Yeast Infections - Essay Example

? Yeast infections are very common and are caused by fungus that can survive anywhere including the human body. The scientific for yeast is Candida. The human body’s immune system usually keeps the amount of yeast infection causing bacteria under control and if the immune is weak (sickness etc) then these bacteria can multiply rapidly and cause yeast infections. A common misconception about yeast infections is that vaginal yeast infections are the only form of yeast infections that occur in the human body. This is certainly not true however and other forms of yeast infections are also very common. These other forms of yeast infections include: Thrush, Esophagitis, Skin yeast infections, and yeast infections in the bloodstream. Let us first discuss vaginal yeast infections first. Vaginal yeast infections are extremely common amongst women. So common in fact that every 6 out of 8 women will at least once in their lifetimes will suffer from this infection. Also more than 50% women will suffer from a vaginal yeast infection more than once in their lifetimes. The fungus which causes vaginal yeast infection is called Candida Albicans. The fungus causing bacteria live in small numbers on the skin of the vagina and inside it. The environment of the vagina is acidic and thus stunts the growth of yeast. However, if for some reason the environment of the vagina becomes less acidic then the fungus grows and causes a vaginal yeast infection. The environment of the vagina may become less acidic due to different reasons such as menstruation, birth control pills, and pregnancy etc. Another possible cause of vaginal yeast infection is an injury to the inside of the vagina which may be cause by any reason (e.g. chemotherapy). The common symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include: Itching and burning inside the vagina and on the vulva. A white cheesy vaginal discharge. Discomfort and soreness during sexual intercourse and urination. Swelling of the vulva. (Familydoctor.org) It should be noted here that vaginal yeast infection is not usually considered to be an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) although males who perform sexual intercourse with infected partners are known to sometimes develop symptoms of irritation of the penis skin. The major identification of a vaginal yeast infection is the white cheesy vaginal discharge. If such a discharge occurs then contacting a doctor is most advised to ascertain the fact that it is in fact caused by a yeast infection because similar symptoms are caused by other infections such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and bacterial vaginosis. (Familydoctor.org) The treatment for vaginal yeast infections are usually antifungal medications. These medications can be taken orally or applied topically in and around the vaginal area. Common over the counter antifungal creams include: butoconazole (Femstat 3), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat), and terconazole (Terazol 3). Antifungal medications that are also available as vaginal tablets include: clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex), miconazole (Monistat; Micatin), terconazole (Terazol), and nystatin (Mycostatin). Oral medications for yeast vaginitis and vulvitis include fluconazole (Diflucan). (Stoppler) Most medical professionals prefer suppositories and vaginal tablets over oral medications for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections. Oral medications cause side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, and headache. Oral medications are also not prescribed to pregnant women for fear of these side effects. Vaginal yeast infections can be prevented by avoiding tight fitting clothing, feminine hygiene sprays, and perfumed toilet paper. Wearing cotton panties, and keeping the vagina dry (by drying it after bathing every time, changing out of wet swimming costumes as soon as possible etc). (Familydoctor.org) Another major form of yeast infections is called Thrush. An infection of the mucus membrane, Thrush mainly affects the mouth and the tongue. As with the vagina, a small amount of this fungus is ever present in the human mouth and is kept in control by the immune system of the human body. Similar factors affect the growth of yeast in the mouth as in the vagina including a weak immune system, chemotherapy, or a disease such as AIDS which severely weakens the human immune system. Thrush is also common in very young and very old people. The symptoms of this infection include emergence of white, velvety sores on the tongue and/or in the mouth. These sores may multiply with time if the infection is not brought under control immediately. Underneath these sores lies red tissue that may bleed easily. These sores are different and distinct from other sores and serve as an easy identification of Thrush. These sores may cause difficulty and pain in eating and chewing. (PubMed Health) Mild cases of Thrush can be dealt with without the use of any medicine especially in infants. Over the counter drug Acidophilius can also be used to treat mild cases of Thrush. For severe cases of Thrush, it is advisable to see a doctor. Doctors usually prescribe an antifungal mouthwash (nystatin) or lozenges (clotrimazole) to suck on to deal with severe cases of Thrush. Thrush can also be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene (brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using antiseptic mouthwash), practicing good hand washing, rinsing the mouth shortly after taking oral antibiotics (antibiotics kill some of the good bacteria in the mouth that help keep Thrush under control). (PubMed Health) The third major form of yeast infections is Esophagitis. Any irritation, inflammation, and swelling of the esophagus are generally referred to as Esophagitis. The yeast infection form of Esophagitis is called Esophagitis Candida. This form of the yeast infection usually starts in the mouth and later on spreads to the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach (esophagus). It can also be the other way round and the infection can also originate in the intestines and then spread to the esophagus and the mouth. As with other forms of yeast infections, this form is also caused by a weakened immune system. The major symptom of Esophagitis Candida is difficulty and pain in swallowing. If the infection spreads further it can also result in fever. It is therefore advisable to contact a doctor at the first appearance of these symptoms. Common medications for this form of yeast infection are antifungal in nature and include medicines such as fluconazole (taken by mouth) and amphotericin (given by injection). Some patients may also require pain killers to control the pain caused in the esophagus by this infection. Long term medicines may also be required in some cases to prevent another occurrence of the infections and suppress the fungus. As with Thrush, Esophagitis Candida can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene and good hand washing. (NY Times) Skin yeast infections have many different forms some of which include: Intertrigo (occurs in moist and warm areas of the body such as underarms, groin, breasts etc), Candidial Diaper Rash (occurs around the diaper area), Candidial Body Rash, Candidial Paronychia (occurs in the nails and causes pus) etc. skin yeast infections can be dealt with in the same way as other yeast infections i.e. by use of antifungal medications. The final form of yeast infections to be discussed in this paper is yeast infection of the bloodstream. It is also called Systemic Candidiasis. The yeast infection usually enters the blood stream of the human body through the intestines. The fungus perforates the human intestines through microscopic holes in it and enters the bloodstream. If not treated in time this form of yeast infection can also prove lethal in some cases because then the infection starts attacking the vital organs of the human body. (Natural-Remedies-For- You.com) Works Cited Familydoctor.org. Yeast Infections . August 2010. 08 November 2011 . Natural-Remedies-For- You.com. How Does Yeast Get into the Blood stream. 08 November 2011 . NY Times. Candida Esophagitis. 28 August 2009. 08 November 2011 . PubMed Health. Thrush - PubMed Health. 11 August 2011. 08 November 2011 . Stoppler, Melissa Conrad. Yeast Vaginitis. 28 June 2011. 08 November 2011 . Read More