What is thrush? This question is asked by many people, because such a pathology is considered very common, especially among the fair sex. This disease gives a person a lot of inconvenience. And despite the fact that candidiasis responds well to drug treatment, if left untreated, it can lead to very unpleasant complications.
So, why does such a disease develop? Are there any risk factors? What symptoms should you pay attention to? Is thrush dangerous during pregnancy? Is it possible to develop the disease in men? Is home treatment possible? What drugs are used by doctors? The answers to these questions are of interest to many readers.
What is a disease?
What is thrush? What symptoms are accompanied? Many people are looking for answers to these questions. First, let's get acquainted with the general information.
The term "candidiasis" refers to a group of inflammatory diseases caused by the increased activity of the yeast Candida albicans. It is worth noting that these organisms are not always dangerous. According to statistics, more than 80% of the population are carriers of this fungus. It is part of the natural microflora, ensures the creation of optimal pH in the structures of the reproductive system.
The number of microorganisms is strictly controlled by the immune system and the activity of other bacteria that make up the body's natural microflora. If, for one reason or another, the immune defense is weakened, yeast fungi begin to multiply rapidly, which leads to inflammation. The infection affects the mucous membranes of the vagina, the tissues of the head and the foreskin of the penis, and sometimes penetrates into other structures of the genitourinary system.
Causes of thrush. Risk Factors
Inflammation of the tissues of the external genital organs is associated with the activity of fungal microflora. Nevertheless, the causes of thrush may be associated with the influence of certain risk factors, because the intensive reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms requires the presence of certain conditions.
- Thrush often develops against the background of antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, antibiotics are detrimental not only to pathogenic bacteria, but also to beneficial microorganisms. The death of natural microflora can lead to intensive reproduction of fungi.
- A decrease in immune activity can sometimes be associated with the presence of other inflammatory diseases in certain organ systems (even caries on the teeth is potentially dangerous).
- Changes in hormonal levels also lead to the development of thrush. By the way, that is why people often suffer from this disease.pregnant women. Risk factors also include various diseases of the endocrine glands, including diabetes mellitus.
- Hormonal status can be affected by the use of improperly selected contraceptives, which contain synthetic hormones.
- Nutrition also affects the state of microflora. Sweets, flour products, sugary sodas - all these products are a source of glucose, which yeast uses for nutrition. That is why the diet should be balanced.
- Risk factors include constant wearing of tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics, improper use of sanitary pads and tampons.
Thrush in women: symptoms
Now it's time to deal with the features of the clinical picture. What are the symptoms of thrush? Reviews indicate that yeast causes very characteristic symptoms.
- Inflammation is accompanied by the formation of white secretions of curdled consistency. White lumps are clearly visible on the underwear. Moreover, the discharge has a very characteristic sour smell (somewhat reminiscent of kefir). Sometimes cheesy deposits on the walls of the vagina become yellowish or greenish.
- The disease is accompanied by burning and severe itching of the external genitalia. It should be said right away that it is impossible to comb the skin. Micro-scratches that appear on the skin from such manipulations create conditions for infection to penetrate into deeper layers.
- Pain,itching and discomfort are aggravated during urination. Women also complain of discomfort and soreness during intercourse.
Gradually the discomfort increases. That is why it is so important to see a doctor in time.
Stages of disease development in women
You already know what thrush is. But it is worth noting that this disease occurs in several stages.
- Candida colpitis. At this stage, the inflammatory process is localized only on the mucous membrane of the external genitalia. There is itching, burning, the formation of curdled discharge.
- Candida vaginitis. The pathogen spreads to the mucous membranes of the vagina. Symptoms worsen, patients complain of pain that occurs during physical activity, sexual intercourse or even touch.
- Candidal pyelocystitis. The causative agent penetrates into the submucosal tissues, the inflammatory process spreads to the tissues of the bladder, the structures of the kidneys. Patients complain of pain during urination. Deep, sometimes even bleeding ulcers form on the mucous membrane of the vagina. Urine contains yeast-like fungi.
Possible Complications
Many women face the problem of thrush. Reviews of experts indicate that the acute form of a fungal disease lends itself well to drug therapy. But if left untreated, inflammation can become chronic, which is already fraught with dangerous complications:
- adhesion formation betweentissues of the pelvic organs;
- adhesive process sometimes leads to obstruction of the fallopian tubes, which is fraught with infertility;
- chronic inflammation weakens immune defenses, making the body much more susceptible to infections;
- thrush during pregnancy can result in intrauterine infection of the fetus;
- the inflammatory process can move to other pelvic organs, such as the rectum, bladder, ovaries;
- very rarely the activity of the pathogen leads to sepsis.
That is why it is so important to treat the disease in time. Thrush in women can be dangerous, so don't ignore it.
Symptoms of pathology in men
Despite the fact that this pathology is considered female, men are also often diagnosed with thrush. The symptoms naturally look different, but the stronger sex is also prone to a similar fungal disease.
Candidiasis in men occurs in the form of balanoposthitis. The foreskin and head of the penis swell and turn red, become hot to the touch. Patients complain of discomfort, itching, burning, which increase during physical activity and sexual intercourse. A curdled discharge with a characteristic sour smell begins to accumulate in the preputial cavity.
Sometimes there are general symptoms of intoxication. There is an increase in body temperature, weakness, aches. Sometimes you can observe an increase in inguinal lymph nodes.
Perhaps the development of erosive candidal balanoposthitis. Beginsmaceration of tissues, small sores, erosions appear on the skin of the penis. The process is accompanied by severe pain, and sometimes minor bleeding.
What is the disease dangerous for men? Description of possible complications
Should I be concerned about patients diagnosed with thrush? Treatment with medication is usually effective. But the lack of therapy is fraught with unpleasant and sometimes dangerous complications.
- Thrush in men increases the risk of cracks and erosions on the tissues of the external genital organs. In addition, the disease increases the body's susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections.
- The inflammatory process can spread to other organs of the genitourinary system, which leads to the development of urethritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, nephritis, glomerulonephritis.
- In especially severe cases, candidiasis provokes inflammation of the prostate gland.
- It has been proven that this pathology increases the risk of impotence and male infertility.
Diagnostic measures
How to treat thrush? Your doctor will tell you about this. But first you need to make an accurate diagnosis. As a rule, an external examination is enough to suspect the presence of thrush. Women are shown a standard gynecological examination, and the genitals of a man are examined by a urologist. In the future, some additional analyzes are required.
- First of all, a microscopic examination of a smear from the vagina is carried out(or urethra for a male patient). This is a quick procedure that is performed in almost every clinic. Alas, during the test it is far from always possible to obtain reliable results.
- More informative is bacteriological culture using samples taken from the mucous membrane of the vagina and urethra. Such a study helps to determine the exact type of pathogen, as well as to check its reaction to certain drugs. This diagnostic technique is effective, but takes several days.
- PCR test helps to identify yeast-like fungi (or other pathogens) in DNA samples.
- The patient is also being tested for sexually transmitted diseases, HIV status.
- If there are symptoms of complications, then patients are referred for additional diagnostics, which includes ultrasound of the pelvic organs, colposcopy and some other procedures.
Medicated treatment
Many people are interested in questions about how to treat thrush. It’s worth saying right away that you shouldn’t try to get rid of the disease on your own - inept attempts to cope with the infection can only lead to the development of chronic complications. Only a doctor knows what kind of therapy a thrush requires. Treatment for such a disease should be comprehensive.
To begin with, patients are prescribed antifungal drugs, both local and systemic. Such tablets from thrush as Flucostat, Diflucan, Nystatin are considered effective. Datadrugs inhibit the activity of pathogenic microflora, prevent the reproduction of fungal organisms.
Used and other drugs. For example, vaginal suppositories from thrush must be included in therapy when it comes to a female patient. Such topical agents as "Terzhinal", "Polygynax" contain the same nystatin. Pimafecin vaginal tablets from thrush are also considered effective. The list of effective antifungal drugs also includes such drugs as Ovulum, Lomexin, Livarol, Vetorozal, Nizoral. Medicines are produced in the form of suppositories, tablets, ointments, creams, solutions for douching.
Of course, the complex of drugs and their dosage is determined by the attending physician. In most cases, therapy lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, it is extremely important to monitor nutrition, adhere to the rules of personal hygiene (soap for treating intimate places must be selected very carefully), refuse sexual intercourse, since during this period the body is extremely susceptible to other infections.
Thrush is often associated with intestinal dysbacteriosis. That is why it is important to restore the normal composition of beneficial microflora. Patients take Lactulose, Hilak Forte, Bifiform, as well as other drugs that help colonize the intestines with beneficial bacteria.
Proper diet for thrush
In modern medical practice, cases of thrush in women are often recorded. Treatment for such a disease necessarily includes appropriate nutrition. The problem is that some productsnutrition can affect the activity of the microflora of the human body, which sometimes only exacerbates the situation. Patients with a similar diagnosis are temporarily contraindicated:
- any dishes and products containing a large amount of sugar (this category also includes sweet fruits and juices);
- baked goods, white bread, muffins, pasta - all these products contain starch, which eventually breaks down into glucose molecules (high sugar content forms a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi);
- any dishes and products prepared with yeast (including beer).
Following such simple rules, you can speed up the healing process. By the way, men should follow the same diet during therapy.
Folk remedies
Thrush at home can also be cured. Of course, medicinal decoctions and other means cannot be a substitute for full-fledged drug therapy. Such drugs can only complement the treatment, speed up the healing process.
- Honey is known to have a lot of useful properties. This product has a detrimental effect on bacterial and fungal microorganisms, helps relieve inflammation and eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of thrush. Folk healers recommend diluting natural honey with boiled water in a ratio of 1: 10 and treating the external genitalia with this liquid.
- Effective are infusions and decoctions of sage, juniper, eucalyptus, calendula and chamomile. These drugs are taken orally as a tea. They are helpingstrengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.
- Decoctions of oak bark, St. John's wort, burdock root and calendula flowers are used for washing and douching.
Naturally, you can start home therapy only after consulting a doctor - a specialist will help you choose effective and safe remedies.
Is there an effective prevention?
You already know what thrush is and why it develops. In a certain situation, this disease can lead to a lot of complications. That is why it is much easier to try to avoid the development of candidiasis. The rules of prevention are actually extremely simple.
- Follow the rules of personal (intimate in particular) hygiene. Use the right soap.
- It is worth remembering that promiscuity is a risk factor. If such contacts do occur, it is important to use protective equipment.
- Doctors recommend regular examination of the external genitalia, checking them for rashes, redness, discharge and other symptoms.
- Proper nutrition is important - it is worth limiting the amount of fatty and starchy foods.
- It is also important to strengthen the immune system, play sports, avoid stress, gradually stab the body.
You already know what thrush is. The symptoms of this disease are very characteristic. If you notice such violations, you should immediately contact a specialist. The sooner therapy is started, the lower the risk of complications.
