Yeast Infection Symptoms
Yeast infection is very common in women. Also known as Candidiasis, it can affect the mouth (causing oral infection) and the vagina (causing vaginal thrush or vaginitis). The infection is caused due to a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus is naturally present in the vagina of all women. However, an overgrowth or uncontrolled multiplication of the fungus results in the yeast infection. There are many over-the-counter antifungal medicines which can cure the infection, the duration for which you have to take the medication depending on the severity of infection.
So, when do you know that you have the infection? When the vaginal region starts to itch a lot, there is burning sensation, inflammation near the genitals, and/or white vaginal discharge noticed, you may be suffering from vaginal thrush. When you have the infection, you will find that it becomes extremely painful to urinate or indulge in sexual intercourse. Apart form the vagina, the vulvas also get severely affected, with characteristic red swellings and irritation experienced.
However, a yeast infection is not akin to a urinary tract infection, despite the fact that both produce similar burning sensations and inflammation. However, the timing of the burning sensation can help you to distinguish between the two. Yeast infection is caused due to acidic urine touching the skin of the vulva. Hence the burning sensation starts only after urination is over. Urinary tract infection, in contrast, produces the burning feeling as the urine passes down the tube.
However, the symptoms of yeast infection may differ from women to women. The smell and consistency of discharge may be unique for each woman. In some women, there is no vaginal discharge at all. Also, the extent of itching and inflammation not only varies across individuals, it also depends on the severity of the infection. Having said this, conditions such as pelvic pain or a feverish feeling should not be misunderstood as a sign of yeast infection. If you spot these signs, you should contact the doctor immediately, because they may be an indication of a different ailment altogether.
Oral yeast infection can be identified with slightly different symptoms. Affecting mucous membranes, this infection can spread to the esophagus as well. When it spreads to the food canal, you will find it difficult to swallow food down your throat. Other symptoms of this oral infection include thick, white lacy patches on top of a red base near your palate, tongue or other regions inside the mouth. These patches appear as white plaque, and if you try to scrape them, the underlying tissues may start bleeding.
The tongue may appear redder than usual and the thrushes can be very painful. You should ensure that you do not remain dehydrated, despite the pain caused. The fungus Candida exists on the skin, but on breakdown of outer layers (due to hormonal imbalances or other ailments) the fungus starts to multiply, resulting in the infection. Even the skin can get affected with red flat rashes infecting it with sharp scalloped edges. You would do well to visit a doctor and decide upon a medication as soon as you see symptoms of these nasty yeast infections.
