Symptoms of Candidiasis
Symptoms of Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the yeast-like fungi Candida. These fungi are considered opportunistic pathogens, meaning that they are normally present in people without causing disease. In people with a normal immune system, Candida resides in the mouth and nose, in the vagina of women (5 to 11%), and on the lining of the digestive tract, especially the large intestine (24%). Usually, these fungi are not found in the blood, CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), joint cavity, or bile. However, if the immune system or microbiocenosis (the balance of microflora) is disrupted, they may begin to multiply extensively in various organs and tissues, resulting in characteristic symptoms.
Symptoms
Clinical manifestations of candidiasis vary greatly depending on where the infection develops—on the smooth skin, nails, mucous membranes of the mouth, intestine, or vagina.
Oral candidiasis, skin candidiasis, fungal sore throats, and urogenital candidiasis are the most common medical practices. The most common forms are vaginal candidiasis in women and balanoposthitis in men. Candidiasis typically occurs in patients with impaired immunity.
Oral candidiasis manifests as candidiasis of the corners of the mouth and cheilitis candidiasis (binge eating). Candidiasis of a large wrinkle of skin most commonly affects people who are obese and have diabetes.
In fungal angina, patients complain of sore throat, scratching, or sitting. Pain may radiate to the ear, front of the neck, and submandibular area. Physical examination reveals mycotic findings, such as mucosal deposits, swelling, and infiltration of the oropharyngeal mucosa.
In vulvovaginal candidiasis, women have symptoms of cottage cheese discharge, burning of the vulva and vagina, dysuria, and tenderness during sexual intercourse. Physical examination reveals white plaque (thrush), swelling, and hyperemia of the mucosa. When severe, cracks in the skin and mucous membranes of the vulva, posterior adhesion, and perianal area develop.
Candida of the glans penis in men develops candida balanoposthitis when it is infected with Candida fungi. The main complaints are itching and burning of the head of the penis, dysuria (burning, soreness during urination), painful sensations during sexual intercourse. On examination - redness and swelling of the glans, eruption in the glans, the head of the penis, the head can be covered with white plaque.
Forms of Candidiasis
Classification of candidiasis is most often based on clinical manifestations of the superficial and systemic forms. Superficial candidiasis includes lesions of the mouth, vagina, skin, and adnexa. Deep candidiasis, or disseminated candidiasis, affects the esophagus, stomach, intestine, bladder, kidneys, bronchi, lungs, liver, spleen. Candidal carditis, myositis, bulbar candidiasis, arthritis, cerebral candidiasis, and osteomyelitis are also present.
The fungus’s entry into the bloodstream can lead to acute candidal septicemia (sepsis), which is characterized by a high mortality rate.
Factors
The increase in colonization of organs and tissues by Candida occurs in the context of various conditions that contribute to the decrease in the general immunity of the body. Such factors include HIV infection, tuberculosis, diabetes, use of hormonal drugs and antibiotics, bowel dysbiosis, and poor personal hygiene.
Treatment
Treatment of candidiasis requires a comprehensive approach that includes not only eliminating the fungus but also addressing the factors contributing to its development. Topical treatment includes antifungal ointments and creams and systemic drug administration.
Complications
Complications of genital candidiasis can include candidal urethritis, with the possibility of prostatitis in men and cystitis, candidal sepsis, prostatitis, cystitis, and epididymitis.
Prevention
To prevent candidiasis, it is recommended to strengthen the general immunity: observe a balanced diet with enough protein, exercise, and observe the work and rest regime. It is important to avoid casual sexual contact and to treat infections under a doctor’s supervision until people have fully recovered. Antibiotics should be combined with antifungal drugs, and once the course of antibiotics is completed, dysbacteriosis should be tested and intestinal microflora restored as needed.
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