The infection of humans with yeast fungi is called candidiasis in Latin . In most cases, the so-called yeast fungus Candida albicans is responsible for such a yeast infection. Possible sites of infection include the oral cavity and oral mucosa - this is known as oral thrush - or the genital mucosa. This can result in a vaginal fungal infection.
Article overview
What is candidiasis?
Thrush and candidiasis are names 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 occur in the area of the mucous membranes or skin, this is called thrush. In all other cases, the term candidiasis is used.
In rare cases, candidiasis can be dangerous if parts of the body such as the brain, liver, lungs or kidneys are affected. Therefore, take the symptoms seriously.
What are yeasts?
Yeasts belong to the eukaryotes. Eukaryotes include all living organisms that have a cell nucleus. Most yeasts and some molds belong to a group called tubular fungi. Yeast fungi use the decomposition of organic substances as a source of energy, whereby they rebuild the body's own substances. The way in which yeast fungi feed is known as "heterotrophy".
Yeast fungi are also called budding fungi because they reproduce mainly by budding and division. The cells of these fungi have an egg shape and are cylindrical or almost round.
Most fungi reproduce predominantly or exclusively asexually (asexually) by forming and spreading spores. In addition to asexual reproduction, there are also a few yeasts that reproduce meiotically . Pathogenic yeasts form a stable cell wall made of polysaccharides.
How does a yeast infection develop?
Candida albicans, probably the best-known yeast fungus, is mainly responsible for yeast infections. Do you have a healthy immune system and intestinal flora? Then the likelihood of the yeast spreading in your body is low.
However, if you have a weakened immune system, a disturbed intestinal flora or an acidic environment, the situation is different. Yeast fungi can multiply very well here.
A high-sugar diet also favors the proliferation of fungi. The same applies to prolonged use of antibiotics or other medications and chemotherapy.
Yeast fungi usually spread to the genitals, intestines, nails or skin folds.
People with a weakened immune system are usually affected. Leukemia, AIDS or diabetes promote infection. The use of public toilets, physical contact, hospital visits or unprotected sexual intercourse can also lead to transmission.
If a person has become infected with a yeast fungus or if the yeast fungus has multiplied, experts speak of mycosis.
The causes of yeast infections
The yeast fungus 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 favor a disease.
These include
- A weak immune system
- An altered hormone balance
- Certain underlying diseases
Infections of the oral cavity with fungi and bacteria often occur in dying people. Careful oral hygiene and moisturizing the mucous membranes can reduce inflammation.
High sugar consumption can also promote yeast infections. If you know that you are prone to yeast infections, you should eat less sugar.
Symptoms of candidiasis
The symptoms of candidiasis often go unnoticed at first. When they do occur, it is not always easy to find the cause. The symptoms are varied and depend on where the fungal infection is located:
- Fungal infections in the genital area cause itching or a burning sensation.
- Skin mycoses frequently cause a burning, itchy and often inflamed rash.
Other symptoms include: Weakness, loss of strength, nausea, stomach/intestinal discomfort, heartburn, dizziness and headaches.
Risk factors for yeast infections
Infants, pregnant women, the elderly and sick people are usually affected.
Additional risk factors are
- Changes to the skin or mucous membrane
- A weak immune system
- Increased perspiration
- Certain diseases such as AIDS or leukemia
- Stress and chronic wounds
Where do yeast infections occur and what forms are there?
Yeast infections mainly occur on the oral mucosa, in the gastrointestinal tract and in the vagina.
In rare cases, the mycosis enters the bloodstream and causes sepsis. Yeast infections include thrush in infants and vaginal thrush in women.
Thrush in infants
Even the youngest children can contract yeast infections. The reason for this is unclean baby bottles containing milk residue. You can recognize an infection by the whitish spots in the baby's cheek pockets.
Oral thrush: White coating on a baby's tongue @ Victoria M / AdobeStock
The yeast migrates quickly from the mouth via the oesophagus into the stomach. There it multiplies rapidly and also infects the small and large intestine. The result is severe and watery diarrhea.
Stomach pain, severe diarrhea and pain in the oral cavity are the result. The child refuses to eat. This increases the likelihood of dehydration.
Take babies to the doctor quickly
As a mother or father, you cannot treat thrush yourself. It occurs frequently 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 plaque from your child's mouth. Firstly, you will spread the yeast infection to another area and secondly, it will hurt your child a lot.
The pediatrician will prescribe your child an antifungal medication and, if necessary, an electrolyte solution. If your child is already dehydrated, he or she will need to be hospitalized.
Preventing yeast infections in babies
If thrush is detected in your baby in good time, your child will be over the infection within a few days. Good hygiene and frequent diaper changes are important. If parents wait too long, they risk the health and life of their child.
Therefore, clean baby bottles meticulously after each use. There are sterilizers that clean the bottles with hot water. A yeast infection is then ruled out.
Candidiasis of the vagina
A yeast infection of the vagina, also known as vaginal thrush, is also very unpleasant. A vaginal fungus occurs frequently and has various causes.
Even before the first sexual intercourse, a girl can be susceptible to yeast infections due to hormonal changes.
The symptoms: Whitish, burning discharge and severe itching. The anal area and the outer vagina are usually affected.
The sexual partner can also become infected. However, yeast infections are much milder in men than in women. Once the woman's sensitive vaginal environment is disturbed, yeast fungi have an easy time of it.
The causes of a yeast infection of the vagina
Candida albicans often occurs during puberty and in pregnant women. The vaginal flora changes due to hormonal changes. Another cause of a yeast infection of the vagina is a frequent change of partner and unprotected sexual intercourse.
This also favors infections of all kinds. Serious diseases such as HIV can be the result. This is why everyone should take a responsible approach to their own health.
Mycoses as concomitant diseases
Fungal infections can also occur as a side effect of other diseases such as cervical cancer, vaginal cancer and ovarian cancer.
People with diabetes have an increased risk of contracting yeast infections. However, liver and kidney diseases can also promote yeast infections. Mycoses almost always occur with AIDS.
Other reasons for a yeast infection
Many yeast infections occur in women who wear underwear made of synthetic materials. These are impermeable to air and the fungal spores have an easy time of it.
Not only wearing the wrong underwear, but also putting on wet swimwear can cause a yeast infection.
Another cause of candidiasis is excessive personal hygiene. The flora of the vagina also consists of various "good" bacteria. If the natural flora is removed by vaginal douching or too frequent washing, infections will inevitably occur.
Recurrent yeast infections
Some women are susceptible to vaginal candidiasis. Despite countless treatments by the gynecologist with antimycotics and building up the vaginal flora with lactic acid bacteria, they fall ill again and again.
These women should:
- Wear boil-proof underwear
- Practice normal (and not excessive) hygiene
- Eat less sugar
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
- Lead a regular lifestyle
Yeast infections in the seriously ill
When yeast infections occur in incurable or terminal illnesses, they are difficult to control.
Fungal infections often occur in cancer patients after chemotherapy. As the immune system is weakened, a fungal infection can quickly spread into the bloodstream and cause sepsis. Fungal infections can therefore also lead to death.
Treatment of yeast infections
Candidiasis is treated directly on the skin with antimycotics. Ointments, creams and tinctures are available for this purpose. Infestation of the internal organs can also be treated with antimycotics.
In severe cases, the supply of sugar is stopped completely in order to deprive the fungal spores of food. Diseased areas should be kept dry. In cases of severe itching, patients are given medication and, if necessary, sedatives.
Prevention of candidiasis
You can prevent yeast infections in the following ways:
- For infants, make sure baby bottles, teats and pacifiers are scrupulously clean. Do not let them suck on bottles for longer than necessary.
- For children and adults who are susceptible, too much sugar and sweets are taboo.
- Good oral hygiene can prevent yeast infections.
- Wear boil-proof cotton underwear to avoid vaginal infections with Candida Albicans.
- Refrain from vaginal douching or excessive washing of the intimate area.
- Change out of wet swimwear after swimming.
- Shower after swimming pools or bathing lakes.
- Strengthen your immune system
Strengthen your immune system
If you have a strong immune system, you are much less likely to contract yeast infections. Reduce or avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, eating sugar and fast food. Instead, go out into the fresh air often and get enough sleep. This reduces infection with mycoses.
See a doctor in good time
If you suspect you have a yeast infection, don't wait, see a doctor immediately. Specialists from various medical disciplines are usually involved in the diagnosis and treatment : Pediatrics, Gynecology and specialists in skin and venereal diseases.
Have a doctor make a diagnosis before you self-medicate. Then the infection will soon be cured.