Candidiasis Classification
Two of the commonest Candidiasis infections are oral thrush and yeast vaginitis. Even though these infections usually affect women, men also suffer from oral thrushes, caused by the single celled fungus Candida albicans. The fungus is very difficult to locate as such, because it can also result in other ailments (asthma, acne, chronic fatigue, dizziness, rashness, muscle soreness, arthritis and headaches, to name a few). One of the major factors behind all yeast infections is the consumption of antibiotics. Antibiotics impair the body's natural defenses and hence make it vulnerable to the Candida albicans fungus.
Let us discuss about these two infections in isolation:
Oral Candidiasis is an infection of the yeast fungi of the genus Candida. It forms on the mucous membrane of the mouth. The infection is frequently caused by Candida albicans, but other variations of Candida, such as Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata can also cause oral Candidiasis. If the infection affects babies, it is simply termed as Candidiasis, but when it affects the oral linings of an adult, it is called moniliasis or candidosis.
The oral infection appears as thick white or cream-colored deposits on mucosal membranes. The infected area may appear inflamed (with possible red inflammations). You will feel a burning and irritating sensation if you develop these thrushes. If you scrape the cream-colored deposits, you will notice slight bleeding as well. The infection can result in the formation of white patches in your mouth. Even your esophagus may get affected, with the fungus spreading from the mouth to the deeper tracts. If that happens, swallowing food or even water may become painful.
The other type of Candidiasis infection is vaginitis or vaginal thrush. Caused primarily by the fungus Candida albicans, vaginal thrush causes inflammation of the vagina and/or vulva. The condition is generally associated with itching, pain, irritation and vaginal discharge. Some of the symptoms of vaginitis are:
- Foul vaginal odor
- Pain/irritation during intercourse
- Itching and/or irritation near the genital area
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Inflammation (redness and swelling caused due to the extra immune cell) of labia minora, labia majora and perineal area.
- White vaginal discharge
The major culprits that cause vaginal thrush are birth control pills, cortisone, foods containing high amount of sugar or yeast and anti-inflammatory drugs. Signs of vaginitis include mood swings, poor muscle coordination, loss of libido, swollen joints, unexplained tiredness and muscle weakness. The Candida albicans virus naturally exists in the vagina. But it affects the vagina and causes the infection only when the fungus starts multiplying itself at a high rate. The infection generally causes a few hormonal and digestive disturbances as well.
Candidiasis (whether oral or vaginal) is rarely transmitted sexually. Pregnant women and diabetic women are more susceptible to the fungus Candida than women without these conditions. But the most vulnerable to this infection are patients suffering from AIDS or HIV. Since these diseases weaken the immune system, Candidiasis can easily set in. If you ever have any type of Candidiasis, do not panic because they are both curable.
