The common signs of candida on the tongue

Rather surprisingly the health of your tongue can be quite an important indicator for your general health. So if you are noticing something different about how your tongue appears or feels, pay attention. For example a tongue should be a little furry, this is the layer of bacteria that should be there. But if it is overly furry then this may be a sign that the balance of micro-organisms has gone wrong. Common signs of candida on the tongue include;

• A white or grey color
• Scraping a nail leaves a groove in the ‘fur’
• White patches
• Lesions beneath the white patches that bleed
• Discomfort or pain
• Red areas

If this is just an oral yeast infection there may be symptoms elsewhere in the mouth, on the cheeks, the roof of the mouth and down the throat. If it is a sign of an internal intestinal candida problem you may be showing other signs such as;

• Muscle aches and pains
• Headaches
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Gas
• Bloating
• PMS
• Craving sugary foods
• Gaining weight
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Moodiness
• Irritability
• Sight problems

Treating signs of candida on the tongue

Do not scratch or scrape at the white areas as secondary infection is likely to occur. There are oral suspensions, lozenges and so on that you can buy over the counter at a pharmacy that have an anti-fungal active ingredient. Or you can look at alternative options that are natural, herbal and so on. Effectiveness of both really depends on the person, their health and the seriousness of the infection. It may be that you need something stronger and will need to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and prescribed medicated treatment. Adult oral yeast infections are not common in otherwise healthy individuals; they are more a problem for those with weakened immune systems such as HIV or AIDS patients. However Thrush is common in young babies. It is best to not treat this yourself though, if it is affecting the baby’s feeding and causing them distress see your doctor.

The many symptoms

Hypersensitivity syndrome and candida has a large range of symptoms, physical and mental and is linked by some to other illnesses such as IBS, Gluten intolerance, thyroid problems, cancer, psoriasis and more. The problem with the theory is that there is not a clear diagnosis for the condition, it is based on answers a patient gives to a questionnaire, and the argument those who believe it to be a sham say, is who doesn’t have trouble sleeping, feel bloated, get headaches, feels tired, has mood swings, now and then. The questions asked are bound to get a mostly positive response from many people, regardless of whether there is or is not a real problem with candida.

Symptoms associated with Hypersensitivity syndrome and candida include;

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Mood swings
• Dizziness
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fogginess
• Muscle pain
• Sugar cravings

Treating Hypersensitivity syndrome and candida

For those who support it, treatment involves a strict diet that cuts out foods that supposedly feed the candida, taking nutritional supplements and probiotics, and anti-fungal treatment. The diet is a very strict one and difficult to follow but is not a permanent change. Sufferers are meant to cut out foods with sugar, yeasts, certain nuts and other foods that contain mold, and then after a week or two you can re-introduce some foods slowly back in. You also need to avoid certain medications like antibiotics, birth control pills and corticosteroids.

Why do we lose the good bacteria we need?

There are several reasons why good bacteria levels might drop, diets that are high in processed, junk and refined foods can cause it, overuse of antibiotics is a main contributor, having a system full of chemicals, stress, drinking too much alcohol and so on. A rough figure of 85% good and 15% ‘bad’ is an acceptable level for a healthy person, though obviously the higher the good goes and the lower the bad goes, the better.

What is bacillus laterosporus?

Bacillus laterosporus is a soil based bacteria found in Iceland and then became commercialised in the 1980s. Can bacillus laterosporus remove systemic candida? According to some people yes it can. Taken as a probiotic supplement it will repopulate your intestines with good bacteria and fight the candida. It supposedly does this by making a hole in the membrane of candida cells and then digesting it. Meanwhile it also help stimulate the immune system to fight the yeast infection, helps get rid of the toxins the candida releases and keeps the colon healthy.

Can bacillus laterosporus remove systemic candida? Something to keep in mind.

Probiotics need to be regularly replenished and so this is not as simple as taking a few supplements and then thinking you are cured. Along with probiotic treatment you should take an anti-fungal treatment, consider changing your diet permanently to cut down on the foods that feed the candida, and add more foods that are probiotic. Before you take any supplement talk to your doctor first especially if you are on other medications.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is when the cartilage the lines the ends of our bones has been damaged leading the bones to rub against each other. This leads to the bones being damaged and symptoms such as swelling and pain. There are several things that can cause arthritis including a systemic candida infection.

Candida Arthritis caused by invasive candida

Candida arthritis is not at all common, just because you have arthritis and candida does not mean they are linked, there are only specific circumstances in the case of septic arthritis caused by candida. There are two ways it can occur, a patient in hospital may develop candidemia but go untreated and the candida arthritis develops later, or in some cases despite the candidemia being recognized and treated appropriately, candida arthritis has still occurred. It actually affects children more than adults, about a third of babies that have neonatal candidiasis also have bone or joint problems too i.e candida arthritis.

Who is at risk

Candida arthritis risk groups include the following;

• Babies are the highest at risk of candida arthritis or/and candida osteomyelitis. In one review it concluded that at least 85% of the cases were in babies 6 months or younger
• Patients receiving organ transplants, having abdominal surgery or those with hematological disorders
• Urinary tract manipulation patients
• Patients that have had intra-articular injections
• Drug users that take brown heroin intravenously

In most cases Candida albicans are responsible but there are cases of candida tropicalis, candida krusei, candida glabrata, candida zeylanoides and candida parapsilosis.

Symptoms of Candida Arthritis

• Pain in the joints
• Tenderness
• In babies the affected limbs may have abnormal positioning
• Warmth
• Swelling

Usually the areas affected are the knees, but after it can also affect the hips, ankles and shoulders. In adults there is often a delay in presentation of candida arthritis after having candidemia, but in babies it happens together.

Treating candida arthritis

Systemic treatment and topical treatment is usually called for when treating candida arthritis. Anti-fungal treatment to treat the candida such as amphotericin B, or one of the azoles such as ketoconazole or fluconazole. Drug choice depends on the species of candida and the patient’s medical history. If there is an infected prosthetic joint involved this usually has to be removed and replaced with a new prosthesis. Local treatment involves synovial aspiration and if these options fail a synovectomy may be considered which is a surgical operation that removes part or all of the synovial membrane of the affected joint.

How does a rectal yeast infection develop?

There are a couple of ways a rectal yeast infection can come about, one is if you have a vaginal yeast infection it can spread to the rectal area leading to a rectal yeast infection also. Another way it can happen is if you have a problem with overgrowth in your bowels then this can also progress to the rectal area. It can also be triggered by itself in that region by things such as wearing damp clothes for longer than necessary, not drying yourself properly after bathing, eating spicy foods, not washing regularly there, wearing clothing that does not allow the skin to breath such as synthetic fibers, having regular diarrhea or constipation, using perfumed products there, or a having a diet that is generally poor and high in sugars.

Treating a rectal yeast infection

First of all identify the root cause and make changes if possible. If your underwear is synthetic switch to cotton, if you eat a lot of curry, cut back! If you have a diet high in sugars, lower it, eat more fresh foods especially leafy greens, and try switching to organic so that you are not consuming chemicals. Other things you should try to include are whole grains rather than refined foods and to get the probiotics needed to help with your internal candida eat plain yogurt, fermented cabbage, or kefir. You can also look for foods that will help soften the stools so that there is less irritation and it is lubricated, prunes or prune juice, unrefined cold pressed flax seed oil or flax seed itself. Read the labels carefully on the soaps and detergents you use and switch clothing that is looser. Finally you may want to consider getting moist wipes or using a cloth dampened with warm water to wipe yourself rather than toilet paper.

Treatment can include;

• Anti-fungal creams either from the pharmacy or prescribed
• Aloe vera gel
• Tea tree oil or other essential oils
• Probiotic supplements
• Detoxification
• Herbal anti-fungal treatments such as Pau D’arco

Candidiasis or a mouth yeast infection. However within an oral candidiasis there are several main types, Acute atrophic candidiasis, Median rhomboid glossitis, Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis, Chronic atrophic candidiasis, Angular cheilitis, Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and the area we are exploring today, Acute pseudomembranous candidiasis.

In actual fact candida is already present in around 50% of people’s mouths and causes no problems unless the numbers increase. Factors that can lead to this form of yeast infection include age, the young and old are more prone, poor health and a weak immune system, medications that cause dry mouth, wearing dentures, being a smoker, deficiency in nutrients, or an injury. Most often the candida causing the problem is candida albicans but others can also be pathogenic, candida tropicalis for example. In patients that are extremely immunocompromised Candida krusei can be the problem and in patients who have gotten pseudomembranous candidiasis after head and neck radiation treatment for cancer, candida glabrata is emerging.

Symptoms of acute pseudomembranous candidiasis

• Raised white patches on the tongue, on the gums and inside the mouth
• A raw redness under the white patches that bleeds
• Pain
• Discomfort
• Difficulty eating
• Burning feeling
• Mucosa areas around the white patches are red and swollen

Treating pseudomembranous candidiasis

Treatment involves knowing and dealing with the root cause of the candida overgrowth and choosing a course of anti-fungal medication. If the cause is antibiotics, or an underlying condition, or a medication you are taking, there are things that can be done to help. For example if you use an inhaler drink some water after to avoid the dry mouth, if possible, discontinue taking the broad spectrum antibiotics until the candida is under control. There are now a number of drugs that can be used; clotrimazole, nystatin, miconazole, amphotericin B, ketoconazole and gentian violet. For patients with HIV who get an oral yeast infection fluconazole is often effective. Choice of treatment depends on whether a person is allergic to certain drugs, their current health, the candida species that is responsible for the infection as some have a resistance to certain treatments.

How a yeast infection and rhino-sinusitis are linked

Candida is on most humans and can affect anywhere in the body including the nose and sinuses. Overgrowth can allow the candida to become pathogenic and there are a number of things that can cause this, stress, medications, antibiotics, hormonal imbalance, nose sprays and so on. It is also possible for the candida to spread from the gastrointestinal tract where it is already causing further problems with the immune system, as the body is not getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. There have been studies that confirm the link between a yeast infection and rhino-sinusitis but now conventional medicine needs to catch up, as in the past there have been problems with incorrect treatments of anti-histamines and antibiotics both of which actually worsen the condition if it is a fungal matter.

Symptoms

As well as other possible yeast infection symptoms such as a vaginal, or eye infection, and candida overgrowth symptoms there are specific symptoms to sinusitis which include;

• Fever
• Congestion
• A feeling of pressure on your face around your nose and eyes
• Headaches
• A dripping nose
• Unable to smell or taste much
• A cough

Treatment

There is the option of medicated anti-fungal treatment or if you prefer there are alternative options. For example some people have had success with acupuncture, inhaling oil vapors using essential oils like lavender or rosemary, irrigating the sinuses with salt water or a herbal solution and to relieve the pressure using hot and cold compresses.

Male candida causes

As you may have notice the candida albicans penis infection is referred to as many things, male yeast infection, penile or penis yeast infection, candida penile infection, male candida and so on. They are all names for the same condition, when the penis is affected by the overgrowth of candida albicans, a fungus that lives on the body already. Because yeast infections are caused by candida growing to numbers that are too high for the body to handle rather than something you ‘catch’, it is actually very unlikely for a man to get a yeast infection if the female has one. However it is possible, and so if you want to avoid the risks, make sure to use a condom during sex or abstain until she has successfully treated it. In the young wet diapers can be a cause, but in general causes for this form are the same as for women, poor diet, stress, wet clothing, antibiotics and so on. Men who still have their foreskin are more likely to get a yeast infection than those without.

Candida albicans penis infection on the glans

The glans is the head of the penis and when a yeast infection manifests there it is called Balanitis. Symptoms will therefore include inflammation in that area, redness, possibly a liquid discharge, itching, pain and sometimes blisters. About 11% of men have this condition and 3% of boys wearing diapers get a yeast infection at some point.

General penile yeast infection symptoms

• Burning sensation
• Discomfort or unable to have intercourse
• Symptoms are worse after intercourse
• An itching rash
• Redness

Treating a candida albicans penis infection

There are creams that are anti-fungal that can be applied, in fact the treatments advertised for vaginal yeast infections can be used for male too, apart from the vaginal suppository forms of course! Your doctor may prescribe something if you need a stronger medication. You may need to change your diet habits too as many men who get yeast infections find the root cause is a poor diet. Restrict foods full of sugar, limit junk, processed and refined foods, limit also alcohol and caffeine.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

When the candida that lives inside the gut becomes pathogenic and multiplies in numbers it can attack the intestinal lining and cause tiny holes. This then allows the fungus to spread through the body, as well as the toxins, bacteria and even some partially digested food into the blood. It means too that the body is not getting the nutrients it needs for a healthy immune system, as food is not being digested as it should be. The undesired foreign bodies in the blood trigger a response from the body and symptoms of ill health occur. These include;

• Fatigue
• Rashes
• Allergies
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Moodiness
• Gas
• Poor focus and memory

Some literature also speculates or links LGS and candida with other conditions as the contaminated blood reaches other organs and affects their performance such as;

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Crohn’s disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Lupus
• Fibromyalgia

Causes and treatment

LGS and candida are not the only thing that can cause the syndrome, things like a poor diet, food allergies, certain medications, antibiotics, not enough fiber, too much alcohol, parasites, bacteria, low in zinc, IBS to name a few. Treatment means understanding the cause and seeing what can be done about that, as well as dealing with the symptoms. For LGS and Candida you need to re-balance your intestinal micro flora, take probiotics and use digestive enzymes, eat a healthy diet that does not feed the candida (see the candida diet option) and replace the nutrients you need by taking supplements. You can also choose to do a detox to cleanse the toxins out of your body and there are anti-fungal but natural treatment options such as pau d’arco for example that can be taken alongside.

Symptoms of a yeast infection

The reason people think of using aloe vera for a yeast infection is because of the nature of the symptoms and the treatment. Symptoms include irritation, inflammation, itching, redness, discomfort, burning and aloe vera is known to soothe these kinds of ailments. Before you try any treatment though you should make sure your problem is actually a yeast infection and not something similar by seeing a doctor. Then you can decide whether you want to use conventional means to clear up the yeast, such as over the counter medications or a prescribed one, or whether you want to try something natural like using aloe vera for a yeast infection.

About Aloe vera for a yeast infection

Aloe vera comes in several forms now, or you can get the plant and break the leaves and use the liquid there. It can come in gel, juice, mouth wash and cream forms depending on what you need it for and where you want to use it. It will soothe the swelling, will stop the itching, reduce the irritation and discomfort and it actually fights the yeast too, so it is not just something for symptom relief. It can be used directly on the infection itself for external purposes and can be consumed for internal ones also. As well as using it as a treatment, aloe vera can be used to prevent yeast infections. If you have a problem with recurring yeast infections and know that at certain times of the month, or when you are stressed or on antibiotics, you are more at risk, you can add some aloe juice to your daily diet.

The benefits of Aloe vera

As said, aloe vera offers more than just symptom relief, although that in itself is a blessing. It also helps the immune system by giving it essential minerals it needs to work properly and helps make the environment of the body less perfect for the fungus to grow. For some people it is also a mild laxative so it helps get rid of the toxins in your colon the candida releases and helps detoxify the blood. It is not just anti-fungal, it also has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties too. Make sure you talk with your doctor about consuming aloe vera however as some people should not use it.

Candida cleanse

A candida cleanse is any kind of program you follow that is designed to cleanse the candida from your system. There is not one way to do a candida cleanse, there are several ways, and you should do some research on it to find the way that best suits you. Usually when people ask how should I take candida cleanse they are thinking of the detoxification part, but you should treat a candida overgrowth with several steps, anti-fungals, diet, cleanse and supplements. The anti-fungal treatment stage can be medicated or natural, the diet involves cutting out foods that feed the fungus like sugar, the cleanse or detox involves cleaning out your system, and supplements of nutrients to strengthen your immune system and probiotics to keep the good bacteria numbers up. You should spend about 3 to 4 weeks on this process. You also need to look for the root cause of your fungus problem and deal with that too, or even with 4 weeks of work, it will return at some point.

How should I take candida cleanse diet

There is a lot of detailed information on this site about the candida diet. It basically involves cutting out a lot of foods, as mentioned sugar, but also foods that turn to sugar in your body, refined foods, processed and junk foods, fungi, even fruits, breads, alcohol and so on. It is a hard diet to stick too but keep reminding yourself it is just for 2 or 3 weeks, after that you can slowly bring back foods you have cut out.

Supplements that may be useful

These are just some suggestions;

• Probiotics
• Prebiotics
• Vitamin C, E, B6
• Alkalizing supplements
• Fiber

Die-off or the Herxheimer reaction

When you are attacking the fungus from so many angles you will probably experience symptoms of die-off or herxheimer reaction. These include;

• Weakness
• Headaches
• More fatigued
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Fogginess
• Fever
• Rashes
• Gas
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Flu like symptoms

These are basically a worsening of the candida symptoms and for that reason some people stop doing it. In fact it is more a sign that you are on the right track, as this happen because all that dying candida is releasing more toxins into you making you feel worse. In most people it lasts a week maybe two and then it eases, but if it gets too difficult for you to continue just ease back on your treatment program and slow it down a little. You can also drink lots of water to help flush out the toxins, and you can do a detox cleanse or two.

How should I take candida cleanse detox

There are several ways to do this part, drinking lots of water will help somewhat, but there are also other drinks you can make yourself to flush out your system. There are also kits you can purchase from pharmacies that are for cleaning out your intestinal system, getting rid of fecal matter, and the various toxins including the ones the candida is releasing. Keep near a bathroom and do it on a day you are not working. Eat very lightly that day, as you do not want to re-pollute your system while you are emptying it out. Keep drinking that water as dehydration can be a problem for some people who do not drink enough that day.

Esophageal candidiasis

Candida is a fungus that lives in us already but is controlled in numbers by our immune system and the good bacteria we have. In people with weakened immune systems, this control is not as successful and the candida can overgrow and cause yeast infections. This is in part because the immune system cannot deal with it, and also because of the medications these people are probably on. And if that treatment includes antibiotics then this may have killed the good bacteria that live inside the body and usually help keep the fungus within acceptable and safe numbers.

Common esophageal candida symptoms include;

• Difficulty swallowing because of the inflammation caused by the candida overgrowth
• Chest pain
• Pain when swallowing
• A feeling that food is stuck in their throat or esophagus
• Weight loss because they are unable to eat enough
• Vomiting and/or nausea
• Bad taste in the mouth

Since patients with this form of yeast infection usually have oral candidiasis they may also have the following symptoms;

• Lesions on the hard and soft palates, gums, cheeks, under the tongue
• Creamy white patches on the mucosal surfaces that when scraped show a bleeding, red, inflamed area beneath it
• There may be cracks at the corners of the mouth
• Difficulty chewing
• Soreness
• Discomfort / pain

Treating esophageal candida symptoms

Treatment depends on whether that patient is able to swallow, as there is no point in giving them pills to take if they cannot get them down. If this is the case then an IV treatment can be given. Anti-fungal drugs are used, and the one chosen depends on your history, resistance and severity. Treatment usually lasts between 2 to 3 weeks. Common options include fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, or anidulafungin.

How hormonal imbalance can cause a yeast infection

Yeast infections are caused by having too much candida in your body, a fungus that lives there normally in low amounts. Sometimes factors can affect the low amounts and allow then to multiply. One factor is hormonal imbalance because the chemical changes that occur are liked by the candida. Usually during pregnancy or menstruation the levels of estrogen are raised, this can help create a better environment for the candida as a woman can have more vaginal discharge.

Yeast infections and the menopause are not about the estrogen

While the menopause is a time when hormones are fluctuating, this time estrogen levels are actually low not raised. However this affects the walls of the vagina, making them thinner and means that during sex, there can be irritation caused to them, which can cause a yeast infection to occur. Plus if a woman decides to take HRT while going through the menopause this raises the estrogen levels again, and if the right balance is not achieved, the levels can go too high. Finally the menopause is a stressful time for some women, and stress to causes chemical changes in the body that allows the possibility of a yeast infection to become more likely.

Treating and preventing a yeast infection

If you are asking about yeast infections and the menopause because you need treatment there are several ways you can go about it. There are natural options that some have success with, there are over the counter medications and there are prescribed treatments from a doctor. If you want to prevent the problem think about the following advice;

• Do not douche
• Wash daily making sure you dry carefully and thoroughly
• Avoid wearing clothing that makes the vaginal area sweaty
• Change out of sweaty or wet clothing as soon as you can
• Use gentle soaps and do not used scented products
• Use lubrication during sex

Symptoms of each type

Thrush or oral candidiasis has white patches on the tongue, cheeks, sometimes the roof of the mouth, beneath which can be lesions that bleed if touched. There is pain and burning. Esophageal candidiasis is where the infection is just in the throat so yes is the answer to can candida be present in the esophagus but not the mouth, since it has its own term and symptoms. They include difficulty swallowing, feeling like food is caught in the throat, pain, vomiting, nausea, fever and sometimes weight loss. In severe cases it can even cause respiratory problems. Oropharyngeal when both exist has potentially all of those symptoms at once.

How can candida be present in the esophagus but not the mouth?

As said candida can become a problem anywhere, however while it is possible, it is rare for a person to get just a throat yeast infection. In most cases a patient who has candida overgrowth in the esophagus will also have some amount in their mouths.

Treatment

If you are not pregnant azole oral therapy is usually effective, Fluconazole, clotrimazole, posaconazole, itraconazole for example. Other oral treatments include Nystatin oral suspension. For the throat treatment depends on whether the patient is able to swallow, as there are anti-fungal pills that can be given, if they cannot then they are put on IV therapy. Drugs can be the azoles but may also be micafungin, anidulafungin, caspofungin or amphotericin B. If they have a resistance to treatment, the type of candida needs to be checked. Drug choices by the doctor depend on the patient’s medical history, their current health, what other medications they are taking and chances of relapse. Maintenance treatment can be used for some patients.

Symptoms of a yeast infection

Yeast infection symptoms depend on where the infection is, but the most common place is the vagina. Vaginal yeast infection symptoms include;

• Itching
• Inflammation
• Soreness
• Discharge
• A yeasty odor
• Irritation
• Discomfort

So how long does a yeast infection last?

How long does a yeast infection last depends on a few things. First of all the severity of the infection; a mild infection is easier to treat and so will go away quicker than a more severe infection that is harder to treat. There is also how quickly you recognize or get diagnosed and therefore start treatment. The longer you wait then the longer the yeast infection will last! The effectiveness of the treatment affects the time making your choice important and last but not least your overall health will have an impact. If you have a weakened immune system then your body will struggle to fight the fungus and so it will drag on for longer.

Generally when you start a medicated treatment it will last between 7 to 14 days. Even if you take a 1 day 1 pill treatment this is just the length of treatment, not the length of the yeast infection, that 1 pill will still take 7 days to clear it up.

Get to the root cause

It is important as well that you make sure you do not over focus on the symptoms, as irritating as they are. Stopping the itching is not stopping the infection, and unless you work out why you had candida overgrowth, even if you treat it successfully, it can recur again and again until you stop the root cause. Look at things like diet, antibiotics, hormonal balance. For more on causes of yeast infections there are several useful articles on this site.

Thrush

Oral candidiasis, mouth yeast infection or Thrush all refer to the same problem, and is commonly recognizable from the white film that can be scraped away but reveals red lesions that may bleed below. This can also spread to the throat and down the esophagus in rare and extreme cases. There can be burning, pain, soreness, difficulty swallowing and tenderness. There are in fact 4 main types of oral candidiasis, pseudomembranous, angular cheilitis, erythematous candidiasis and hyperplastic.

Specifics about erythematous candidiasis

Erythematous candidiasis appears pink or red and affects the dorsum of the tongue and the palate in particular. It can also appear on the inside of the cheek in HIV positive patients.

Treating erythematous candidiasis

Treatment involves both identifying the root cause and trying to eliminate or deal with that, and then taking a course of anti-fungal medication. If the patient is on antibiotics and it is possible for this to be discontinued then this is also done. Good oral hygiene is recommended and if you wear dentures these should be left out as much as possible for the course of the treatment. There are six main treatments that can be used depending on your resistance, reaction, allergies and medical history. These are nystatin, miconazole, ketoconazole, amphotericin B, clotrimazole and gentian violet. Treatment is usually continued for another 2 weeks after symptoms have gone to be sure the fungus has all been treated.

Actions you can take against erythematous candidiasis

• Avoid sugary foods as sugar feeds the fungus
• Eat probiotic unsweetened plain yogurt
• Take probiotic supplements
• Avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods and drinks as these can make the burning pain worse
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Floss at least once a day
• Do not use non-prescripted mouthwashes or sprays

Emerging pathogen

Candida rugosa is not a common problem for human infection and it is only recently that it has been noticed and reported as an emerging pathogen. In a study done to look at its frequency and susceptibility to anti-fungal treatment it was found that from 134, 715 isolates of candida looked at in vitro only 0.4% were Candida rugosa. Outside the lab it is more likely to be found Latin American regions than European or North American and it was also found that it has a reduced susceptibility to azole anti-fungal drugs. When being observed Candida rugosa is a round unicellular fungus that is cream or white in color and grows best in warm temperatures with sources of macronutrients and water.

Anti-fungal treatment

As mentioned one study found it had a lowered susceptibility to the azoles. Another study looked the effectiveness of three azoles, fluconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole as well as Amphotericin B. Testing was carried out on mice who were infected with Candida rugosa and then treated for 7 days after infection with each drug. Overall it was found that Voriconazole was the least effective of the four drugs, and that while the other 3 were not as effective as against other candida species they still gave some improvement in the condition. The researchers however concluded that with Amphotericin B having poor results in humans that fluconazole or posaconazole are useful alternatives.

Conclusion

Candidiasis in the bloodstream is the fourth most common hospital acquired infection in the United States and with a 38% mortality rate it is important to be able to identify the causing species and to know what is effective against each one. In a candida rugosa outbreak in Brazil that affected six patients, four died because the amphotericin B they received as treatment was not effective enough. Knowing what alternative treatments can be used and which candida species are resistant to which is becoming increasingly important in hospitals.

Interesting fact about Candida rugosa

Candida rugosa in its yeast form is also part of the process when making chocolate! The cocoa seeds once harvested have to be fermented, dried and roasted. The yeast helps in the fermentation process and are why the chocolate is not too bitter at the end. These yeasts do not stay alive though, they die from the alcohol they turn the sugars into.

Who can be affected by a lung yeast infection

As mentioned a lung yeast infection is not something that is common in otherwise healthy individuals. A systemic candida infection is primarily something that is hospital-acquired meaning you are in intensive or critical care for another illness when you develop it. Those patients particularly at risk are those with weakened immune systems from either an illness, such as HIV or AIDS, or from a treatment for example chemotherapy for cancer. Premature babies are also at risk. With a lowered immune system the body is unable to keep the candida at low and harmless numbers. Good bacteria levels are likely very low too from treatments such as antibiotics, and so the candida thrives. Statistically men are more prone than women.

Symptoms of systemic candidiasis

In order for a lung yeast infection to occur the candida will have entered the bloodstream to become systemic candida. As it travels around the body it can cause a large range of problems with the heart, lung, liver, kidneys, eyes, brain and so on. The symptoms will be linked to the organ or organs affected, in the brain there can be seizures, a drop in mental function, the kidneys could show as blood when urinating, the eyes would become blurred, the heart might develop a murmur. General symptoms alongside these might include a fever, chills, and anemia.

Symptoms of a lung yeast infection

• fever
• rash
• chills
• anemia
• bloody mucus discharge
• difficulty breathing
• candida pneumonia
• chest pain
• asthma
• wheezing
• tight chest
• cough

Treating a lung yeast infection

It is vital to patients with invasive candida to be diagnosed as soon as possible because of the damage it can do to internal organs. People with this form of candida have a high mortality rate because they are already weak and if not treated straight away and successfully their bodies just cannot take the damage. Medication is given via an IV and could be one of several anti-fungal drugs, amphotericin B, nystatin, one of the azoles, one of the fungins depending on the species of candida that is the cause of the infection. If it does not put the patient at risk any antibiotic treatment should be halted too to allow good bacteria to build back up and help fight the infection.

How does posaconazole to treat yeast infections work?

This medication is for serious yeast infections in people who have weakened immune systems and struggle to fight off the candida overgrowth. It can also be used to treat oral and throat yeast infections and may be used when other treatments have proven to be ineffective. It slows down the growth of the candida. It can be used as both a treatment of an existing infection or as a preventative treatment.

Taking posaconazole to treat yeast infections

The form this drug comes in is a liquid suspension which means you take it orally. You should take each dose with a meal. For prevention dose is usually three times a day and for treatment once or twice but you should follow your doctor’s instructions when it comes to doses and how long you are on treatment for. Make sure you complete the whole course even when the symptoms go away you need to finish the whole treatment otherwise it will probably return again. A spoon comes with the medication so that you correctly measure out the right amount, and try to take it the same time each day. If you forget to take a dose take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next one, in which case just take one dose, do not take a double dose at one time.

Make sure your doctor knows about any drug allergies you may have and how you reacted to other anti-fungal treatments if you have had any. Also be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking any supplements or herbal remedies too in case this drug reacts badly to any of them. There are a number of drugs that should not be taken alongside posaconazole to treat yeast infections. You should also be sure he or she knows about any heart, kidney or liver troubles, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Possible side effects

Side effects vary and range in seriousness. If you have a the following, fever, dizziness, chills, headaches, feel weak, experience some swelling, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, a rash, heartburn, vomiting, struggle to sleep, sweat more, feel itchy, have sores around the lips, feel anxious, have nosebleeds or have a persistent cough, talk to your doctor if they do not go away.

More serious side effects that you need to tell your doctor about straight away include;

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Fatigue
• No energy
• Unwilling to eat
• Eyes or skin becoming yellow
• Stomach pain on the right side
• Symptoms that look like the flu
• Shortness of breath
• Not urinating as often
• Urinating a dark color
• Stools that are pale
• Heartbeat is fast and / or irregular
• Losing consciousness

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is something that develops usually in infants in their first year, but can happen up to in the 20s. It is when a person has an autoimmune response that leads to them getting repeated candida infections. It often affects the endocrine system and can lead to serious conditions depending on how severe it is. Usually patients that have chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis with associated endocrinopathy do not have long life spans – living to their 30s rarely any older. This article looks at how chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis can cause Addison’s disease.

About chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

Chronic candida can affect a number of areas on and in the body, the nails, genitals, skin, mucous membranes such as the mouth. There can also be viral infection, endocrinopathy, hepatitis and individual organ problems depending on which are affected. Hypoparathyroidism, diabetes, Addison’s disease, anemia are all problems that can be connected to chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis as well as potential psychiatric disorders. Others include arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Factors that link these conditions include stress, fatigue, weakened immune system, skin infections and other pre-existing illnesses.

What is Addison’s disease?

Addison’s disease is when the adrenal glands do produce enough hormones. The adrenal glands are at the top of the kidneys and have two parts, an outer part called the cortex and an inner part called the medulla. The cortex produces glucocorticoid hormones, mineralocorticoid hormones and sex hormones. It is these hormones that are affected by Addison’s disease. It can affect anyone at any age. When not enough of these hormones are being produced, this means blood pressure, heart function, the immune system, insulin effects, arousal and sexual development, and metabolism are all negatively affected.

Symptoms of Addison’s disease

• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Skin darkening
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Depression
• Irritability
• Craving salty foods
• Low blood glucose
• Irregular periods

If an Addison’s crisis occurs symptoms are more severe and include;

• Sudden pain in the stomach, legs and lower back
• Dehydration
• Severe diarrhea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• Losing consciousness
• If untreated it can be fatal

Causes of Addison’s disease

While this article acknowledges that chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis can cause Addison’s disease because fungal infections are one cause, there are other causes too. Autoimmune disorders are the main cause of primary adrenal insufficiency where the immune system attacks its own body. Chronic candida infections are common in those with polyendocrine deficiency syndrome, type 1 of which affects children, and type II affecting young adults. Secondary adrenal insufficiency is more common than primary. Causes can include medications for other illnesses, tumors, radiation and some surgical procedures.

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis can cause Addison’s disease – treatment

Treatment for candidiasis involves anti-fungal medication. Treatment for Addison’s disease is a lifelong thing where a combination of drugs such as cortisone, hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone is used to control the symptoms. When you have a fungal infection, are stressed or injured you may have your medication doses increased temporarily until those things have passed. You need to carry a medical card in case of an emergency. Most people are able to lead regular lives as long as they are on medications. If your dosing is not correct you can develop other illnesses such as diabetes, ovarian dysfunction or testicular failure, hypoparathyroidism or chronic thyroiditis. As well as the fact that chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis can cause Addison’s disease it is also true of the reverse, Addison’s can cause fungal infections because the immune system is impacted.