Table of contents:
- Candida albicans
- What are the diseases caused by fungi
- 1. Vaginal yeast infection
- 2. White plaque in the mouth
- 3. Urinary tract infection
- 4. Candidemia
- 5.
- 6. Fungal meningitis
- What are the treatments for infection
No one can know for sure the cleanliness in the environment around us. Did you know that there are at least 80 types of fungi that land on the surface of the human body? This is expressed in research from the National Institutes of Health in America. Well, type mushrooms Candida albicans is one of them. What is that Candida albicans and what harm can this fungus pose?
Candida albicans
In fact, Candida albicans is a fungus whose natural habitat is indeed in the human body. Mushroom Candida found in the digestive tract, mouth, vagina, rectum (anal canal canal), and other parts of the body that are warm.
Within reasonable limits, Candida albicans not harmful. The existence of this fungus will usually be controlled if the human body has a good immune system.
However, this fungus will only cause problems and lead to infection when the population multiplies out of control.
When the number of mushrooms Candida albicans in the body beyond reasonable limits, this is at risk of causing dangerous infections that can spread to various organs of the body, such as the bloodstream, heart, kidneys, or brain.
What are the diseases caused by fungi
Candida albicans is a type of mushroom Candida which usually causes candidiasis infection. Candidiasis or candidiasis is a disease that can affect anyone, but people who are at risk of infection usually include:
- People who are taking antibiotics
- People wearing dentures
- Cancer patients undergoing treatment
- People with certain health conditions, such as HIV or diabetes
- Baby
In addition, fungal infections Candida can also cause some of the diseases below:
1. Vaginal yeast infection
Fungal growth Candida albicans exceeding the limit can lead to yeast infection on your genitals. Bacteria Lactobacillus in the vagina should be in charge of maintaining the amount of fungus Candida stay normal. However, when the amount Lactobacillus disturbed will affect growth Candida to lead to infectious diseases.
Besides that, you can also get vaginal yeast infection after unprotected sexual intercourse. If this happens, there will be several symptoms of a yeast infection on the genitals, such as:
- Burning sensation during sex and urination
- The vaginal area feels itchy
- Swelling, irritation, and redness in the area around the vagina
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Yeast infection Candida also can infect the male genitals, causing a rash on the penis. This condition usually occurs because your partner has a vaginal yeast infection.
2. White plaque in the mouth
Candida albicans overgrowth in the mouth will cause infection in the form of white plaque. This condition is also known as oral Candidiasis or oral candidiasis infection.
In severe cases, the infection can spread to the esophagus. Symptoms that arise when you experience thrush include:
- White spots appear in the mouth
- Pain or burning in the mouth
- Redness at the corner or in the mouth
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Loss of appetite
Oral candidiasis infection that is not treated promptly can lead to systemic Candida infections, especially in people who have a weak immune system.
3. Urinary tract infection
Apart from attacking the mouth and vagina, fungusCandidaarguably one of the causes of urinary tract infection (UTI). Most of these infections occur in the lower part of the urinary tract, even up to the kidneys.
Not a few people who experience a UTI admit that they don't feel any symptoms. But some others, complained about the presence of symptoms such as:
- The frequency of urination increases
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- There is blood in the urine
4. Candidemia
Candida albicans is a fungal infection that can not only affect the outside of the body, but can also flow into your bloodstream. One of the diseases caused by infectionCandida albincansin the blood namely Candidemia.
Because it attacks the bloodstream, the symptoms caused by Candidemia resemble those of sepsis. Starting from fever, decreased kidney function, to shock.
5.
Intra abdominal candidiasis, or what is commonly referred to as Candida peritonitis, is inflammation that occurs in the inner lining of the stomach as a result of a yeast infection Candida.
There are many other Candida species that can cause this, but in fact most of the cases are caused by fungi Candida albicans.
Symptoms that will appear include:
- Stomach pain or bloating
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiring easily
- Severe diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
6. Fungal meningitis
Fungal meningitis or fungal meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord. Infection can occur if it is fungal Candida enters the bloodstream and is carried to the brain.
Some of the signs and symptoms to watch out for if the fungus has infected the brain and spinal cord are as follows:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea and vomiting
- Photophobia (eyes are more sensitive to light)
- Disturbed mental condition
What are the treatments for infection
Infection Candida albicans that is not treated immediately can spread to other organs. Do not delay to consult a doctor if you feel unusual symptoms appear in the body.
The doctor will provide the right diagnosis and treatment according to the initial cause of the appearance of the fungus Candida albicans. For example, by using anti-fungal drugs in the form of creams or pills.
The following are medications that are commonly prescribed for these fungal infections:
- Echinocandin (caspofungin)
- Fluconazole
- Amphotericin B
The dose and length of time given by the drug will depend on many factors, ranging from age, gender, the location of the yeast infection, and its severity.
