Candidiasis (Yeast Infection) - Specialists and Information

Thrush and candidiasis (also known as candidosis) are terms for infectious diseases caused by a specific fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus is a type of yeast.

3D illustration of Candida albicans @ Dr_Microbe / AdobeStock

If the yeast fungi multiply excessively and appear on the mucous membranes or skin, this is called thrush. In all other cases, the term candidiasis is used.

Candidiasis can be dangerous in rare cases when it affects organs such as the brain, liver, lungs, or kidneys. Therefore, take the symptoms seriously.

What are yeasts?

Yeasts are eukaryotes. Eukaryotes are a group of organisms that have a cell nucleus. Most yeasts and some molds belong to a group called ascomycetes. Yeast fungi break down organic matter to obtain energy, using it to rebuild the body’s own substances. The way yeast fungi obtain their nutrition is called “heterotrophy.”

Yeast fungi are also called budding fungi because they reproduce primarily through budding and cell division. The cells of these fungi are egg-shaped, cylindrical, or nearly round.

Most fungi reproduce predominantly or exclusively asexually through the formation and dispersal of spores. In addition to asexual reproduction, there are also a few yeast fungi that reproduce meiotically. Pathogenic yeasts form a stable cell wall made of polysaccharides.

How does a yeast infection develop?

Candida albicans, arguably the best-known yeast, is primarily responsible for yeast infections. Do you have a healthy immune system and healthy gut flora? If so, the likelihood of the yeast spreading in your body is low.

However, the situation is different if you have a weakened immune system, an imbalanced gut flora, or an overly acidic environment. In such cases, yeast can multiply very easily.

A high-sugar diet also promotes fungal growth, as does prolonged use of antibiotics or other medications, as well as chemotherapy.

Yeast usually spreads to the genital area, the intestines, the nails, or skin folds.

People with weakened immune systems are most commonly affected. Leukemia, AIDS, or diabetes increase the risk of infection. Using public restrooms, physical contact, hospital visits, or unprotected sexual intercourse can also lead to transmission.

If a person has been infected with a yeast fungus or if the yeast fungus has multiplied, experts refer to this as a mycosis.

The Causes of Yeast Infections

Yeast usually occurs on the mucous membranes, as the moist environment provides an ideal breeding ground. There are various causes for the occurrence of yeast infections and certain factors that contribute to the condition.

These include:

• A weakened immune system
• Hormonal imbalances
• Certain underlying medical conditions

In people who are dying, infections of the oral cavity caused by fungi and bacteria are common. Careful oral hygiene and keeping the mucous membranes moist can help reduce inflammation.

High sugar intake can also contribute to yeast infections. Anyone who knows they are prone to yeast infections should limit their sugar intake.

Symptoms of candidiasis

The symptoms of candidiasis often go unnoticed at first. When they do appear, it is not always easy to identify the cause. The symptoms vary widely and depend on where the fungal infection is located:

• Fungal infections in the genital area cause itching or a burning sensation.
• Skin fungal infections often cause a burning, itchy, and frequently inflamed rash.

Other symptoms include: weakness, fatigue, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, heartburn, dizziness, and headaches.

Risk factors for yeast infections

Infants, pregnant women, and older or sick people are most commonly affected.

Additional risk factors include: 

• Changes in the skin or mucous membranes
• A weakened immune system
• Excessive sweating
• Certain diseases such as AIDS or leukemia 
• Stress and chronic wounds

Where do yeast infections occur, and what forms do they take?

Yeast infections primarily occur on the oral mucosa, in the gastrointestinal tract, and in the vagina.

In rare cases, the fungal infection enters the bloodstream and causes sepsis. Yeast infections include, among others, thrush in infants and vaginal yeast infections in women.

Even the youngest infants can develop yeast infections. These are caused by unclean baby bottles containing milk residue. You can recognize an infection by the whitish patches in the corners of the child’s mouth.

Oral thrush: White coating on a baby’s tongue @ Victoria M / AdobeStock

The yeast quickly travels from the mouth down the esophagus into the stomach. There, it multiplies rapidly and also infects the small and large intestines. This results in severe, watery diarrhea.

Stomach pain, severe diarrhea, and pain in the mouth are the result. The child refuses to eat, which increases the risk of dehydration.

Take Infants to the Doctor Immediately

As a parent, you cannot treat thrush on your own. It is a common condition and is well known to every pediatrician and general practitioner. Therefore, take your child to the doctor immediately.

Please do not try to remove the whitish coating from your child’s mouth. First, you’ll spread the yeast infection to another area, and second, it will cause your child a great deal of pain.

The pediatrician will prescribe an antifungal medication for your child and, if necessary, an electrolyte solution. If your child is already dehydrated, they must be admitted to a hospital. 

Preventing Yeast Infections in Babies

If thrush is detected early in your baby, your child will recover from the infection within a few days. Good hygiene and frequent diaper changes are important. If parents wait too long, they risk their child’s health and life.

Therefore, clean the baby bottles thoroughly after each use. There are sterilization devices available that clean the bottles with hot water. This prevents a yeast infection.

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as a vaginal thrush, is also very uncomfortable. Vaginal yeast infections are common and can have various causes.

Even before her first sexual intercourse, a girl may be susceptible to yeast infections due to hormonal changes. 

Symptoms include a whitish, burning discharge and severe itching. The anal area and the outer vagina are usually affected.

A sexual partner can also become infected. However, yeast infections in men are far milder than in women. Once a woman’s delicate vaginal environment is disrupted, yeast has an easy time thriving there.

Causes of a vaginal yeast infection

Candida albicans frequently occurs during puberty and in pregnant women. Hormonal changes alter the vaginal flora. Another cause of a vaginal yeast infection is frequently changing sexual partners and unprotected sexual intercourse.

This also increases the risk of all kinds of infections. Serious diseases such as HIV can result. That is why everyone should take responsibility for their own health.

Fungal Infections as Comorbidities

Fungal infections can also occur as a complication of other diseases such as cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, and ovarian cancer.

People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing yeast infections. Liver and kidney diseases can also contribute to yeast infections. In cases of AIDS, fungal infections occur almost without exception.

Other Causes of Yeast Infections

A large number of yeast infections occur in women who wear underwear made of synthetic materials. These materials are not breathable, making it easy for fungal spores to thrive.

Not only wearing the wrong type of underwear, but also leaving wet swimwear on can cause a yeast infection.

Another cause of candidiasis is excessive personal hygiene. The vaginal flora also consists of various “good” bacteria. If the natural flora is removed by vaginal douches or by washing too frequently, infections will inevitably occur.

Recurrent Yeast Infections

Some women are prone to vaginal candidiasis. Despite countless treatments by their gynecologist with antifungal medications and efforts to restore the vaginal flora with lactic acid bacteria, they continue to develop the infection.

These women should:

• Wear heat-resistant underwear
• Practice normal (and not excessive) hygiene
• Eat less sugar
• Quit smoking and drinking alcohol
• Maintain a regular lifestyle

When a yeast infection occurs in patients with incurable or terminal illnesses, it can be difficult to control. 

Cancer patients often develop fungal infections after chemotherapy. Because the immune system is weakened, a fungal infection can quickly enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis. Fungal infections can therefore also be fatal.

Candidiasis is treated directly on the skin with antifungal medications. Ointments, creams, and tinctures are available for this purpose. Infections affecting internal organs can also be treated with antifungal medications.

In severe cases, sugar intake is completely eliminated to deprive the fungal spores of their food source. Affected areas should be kept dry. If patients experience severe itching, they are given medication and, if necessary, sedatives.

You can prevent yeast infections in the following ways:

• For infants, make sure baby bottles, nipples, and pacifiers are spotlessly clean. Do not let them suck on bottles longer than necessary.
• For children and adults who are susceptible, excessive sugar and sweets should be avoided.
• Good oral hygiene can help prevent yeast infections.
• Wear boil-safe cotton underwear to prevent vaginal infections caused by Candida albicans.
• Avoid vaginal douches or excessive washing of the genital area.
• Change out of wet swimwear after swimming.
• Shower after swimming in pools or lakes.
• Boost your immune system

Boost your immune system

People with a strong immune system are much less likely to develop yeast infections. Reduce or avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming sugar and fast food. Instead, spend plenty of time outdoors and get enough sleep. This reduces the risk of fungal infections.

See a doctor promptly

If you suspect you have a yeast infection, don’t wait—see a doctor right away. Diagnosis and treatment typically involve specialists from various medical fields: pediatrics, gynecology, and dermatology and venereology.

Have a doctor make a diagnosis before attempting to treat the infection on your own. That way, the infection will clear up quickly.