of birth control pills, high intake of antibiotics, and moisture retention in the covered parts of the body.
Candida Infection Symptoms and Signs
As per health practitioners, the overproduction of candida begins whenever the level of healthy bacteria gets disrupted in the body, or when the immune system gets compromised. It’s common for AIDS and cancer patients to have an infection as they suffer from low immunity issues. The same applies to those diagnosed for diabetes, malnutrition, and poor hygiene or lifestyle issues. The tell-tale symptoms and signs of candida infection generally vary in line with where it’s located.
Candida Infection in Women
In women, the infection is accompanied by pain during sexual intercourse and a burning sensation during urination. In some cases, this discharge may look like cottage cheese and is thick inconsistency. The occurrence of white discharge points to candida auris yeast infection in the vagina of the infected woman. It causes irritation of the vagina and consistent itching in the areas and tissues surrounding the genitals.
Candida Infection in Men
Yeast infection in the genitals of men is also a common occurrence. Men may develop the signs of genital yeast infection post sexual intercourse with a partner having some kind of vaginal yeast infection. This type of infection cannot be categorized as a sexually-transmitted disease (STD). The symptoms of candida infection in men may include burning and itching of the penis as well as red rashes on the outer skin of the genitals.
Signs of Oral Candidiasis
Thrush or oral candidiasis causes white, thick, lacy patches atop a reddish base on the palate, tongue, or other locations in the mouth. Sometimes, these patches may appear as curd; however, it’s not easy to wipe them away like regular milky curd. Candida oral infection also causes the tongue to look reddish even when there’s no white coating. Wiping away these white plaques with a cotton-tipped applicator or blade may cause the tissues below to bleed. The pain caused by thrush infection can cause difficulty in ingesting food.
Prevent Candida Overgrowth
Overgrowth and excessive spread of candida can lead to serious issues. In case it manages to get into the blood, the infected person may get ill, with or without the symptoms of fever. In case the candida infection spreads even more and enters the brain, then it’s likely to cause drastic changes in mental behavior and functions. In case you are prone to yeast infections, then it’s recommended that you take all the necessary precautions by keeping your immunity strong and switching to a balanced diet to keep candida at bay.
