What is thrush: symptoms and treatment. Candidiasis is the medical name for thrush. What is the scientific name for thrush?

This article looks at the symptoms, dangers and problems associated with a yeast infection or thrush, as well as its causes and treatments. Lastly, she mentions how important it is to have information about this problem in order to solve or prevent it.

What is thrush?

This type of infection is very common among women. However, many people do not pay attention or are completely unaware of this medical problem. It is important to know the symptoms, dangers and accompanying conditions of thrush in order to be able to cure it. early stages. In addition, it is necessary to be able to identify the various causes of this disease in order to be able to prevent it. Finally, it would be useful for any woman to know a few possible methods treatment of thrush so that, if necessary, it can be overcome as quickly as possible.

Few women are familiar with the term “yeast infection,” but most have experienced symptoms of this condition at some point. The three main signs of a yeast infection are itching, burning and pain, and discharge. Itching of any part of the body or skin is caused by infection with foreign microorganisms: fungus or bacteria. In the case of a vaginal yeast infection or thrush, the vaginal area and surrounding areas are affected. The infection usually causes severe itching, and rash and redness appear as a secondary effect after scratching. Another sign is burning or painful sensations in this area, especially when urinating. The skin of the external genitalia may already be damaged by frequent scratching, so contact with acidic urine may cause pain or burning. This sensation may resemble an infection urinary tract, but the difference lies in the location of the discomfort. Finally, some women report a discharge that is usually white, cheesy, and odorless. In some cases, there is a smell reminiscent of starch.

Thrush in itself is not a particularly dangerous condition, but it can significantly irritate and disturb a woman, especially those busy with everyday work. In addition, like most infections, it tends to be transmitted to other people, including the opposite sex. Certain conditions—such as diabetes or taking antibiotics—may contribute to the development of an infection.

There are other health problems that may be associated with thrush, such as urinary tract infections and possible complications during pregnancy. But this connection has not been scientifically confirmed, and still awaits confirmation or refutation in future studies.

What causes thrush?

Scientific name yeast infection - candidiasis. This term comes from the name yeast-like Candida fungus, which causes this condition. This microorganism lives in dark and damp places, which is female vagina. Some conditions, such as diabetes and pregnancy, make your body more susceptible to yeast infections. Pregnancy causes changes in metabolic balance and vaginal acidity, which creates a favorable environment for fungal growth. Fungi are known to thrive in the bodies of people with high level sugar: diabetics and people with sugar metabolism disorders. The popular name is thrush.

What are the treatments for thrush?

To treat thrush, doctors may prescribe various oral medications (fluconazole or Diflucan) or topical treatments. You can also use home remedies - yogurt and garlic, both internally and topically.

More complete information on the treatment of thrush can be found in “ Complete Guide for comprehensive health restoration."

10/11/2015 // admin

A smear for thrush is called medical practice“smear on flora.” The fact is that separate analysis There is no specific solution for the problem described, but a smear on the flora, among other things, helps to determine the presence of a fungus of the genus Candida on the mucous membrane and even accurately indicate its type.

Important! For candidiasis of the genital organs, the doctor takes a smear of flora from the vagina from a woman, and from the urethra from a man. The technique is similar to taking a smear from the mucous membrane of the throat or nose, which is carried out for various ENT diseases in children and adults.

Taking a smear for thrush in women or men requires a minimum of special skills and is carried out by a gynecologist or a doctor of another profile, depending on where exactly the thrush is localized. The analysis allows us to detect this, as well as some other diseases, with up to 95% accuracy. Please note what types of candidiasis there are.

Mandatory smear

In general, a smear on the flora, which, as we have already found out, helps to determine the presence and type of Candida fungus on the vaginal mucosa, is mandatory when visiting a gynecologist for every woman. With its help, you can find out the contents of the mucous membrane and understand in which direction there are deviations from the norm.

Advice! If there are no clinical manifestations of thrush or other intimate diseases, then a smear is taken once a year. During pregnancy, a smear is taken early stages, as a rule, at the first visit to the gynecologist.

Taking rules

If a smear is taken for thrush in men, it is slightly different from taking this test in women. But it is useful for representatives of both sexes to observe certain conditions even before going to the doctor. If there is oropharyngeal candidiasis, then the smear will be from the oral mucosa.

How to prepare for a flora smear:

• The day before the test, do not engage in intimate intimacy;
• Do not douche during the day, and also refuse to use any vaginal medications;
• Do not urinate two hours before taking a smear;

A smear on the flora of a woman or man is taken with sterile honey. with a spatula or gauze swab. The doctor applies the contents of several sections of the mucous membrane onto a separate slide. Already in the laboratory, preparations are used that dry and stain the analysis, and examination is carried out under a microscope.

Indications for taking a smear for flora:

• IN for preventive purposes(once every 12 months);
• Diagnosis of thrush;
• Infections of the vagina, as well as the cervix or external genitalia, of bacterial origin;
• Vaginal bleeding, the cause of which cannot be determined;

How to decipher the results

We found out what a smear for thrush is called, now we need to understand how to decipher its results. As a rule, the doctor himself should briefly talk about the patient’s health condition.

Deciphering a healthy smear for flora:

• Leukocytes. In a healthy state, 14-15 is in the field of view. With thrush they may be increased.
• Flat epithelium. An obligatory cell in the structure of the genital organs, must be present in a normal analysis.
• Bacteria. Bacteria are always present in the microflora; normally they are represented only by rod flora.
• Key or atypical cells. In a normal smear healthy person they shouldn't exist.
• Fungus. At normal level the fungus should not be detected. There is in the smear, Candida albicans What is this?

Deviations

If the doctor sees that according to some indicators the smear has deviations from the norm, they prescribe additional examinations to make a diagnosis. For thrush, a smear from the mucous membrane of the throat and nose is often prescribed in parallel in order to see the picture of the disease as much as possible.

If there are cocci in the smear, this indicates the presence bacterial infection. In this case, it is necessary to identify the pathogen and prescribe strict treatment. In the presence of mixed flora They talk about dysbacteriosis, which is caused by either cocci or fungi of the genus Candida.

If a smear on the flora shows the presence of fungi of the genus Candida, we can talk about the presence of thrush. In such a situation, the doctor will prescribe objective treatment, which includes taking the drug for general and local effects.

Thrush after antibiotics: treatment

Almost every person has had to be treated with antibiotics at least once in their life, since they save from many various diseases. But antibiotics cannot always be called drugs that have a positive effect. If taken over a long period of time, do not follow correct dosage and other requirements, you may encounter the development of complications.

Thrush (candidiasis) is a popular disease that can occur during therapy with antibiotic drugs.

In the material below you can find out that thrush after antibiotics should be treated immediately and correctly.

Thrush and its symptoms

Since men very rarely encounter thrush, the disease can rightfully be called a female disease. Candida fungus is the causative agent of candidiasis. It can affect both mucous membranes (intestines, oral cavity, genitals, Airways), and the skin. In most cases, she chooses a secluded place for her life - the female genital organs.

Yeast-like fungi - representatives normal microflora every woman's vagina. Under suitable and favorable conditions, fungi begin to reproduce and increase colonies. As a result, symptoms of thrush begin to appear. If nothing provokes the development of these opportunistic organisms, they do not cause discomfort and are not at all disturbing.

How to recognize thrush?

The first symptoms of the disease are expressed by itching and burning in the affected tissues of the genital organs. They have a negative impact on general health women and their productivity. Remember! In order to avoid damage to the epithelium and deeper penetration of fungal infectious agents, it is forbidden to comb the affected areas.

A mandatory symptom of candidiasis is vaginal discharge. The released masses may look like cottage cheese or curdled milk. Their color is white or slightly creamy. Does the discharge have a specific odor? Usually yes, they do. Moreover, the smell is similar to sour fermented milk product. It is sometimes called "kefir".

Sex, urination, bathing or regular washing cause a burning sensation and are very painful. The skin of the genital organs and the mucous membrane with thrush swell, become red and inflamed. Not always, but often the labia and clitoris become coated white with a slightly gray tint. It’s not difficult to get rid of the formed plaque; you just need to take a piece of gauze or cotton wool (whatever you can find around the house) and remove it. Please note mechanical methods Use is strictly prohibited!

Consequences of taking antibiotics

How do antibiotics work? The purpose of these products is to destroy bacteria, both beneficial and harmful. If an antibiotic drug has a detrimental effect on too many types of bacteria, many complications will occur later. For this reason, reception similar drugs requires consultation with the doctor. Antibiotics begin the process of activation in the human intestines. As you know, this mucous membrane contains bacteria that digest food.

The sensitivity to various drugs in bacteria is increased, so it will not be difficult to destroy them. Microorganisms that belong to the class of opportunistic and pathogenic begin to grow in their habitat. These include the famous yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. TO possible consequences This fact includes gastrointestinal diseases. Don't forget, antibiotics - systemic drugs, so they are absorbed into the general bloodstream. Ultimately they affect:

• all human systems and organs;
• cells of the mucous membranes of the genital tract and oral cavity.

Such moments undoubtedly affect the excess number of growing fungi, since antibiotics do not kill yeast-like microorganisms.

Do thrush symptoms change after taking antibiotics?

No, the symptoms remain the same. It should be noted that increased discomfort occurs both before and after menstruation.

How to cure thrush?

After taking antibiotics, treatment of the disease should be comprehensive and include the areas described below. Initially, you should pay attention to the intestines and inflamed mucous membranes. That is, it is necessary to put their microflora in order. Normalization is achieved through the consumption of products that contain probiotics. These include yeast-free breads, yoghurts and kefir, and various types of cheeses. In order not to contribute to the development of infectious fungi, you need to exclude many foods from your diet.

Be sure to give up sweets (which can be an extremely difficult test for those with a sweet tooth), yeast baked goods and drinks based on them. You also need to limit salty, too spicy and fatty foods. To ensure the growth of microflora, suitable conditions should be created for this. Therefore, it is recommended to resort to the help of products, as well as drugs from the pharmacy, which include prebiotics. Effective foods include bananas, beans, oatmeal, and asparagus.

Treatment should include strengthening the immune system of the entire body. Therefore, you will need to take appropriate medications: vitamin complexes and minerals, immunostimulants, immunosuppressants. (An example is an extract of a well-known herbal medicinal plant, which is called ginseng).

The following mandatory event is local restoration functions to protect affected mucous membranes. For genital thrush, soda baths can help (this method is described below). To treat the affected areas, douching and rinsing are used (if fungi attack the oral mucosa). Good results are achieved using solutions based on potassium permanganate, chamomile, kefir, and honey.

Treating thrush with medications

Therapy should be aimed at suppressing the quantitative indicator of Candida fungi and, naturally, at the use of drugs that will help restore vaginal microbiocenosis. If fungal infection has just begun to develop, you need to react in time so that the treatment goes quickly and without difficulty. Doctors often recommend starting with local drugs– intravaginal tablets, suppositories, the use of antimycotic ointments and creams. Of the many existing ones, Natamycin and Nystatin (polyenes), Fluconazole and Ketoconazole (azoles) are well-known and effective.

Effective topical preparations:

• Pimafucin suppositories ( active substance– natamycin);
• Livarol suppositories (active substance – ketoconazole);
• the drug Mikosist in the form of intravaginal tablets and suppositories. Active ingredient appears to be fluconazole.

The duration of treatment depends on the general picture of the disease. Basically it ranges from three to ten days. It must be remembered that antibiotics will not help get rid of thrush, as they provoke the proliferation of a fungal infection. Therefore, such remedies will in no way help in treating the ailment that has arisen.

Why use Pimafucin suppositories during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a period during which you only need to be treated by safe means, not providing negative influence for the future baby. For this reason, women should only be treated locally. The best means of control, allowed at any stage of pregnancy, are Pimafucin suppositories. This medicine is non-toxic, is not absorbed into the blood and does not affect the baby in the womb. Before inserting the suppository into the vagina, the woman should wash herself well.

Candles allow you to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of thrush in 3–9 days. (It is worth noting that improvements are noted after the introduction of the second suppository, but this does not serve as a reason to stop the treatment process). If any complications are observed during thrush (for example, cystitis), systemic medications are added to the treatment plan - injections, tablets. Parallel use of drugs belonging to one specific group (for example, only polyenes) helps to get rid of fungi in a relatively short period of time.

Tablets for thrush

1. Doctors often prescribe Livarol tablets to patients. To quickly get rid of annoying fungi, along with them you need to be treated with Livarol suppositories. This drug has contraindications for pregnant women - it is prohibited in the first trimester.
2. Pimafucin, Levorin in tablet form allow you to recover in a maximum of nine days. The minimum number of days for therapy is 6 days.
3. Diflucan tablets against candidiasis. Their active substance is ketoconazole. Treatment consists of a single dose of the tablet. The drug is popular in the treatment of thrush caused by taking antibiotics. Contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Traditional treatment of candidiasis

Famous folk ways There are many ways to eliminate uninvited guests - yeast-like fungi. Today we will look at the most famous and effective ones.

Garlic against fungus

Self-prepared garlic candles will excellent option for therapy at home. For such treatment you will need to prepare vegetable oil, gauze, one clove of garlic. It's simple: take a clove, then soak it in oil. Next, to place it in the vagina, you need to wrap it in gauze. The residence time of this type of suppository in the vagina is about 30 minutes. If marked very discomfort in the form of a burning sensation, the candle is immediately removed. Medical therapy lasts about a week or ten days. By the way, garlic suppositories are prohibited during pregnancy!

Soda - a remedy that has been proven over the years

Thanks to soda, an alkaline environment is formed, which is not suitable for the life of fungi. Thus, they gradually begin to die and the disease leaves the woman. Use it folk remedy both for douching and baths. To douche, combine half a teaspoon of soda with 0.5 liters of water. The released masses, reminiscent of cottage cheese in consistency, are easily washed out, and the vaginal mucosa will quickly regain a healthy state.

To do soda bath, you should take a basin and put it in warm water. Then pour the prepared soda solution into the water, as well as an iodine-based solution. The components are taken in the following proportions - a teaspoon of iodine per liter of water, soda is required in the same amount. Take baths every day until symptoms disappear completely.

Soap helps not only in the household

To treat candidiasis with laundry soap, you first need to find soap in stores. It is recommended to use only natural and high quality products. So be careful when purchasing. It has long been known that laundry soap is an excellent remedy for fighting harmful bacteria. It contains fats that soften the mucous membrane of the genital organs. Prepare soap solution simple: you need to carefully dilute the soap in water.

The vagina should be washed deeply so that the resulting solution reaches the infectious diseases and has a detrimental effect on them. After completing the procedure, use clean water to wash. This therapy lasts for a week. Repeat it twice - in the morning and before evening sleep. It is worth mentioning positive impact another soap that helps relieve inflammation and destroy Candida fungi. This is tar soap. The method of use does not differ from the economic treatment method.

How to prevent the development of candidiasis?

In order to avoid encountering such a common disease, women are obliged to constantly maintain intimate hygiene. It is prohibited to use detergents, soaps, shower gels with various fragrances. For douching, you should not choose products that have antibacterial, as well as antiseptic effect. If thrush bothers you during period time, it is recommended to change gaskets more often because long wearing will lead to the formation of an environment with high humidity, which candida loves so much. Remember that the trousers and skirts you wear should not create discomfort and fit snugly to your body. When it comes to underwear, you should give preference to natural fabrics. Important role plays a role in the treatment of all kinds of ongoing diseases: chronic, infectious. Women should also avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, sweets and any foods high in sugar, yeast baked goods, kvass, sweet fruits, etc.

The danger of thrush

The disease can worsen:

• intimate relationship between loving friend friend's partners;
• general condition of the woman;
• the ability to concentrate on specific tasks.

Thrush is not as dangerous, but a fungal infection can still spread and affect

• cervix;
• skin located in the genital area;
• urethra;
• bladder.

If the disease proceeds in a chronic form, inflammatory processes in the above organs cannot be ruled out, as well as various pathologies(for example, urethritis, cystitis). Candidiasis is easily transmitted to the unborn baby both during pregnancy and during childbirth. This common disease is sometimes the cause of spontaneous abortion. Remember that self-medication is harmful! Therefore, as soon as you hear alarm bell thrush, go to the doctor. After all, the purpose of the examination and correct techniques treatments are within his competence.

If you have any questions regarding a popular female ailment - thrush, you have the opportunity to consult with a specialist doctor on our site! Do not delay treatment so that thrush does not become chronic and also does not lead to serious illnesses other organs.

How is thrush transmitted?

Thrush - extremely unpleasant disease, familiar to many women. To finally defeat the disease, it is important to understand what the routes of infection are, whether thrush is transmitted from other people, and whether there is a chance of infecting a sexual partner or becoming infected from him.

Native microbe

Surprisingly, the microorganism developmental thrush lives in the body of every person. It's called Candida, the scientific name for the disease is candidiasis. The yeast fungus Candida coexists peacefully with other bacteria without causing painful symptoms. There is no need to treat a person; the number of microbes is limited by the healthy conditions of the internal environment of the body. But if these conditions are violated, there will be ideal conditions for active reproduction of the fungus.

You can “catch” thrush by becoming infected with a fungus from the outside. But it is possible to “grow” the disease by destroying the body’s defenses, which provides favorable conditions for the development of “native” bacteria.

Manifestations of the disease

Candidiasis develops on the mucous membranes, including the oral cavity. But most common cause One of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor is candidiasis of the genital mucosa, mainly in women. Due to the structural features of the genital organs, thrush occurs more often in them.

The pathogenic fungus actively multiplies and releases metabolic products. Thick, cheesy vaginal discharge appears, with yellowish color and an unpleasant “fishy” smell. Candidiasis is accompanied by constant itching and severe severe pain when urinating - during and after sexual intercourse.

Thrush in men

Thrush is also diagnosed in men, although much less frequently. The structure of the male genital organs does not provide suitable conditions for the fungus to “thrive”. Male candidiasis is easier to treat than female candidiasis.

Symptoms of male candidiasis:

• whitish coating on the head of the penis;
• dry mucous membrane in this area;
• severe itching;
• possible redness and ulcers developing on the foreskin;
• pain during urination;
• pain during and after sexual intercourse.

Pathways of the disease

Candidiasis is an intimate disease. It causes a lot of inconvenience and problems, not only physical properties. A sick woman often worries whether thrush is transmitted by
sexual contact, whether it can infect a sexual partner.

On the other hand, it is important to know whether it is possible to “catch” the disease during unprotected sexual intercourse.

Every woman needs to be informed about the question: “How is thrush transmitted?” in order to avoid the disease.

It should be noted that it is easy to become infected with candidiasis. But at the same time, the risk of developing the disease is much higher against the background of weakened immunity, inflammatory infections, and disturbances in the microflora of the digestive and genital tracts. In a healthy body, even with direct contact with the fungus, pathology does not occur.

Infection of an infant

The first contact with the fungus occurs already in the first year of a baby’s life. This does not necessarily lead to the development of the disease; candida can exist peacefully in the body for many years.

But if the mother is sick with candidiasis or is a carrier of it, there is a high probability that the baby will develop thrush.

How is thrush transmitted from mother to child?

• In the womb. Candida is found even in the umbilical cord of the fetus, but direct infection mostly occurs during or after childbirth.
• During childbirth. Close contact of the mucous membranes (vagina and mouth) of the child with the mother’s genital tract causes the fungus to enter the body.
• In the first months of life. Infection can occur through contact with the mother's nipples and hands; active fungi can be found on food products, in milk, on various objects.

Domestic infection

Candida fungus is extremely resilient. Once outside the owner’s body, he feels great and remains active for a long time. This ability explains how you can become infected with thrush through household means. The most common “transshipment objects” of the insidious fungus are: hygiene products, sponges, soap, pads and tampons, bed linen. It is very easy to become infected through pool water. An elementary rule for disease prevention: in order not to have to treat candidiasis, you need to maintain hygiene.

Autoinfection

If basic hygiene is not observed, it is difficult to treat thrush even with the most powerful antifungal drugs. Symptoms may disappear, but after this a relapse will certainly occur, and the source of infection will be the body itself (for example, bacteria from the intestines getting onto the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs). Primary infection through the oral route is also possible.

The female external genitalia are located too close to the terminal part of the digestive system, which can hardly be called sterile. Reinfection of the vagina occurs from the intestines.

• All parts of the intestine have a rich microflora, including the Candida fungus.
• If hygiene is not observed, even after successful treatment, relapses of thrush are possible.
• Taking antibiotics has a depressing effect on the bacterial microflora, as a result, Candida fungi are able to actively reproduce.
• Candidiasis must be treated comprehensively, not limited to the affected area.

Thrush and sex

The most exciting question: “Is it possible to become infected with candidiasis during sexual intercourse? Does sperm cause thrush?” Considering the fairly high pathogenicity of the Candida yeast fungus and the fact that during sex there is direct contact with the mucous membrane of the partner’s genital organs, it can be argued that it is quite possible to get thrush in this way. Moreover, it is not only vaginal sex that is dangerous. Contact of mucous membranes also occurs during sexual intercourse in the oral and anal way. During the last act, the disease can spread in both directions: oral candidiasis in one partner can cause genital thrush in the other, and vice versa.

If thrush is diagnosed in one person from an established permanent couple, both need to treat candidiasis. Moreover, it is better to interrupt sexual intercourse and resume after recovery. Often men do not have pronounced clinical symptoms of thrush, but they are carriers of the disease. In this case, sex and sharing things will cause a relapse of the disease in the woman. This is why both partners need to go through full course treatment.

How to beat thrush?

Like any disease, candidiasis is easier to prevent than to treat. To do this, it is necessary to maintain hygiene, maintain a healthy microflora of the body, control sex life, have a reliable permanent partner.

Self-medication for thrush is rarely effective. Symptoms may disappear for a short time, but then recur. In addition, it makes no sense to eliminate only external manifestations diseases. The entire body needs to be cleansed of fungus. Treatment of candidiasis is a complex, lengthy and complex process, so it is better to entrust it to a specialist.

Be healthy!

And a little about secrets...

Have you ever tried to get rid of thrush? Judging by the fact that you are reading this article, victory was not on your side. And of course you know firsthand what it is:

• white cheesy discharge

What an unpleasant discovery becomes for many girls the presence of white cheesy discharge on the genitals with unpleasant smell, reminiscent of something sour. In a fit of fear, one immediately thinks about the most terrible sexually transmitted diseases. This is one of the most common and extremely unpleasant diseases of women - thrush. It is necessary not only for girls, but also for men to know what thrush is and how to fight it, because almost everyone can be affected by this ailment.

Thrush refers to diseases that affect the skin and mucous membranes. Photos of thrush confirm that the place of infection is not only the mucous membranes of the genital organs, both men and women, but also the membranes of the mouth and tongue, and skin folds. Since it can occur in almost all people, you need to know what the other or scientific name for thrush is.

This disease is caused by the opportunistic fungus Candida. This is how thrush acquired its medical name - candidiasis. Depending on where candida began to actively develop, as in the photo, the name of the disease also depends. The scientific name for thrush that occurs on the genitals of women is vaginal candidiasis, on the penis of a man - candidal balanoposthitis, in a child’s mouth - candidal stomatitis. In case of complications of the disease and the transition of fungal formations to other parts of the body, you need to know what it is called and what it means:

Causes of candidiasis

Thrush is a fungal disease, so its cause is the Candida fungus, which begins to multiply intensively under favorable circumstances. The most common cause of thrush in men and women is decreased immunity. His condition may be affected by worsening chronic or colds, chemotherapy, stress, change of residence, poor nutrition. As soon as immunity has decreased, candida begins to multiply and displaces beneficial lactobacilli, which previously controlled its numbers.

No less often, candidiasis in both sexes is caused by long-term treatment antibiotics, which also inhibit microflora and disrupt its imbalance, allowing candida to multiply.

Other reasons causing disease thrush, can be seen in the photo:

Female disease thrush develops in the absence of proper hygiene in critical days, incorrect choice of tampons, allergies to synthetic underwear.

Symptoms and manifestation

By looking at numerous pictures and photographs, you can systematize the main symptoms of thrush. They are extremely diverse, since Candida fungi affect not only the reproductive system, but also other organs. The main signs of candidiasis infection (thrush), which are visible in the photo, are:

• When the intestines are damaged, tissue necrosis occurs, leading to the development of ulcers. Patients have bleeding in bowel movements, abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting or nausea.
• During development female thrush in area genitourinary system burning and itching of the skin of the external genital organs is observed, the mucous membranes are covered with a white coating. The discharge is profuse and accompanied by a repulsive odor.
• When the oral cavity is infected with Candida, formations resembling sour milk appear on the mucous membranes. They can be not only in the mouth, but also spread to the throat, lips, and tongue.

Diagnosis of thrush and detection of candida fungus

Based on the clinical manifestations and description of the disease, candidiasis in men and women can make a diagnosis. When dim severe symptoms illness or in case of latent form, one has to resort to laboratory methods studies of secretions (formations). Knowing what candidiasis means, the doctor will not offer PCR, PIF or ELISA methods for diagnosis. These studies are ineffective for detecting candida, because this fungus is constantly present in the body. Simple ones will be much more effective. laboratory research: smear and cultural culture.

• A smear is taken from the vagina (from the walls of the mouth, from the tongue or other affected surfaces) for further examination of the contents under a microscope.
• Culture seeding is carried out using a nutrient medium on which the fungus begins to actively multiply if it was present in the secretions.

Treatment of thrush: medical and folk

Only a correctly defined course of treatment for thrush will help get rid of this disease forever. Therapy involves not only reducing the number of fungi, but also eliminating the causes that led to the disruption of the microflora.

Antifungal drugs are prescribed to fight the infection itself. For the treatment of an early form of the disease that does not have complications, it is used local therapy(suppositories, ointments, creams). Quick deliverance One-time medications are used to treat the disease:

• Flucostat
• Diflucan
• Forkan

However, it should be taken into account that the data medicines They only reduce the amount of fungus, but do not fight the cause that caused its growth.

In case of relapses, it is useful to take medications that enhance immunity along with antifungal drugs. The course of treatment will be longer, but it guarantees getting rid of further manifestations of the infection. Among vitamin preparations for candidiasis, it is good to take vitamin C. Immunomodulators effectively restore immunity. Some herbal infusions also help strengthen vitality. Douching with chamomile and calendula reduces the formation of discharge.

During treatment vaginal candidiasis prohibited:

• Sexual intimacy without using a condom
• Using scented tampons and pads
• Use of flavored cosmetics for hygiene procedures
• Visiting a sauna or steam bath
• Heavy physical activity is undesirable

Complications of thrush: photos and descriptions

The disease thrush, demonstrated in the following photos, is an example of the fact that untimely or incorrect treatment leads to numerous complications and health problems. A careless attitude towards the state of one’s own body allows the fungus to form entire colonies that can turn into cancerous tumors.

Most often, the kidneys and digestive tract. The consequences of female thrush for pregnant women are especially unpleasant. Complications of pregnancy and infection of the embryo can occur at any stage. If several organs of the fetus are affected at once, termination of pregnancy occurs. During childbirth, a baby can also become infected with a fungus and get congenital stomatitis.

Relapses of thrush are the result of poor-quality or completely absent treatment of the disease. They lead to the spread of infection to other organs.

Prevention of candidiasis

Any gynecologist will tell you that candidiasis in women and men is easier to prevent than to treat with drugs. Since the most common factor that provokes active proliferation of the Candida fungus in thrush is uncontrolled use of antibiotics, it is necessary to stop treatment with these drugs without a doctor’s prescription.

A strong immune system will prevent the development of candidiasis.

Each organism has its own individual characteristics, so some will have to partially change their lifestyle in order for candidiasis to go away forever:

• Stop taking contraceptives if they affect the microflora.
• Regulation of nutrition, increasing the diet of fermented milk products and excluding from it products that contribute to the proliferation of yeast infections.
• Selection of perfumes and cosmetics for intimate hygiene, gaskets that do not cause female disease
• Avoiding hypothermia
• Using a condom when having sex with a new partner
• Relief from stress
• Complete refusal from smoking
• Eliminating synthetic underwear from your wardrobe

Having learned a lot about what thrush means and what kind of discomfort it causes, try to protect yourself from its manifestation. Let the Candida fungus never exceed the permissible threshold of numbers in our body.

The correct name for thrush is candidiasis. Because of her cunning, the joys of love become a burden, romantic relationships collapse, marriages break up - although it is quite possible to cure her.

SCHEDULED DATES

Thrush prefers to visit women: 6 out of 10 women know her closely. Punctual illness does not pay a visit whenever it pleases, but on strictly defined days:

* during menstruation, when favorable conditions are created for the growth of fungal flora;

*during ovulation– due to the production of large amounts of the hormone progesterone, which controls the second half of the menstrual cycle. It encourages the proliferation of yeast-like fungi, including those from the genus Candida;

* with the onset of pregnancy, which passes under the sign of the same progesterone that protects mushrooms;

*with transition to hormonal contraceptives, containing the same progesterone, or when treated with steroid hormones.

If thrush persistently returns after using oral contraceptives, ask your doctor to choose a different method of contraception.

* at taking antibiotics, against the background of dysbacteriosis;

* In spring and summer– due to exacerbation of pollen allergies: “seasonal” thrush is not sensitive to antifungal drugs, but can be cured with so-called hyposensitizing (antiallergic) drugs - Tavegil, Claritin, Telfast and others.

OPTIONS ARE POSSIBLE

The medical name for the female version of thrush is “vulvovaginal candidiasis.” With this disease, the mucous membrane of the vagina and uterus swells, turns red and becomes covered with a milky-white film consisting of the fungus itself and epithelial cells. Itching, burning, and abundant cheesy, odorless discharge appear. In the future, two scenarios are possible.

OPTION ONE. Everything will go away without medication, but then with the onset of menstruation or under the influence of another provoking factor, thrush will most likely return again. To avoid going around in circles, immediately contact your gynecologist. Expectant mothers should not count on spontaneous healing from thrush: pregnancy reduces the body's protective functions. After childbirth, the mother's fungal infection may disappear, but it can spread to the child. According to statistics, 2 out of 5 newborns become infected with thrush at birth, and weakened babies are at risk of developing fungal sepsis, pneumonia or encephalitis.

Limit sweets and confectionery: sugar is a favorite nutrient medium causative agents of thrush.

OPTION TWO. The thrush will take root firmly in the genitals: the film will become dense and dry. When torn away from the vaginal mucosa, it will leave behind erosions and cracks. The itching will become unbearable, painful, sex will not be a joy. No wonder thrush is called a destroyer family life. There is only one way out - rush to the doctor together with your loved one: you need to be treated for thrush together.

CHOOSE A TREATMENT METHOD

Special antifungal tablets, sold in pharmacies.
Advantages: fast action(in some cases, one capsule cures thrush) and ease of use (swallowed - no hassle).
Flaws: drugs adversely affect liver cells and renal function; disrupt taste perception, cause a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, reduce sexual desire. Contraindicated during pregnancy. Fungi develop resistance to them.

During treatment, you can only have sex with a condom.

Douching– treatment of the vagina with a solution effervescent tablets levorin, borax with glycerin, sometimes aniline dyes, for example, methylene blue.
Advantages: low cost and reliability. This is the most time-tested method.
Flaws: the procedures take about two weeks, which from the point of view modern medicine considered unacceptably long; do not guarantee cure the first time - in most cases a repeated course of antifungal therapy is required; performing the procedures involves certain inconveniences.

Suppositories, ointments and creams with various antifungal drugs.
Advantages: quick effect. New generation suppositories and creams cure thrush within a day, older ones – in 3–6 days.
Flaws: the course of treatment must be carried out twice to fully guarantee recovery; the active principle - an antifungal antibiotic - is absorbed into the blood through the vaginal mucosa and has no effect beneficial effect on the liver (although to a lesser extent than when taken orally)

FINAL VICTORY

*After application local funds(suppositories, cream, solution) lie down for at least 30 minutes - during this time the medicine will be absorbed into the mucous membrane. Best to do healing procedures for the night.

* Take medications exactly as much as your doctor tells you, even if the symptoms of inflammation have disappeared. The initial improvement means nothing: a secret enemy is lurking, but not yet defeated.

* To avoid leaving marks on your laundry, use pads. Self-disinfecting wipes impregnated with antimicrobials. For prevention, use them daily, including during menstruation, when the risk of exacerbations increases. This the only remedy for thrush, which can be used on menstrual periods.

Do not take antibiotics until you have completed your antifungal treatment.

* Avoid antibacterial soaps: they encourage fungal infections to take root. Colored ones with a strong perfume smell are also not suitable for washing.

* Don't take a bath until you get rid of thrush. Foam, shampoo, and aromatic additives irritate the inflamed mucous membrane.

* Forget about feminine deodorizing sprays, creams and fragrances to freshen the perineum. Use soft white toilet paper: colored, scented toilet paper may increase irritation.

* Wear cotton panties and tights with a gusset made of natural fabric. Change them every day.

* Review your wardrobe: temporarily retire tight jeans and skirts, slimming panties.

Thrush, the medical name for which is vulvovaginal candidiasis. inflammatory disease, which is localized in the vagina and vulva. The disease is caused by a fungal bacterium of the genus Candida. The commonly used name is associated with milk only because the discharge from the genital organs and plaque on the vaginal mucosa resemble in consistency dairy products or curd mass. Thrush is a more well-known name. Moreover, about 75% of women on the planet suffer from this disease at least once in their lives. And very often candidiasis returns again and turns into chronic stage, from which the patient cannot get rid of for many months and even years.

What will the article tell you?

Why is Candida activated?

Yeasts of the genus Candida are present in the vagina of most women. Also, they are present not only in women, but in all people. In an inactive state they remain in the flora human body until it's time for activity. Thrush, another name for which is candidiasis, can occur not only in women, but also in men and children.

This is partly an infectious (microbial) disease. Partly - a peculiar form of allergy. For various reasons, fungi in the body begin to actively multiply. A person reacts to their activity as if they were an allergen. The mucous membrane becomes inflamed. All the signs are there allergic reaction(itching, swelling, redness, rash) plus specific discharge. Candida bacteria, which multiply at high speed in favorable conditions, displace beneficial lactobacilli, which normally make up 90% of the flora of a healthy body.

Why is this happening? If you remember what thrush is called medical language, it becomes clear that the mushrooms of the same name are to blame for the onset of candidiasis. But this is just the result. It is much more important to identify reasons why mushrooms begin to become active:

• Vaginal or intestinal dysbiosis (physiological, congenital lack of living bacteria).
• Infection is sexual or sexual contact with someone who is infected (including and especially HIV).
• Stressful psychological states.
• Aggression of environmental factors.
• Reception long time certain medications, which include antibiotics, glucocorticosteroids and other groups.
• Regular constipation, problems with intestinal function.
• Hormonal changes, including during pregnancy or taking contraceptives.
• Colds, endocrine disorders, decline in immunity.

What to do if candidiasis starts

The symptoms of candidiasis are characteristic, but they can still be easily confused with the symptoms of other infectious or sexually transmitted diseases. Is not venereal disease. Since thrush is called candidiasis, it is necessary to combat its symptoms with a fungal infection. But first it is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis and identify the stage of the disease. This can only be done by visiting a specialized doctor and conducting a laboratory test.

In addition to the visual method, when the doctor records the condition of the vagina and the nature of the discharge, there are two more methods. This is a regular vaginal smear (bacterioscopy) and culture (cultural method), which is used when signs (itching and pain, discharge, visible with the naked eye), are present, but in regular smear the fungus is not visible. The secretion taken for analysis is sown in a medium specially designed for the rapid development of the fungus.

What symptoms are it time to see a doctor?

1. From the vagina a cheesy substance is released having a sour odor. It can be in the form of a coating on the walls, similar to sour cream or yogurt, or it can be a rich curd-like mass.
2. On the genitals outside and inside the vagina itching begins. Is it episodic or constant. May intensify at night, in hot bath. It can also be felt when urinating, accompanied by pain.
3. During sexual intercourse too pain is felt during penetration, itching, dryness, burning of the vaginal walls.

Today, many drugs are advertised that have a “miraculous” effect, helping to get rid of candidiasis in one go. This is partly true - the symptoms disappear the very next day, but this deliverance has another side - the destroyed microflora with the absence of any fungi in it. And, as you know, in nature not a single place is empty, and the devastated flora is immediately attacked and occupied by new hordes of pathogenic fungi and bacteria.

Therefore, after you are diagnosed with thrush, your doctor prescribes a systematic complex treatment, which consists of several important parts.

Treatment process

First, it is necessary to eliminate the causative agents of the disease, namely Candida fungi, for which antifungal agents, affecting the suppression of the vital activity of this particular type of bacteria. To increase efficiency and speed up the process, medications taken orally (systemically, through gastrointestinal tract) and at the same time locally (vaginal method).

A group of medications is prescribed with the following active ingredients:

• clotrimazole;
• miconazole;
• fluconazole;
• econazole;
• intraconazole;
• Butoconazole

Depending on the form of release, there are preparations for internal administration: powdered, tablets, capsules containing powder inside, as well as various suspensions, concentrates, emulsions. External applied locally include medications in the form of creams, ointments, gels, suppositories and vaginal tablets.

After the population of pathogenic fungi is destroyed, the stage of colonization of the flora by living lacto- and bifidobacteria begins. If this is not done, candida or other harmful microbes will again occupy the empty spaces and, under favorable circumstances, begin to multiply, which will lead to a relapse of the disease.

Live bacteria, which should occupy most of the mucosal space in every person's body, help fight harmful bacterial organisms that enter the body during infection. They have a beneficial effect on the digestive system and process and are responsible for the normal functioning of the entire tract. They provide support immune system. Produce and reproduce necessary for a person vitamins.

Populate the organism beneficial bacteria Can with probiotics, and following a special diet. Probiotics are used in the treatment of not only infections caused by candida fungi, but also many other fungal diseases.

Nutritional Features

Indicated for use:

• all fermented milk products, preferably homemade, always fresh, low-fat, without sweeteners or additives;
• curd products and all types of cheeses;
• dairy products - soups, cereals, cocktails.

The favorite, the main fighter against harmful bacteria and activator of beneficial bacteria is kefir.

Decoctions of medicinal plants can be used as maintenance therapy.

Thrush in all its manifestations is a disease so serious that it can become dangerous for general health the whole body. In addition, it causes constant discomfort and disrupts the usual way of life. During illness, the body loses strength, depletes immune reserves and becomes vulnerable to other diseases. Don't let thrush harm you - treat candidiasis on time and completely.