Fungi and parasites in the human body lead to the development of serious diseases. To date, there are about 100 varieties of mycoses that threaten human he alth. Fungal infections affect the mucous tissues, internal organs, bone and nervous system, they are also able to penetrate into the blood. At an early stage, the fungus in the human body is difficult to diagnose. You can identify the disease after a series of studies.
What is the danger of fungal infections?
Today, according to WHO statistics, on our planet, every fourth inhabitant falls ill with some kind of mycosis. Over the past 20 years, the number of patients has increased rapidly.
The fungus penetrates the human body quite quickly and easily, but it will take a lot of effort to remove it. In addition to complex therapy, the patient needs to make a completecleansing the body, adhere to dietary nutrition and a he althy lifestyle. The best conditions for the reproduction of fungal infections are an acidic environment. It will not be possible to fight mycosis through high or low temperatures. Various types of mushrooms are able to survive both at -150 and at +150 ° С.
Every person's body is unique, so susceptibility to infection may vary. Some people may develop the disease, others may not, even if they are infected with the same type of fungus. Not only the pathogenicity and virulence of the pathogen are responsible for the development of the disease. One of the most important factors is the resistance of the human body, that is, the ability to resist infection.
Mycoses do not go away on their own, in order to get rid of pathogenic microflora, it is necessary to undergo treatment. The patient must undergo an examination, after which the doctor will prescribe an effective therapy. Self-medication can exacerbate the problem. Incorrectly carried out therapy will lead to the fact that the temporarily reduced activity of pathogenic microflora, after a short period of time, will make itself felt with renewed vigor. The spores of the fungus will spread throughout the body, infecting he althy organs and leading to serious consequences. An infected person also poses a threat to others, as he is a carrier of the infection.
Quite often, fungal diseases are secondary and develop against the background of the underlying disease. Who is at risk?
Factors leading to the development of the disease
Before moving on to the question of how to withdrawfungus from the human body, you should figure out what provokes the development of pathology.
Main factors include:
- disturbances in the endocrine system;
- weak immune defense;
- VSD (vegetovascular dystonia);
- lack of vitamins in the body;
- poor hygiene;
- skin injury;
- hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
The most favorable conditions for the survival of fungal colonies is a moist, damp environment. That is why the threat of catching an infection is much higher in people who often visit public baths and saunas, as well as a swimming pool. A dry environment does not contribute to the death of pathogenic microflora. Fungi only become inactive for a while and, with favorable factors, make themselves felt again.
All fungal infections can be divided into two groups:
- Pathogenic. After contact with an infected person, the risk of infection is high.
- Possibly pathogenic. The development of the disease occurs exclusively against the background of a weakened immune defense.
There are fungal diseases that affect people of a certain age category. For example, ringworm occurs mainly only in children, while fungal infections of the feet and nails mainly occur in the adult population.
Fungi in the human body are often activated against the background of chronic diseases. These include: diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and thyroid gland, various degrees of obesity,diabetes and more.
Mycoses can affect both the skin and mucous tissues of internal organs.
Varieties of fungal infections
There are three main types of fungi that can infect the human body:
- yeast;
- domiphoric;
- moldy.
Yeast fungi belong to conditionally pathogenic microflora. They are constantly present in the human body and do not pose a danger until their number exceeds the permissible norm. This group includes the fungus Candida. In the human body, it is present in the natural microflora of the intestines, vagina, etc. However, under favorable conditions, it begins to multiply rapidly, causing a disease known to many as thrush.
Moldy and domiphorous fungal infections are pathogenic. They pose a serious threat to both he alth and human life. Next, let's look at the most common diseases caused by fungi, their symptoms and treatments.
Six main signs of Candida infection
As mentioned above, Candida is a type of yeast that is present in the natural microflora of the human body. In small amounts, they provide benefits by aiding in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. But when their number increases significantly, they have a negative impact on the human body. Fungi infect the intestinal mucosa and gradually lead todestruction of its walls.
With a he althy immune system, the body copes with such a problem on its own, but if the defense is weakened, this leads to the development of a pathological process.
Fungi tend to penetrate the bloodstream and release toxins. With a weakened immune system, the infection can migrate throughout the body, including the membranes of the brain and myocardium. How to define a disease? What are the signs of fungus in the human body?
- Irregularities in the digestive system. If a person suffers from regular gastrointestinal problems (flatulence, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, intestinal colic) - this is one of the clear signs of a fungal infection. You should definitely get tested, as this symptom can be the cause of a much more serious illness.
- Chronic fatigue and exhaustion. Such a condition may signal a candidal imbalance. No matter how many hours a person sleeps, he does not feel rested. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
- Depression, anxiety, mood disorders. Such violations can signal the development of candidiasis. Do not be surprised that fungi can affect the functioning of the central nervous system. Most of the hormones, including serotonin, are formed during digestion. With intensive reproduction of candida, the production of the “happiness” hormone is suppressed, because of which a person experiences depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders. Acetaldehyde is a substanceproduced by the activity of the fungus, which reacts with dopamine and leads to absent-mindedness and the inability to concentrate.
- Urinary infections. Quite often, Candida fungi are the cause of diseases of the genitourinary system. The infection is contagious and can be transmitted sexually. The fungus infects the urinary tract and mucous membranes of the vagina. The patient feels severe itching. On the affected tissues, swelling and irritation are observed. There may also be a burning sensation during bowel movements of the bladder and pain during intercourse.
- Sinusitis. This disease is quite common. It can be caused by various factors, one of the pathogens is Candida. During studies conducted at the Mauo Clinic, it was found that in 96% of cases, bends were found in mucus samples. The infection affects the mucous membranes of the sinuses, causing congestion, runny nose, and seasonal allergies.
- Irregular hormonal levels. In the process of reproduction, the fungus in the human body violates not only the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. A high content of candida leads to hormonal imbalance. The infection provokes the onset of early menopause, the occurrence of endometriosis and other he alth problems. If the hormonal background is disturbed, it is difficult for the patient to normalize weight.
If any signs of fungus are found in the human body, treatment will be prescribed after a full examination. Diagnostic measures will determine the root cause of the disease. This isvery important, since candidiasis is very often a concomitant disease. Based on the research, the doctor will prescribe an effective therapeutic course. It is important to stick to a diet and a he althy lifestyle, otherwise a relapse is possible.
Signs and treatment of fungus
In the human body, the immune system performs protective functions. If for some reason it fails, the risk of contracting fungal infections increases. Candidiasis can be sexually transmitted, therefore, when it is diagnosed, both sexual partners must undergo treatment. The fungus infects the skin and tissues of the mucous membranes. Most often, thrush occurs in women (vaginal candidiasis). In infants, a fungal infection often affects the oral mucosa. This disease is called oral candidiasis. Since the Candida fungus is present in the natural microflora of the intestine, it is not surprising that this organ is affected in the first place, which leads to gastrointestinal disorders.
Infection spreads to the skin. For example, in obese women, the fungus often affects the folds under the breasts, and in men, the foreskin and inguinal region.
Consider the main symptoms of a fungus in the human body:
- burning when urinating;
- pain that occurs during intercourse (in men, this can also occur during erection);
- itch;
- redness of affected skin and mucous membranes;
- cheesy white discharge with an unpleasant odor.
For the treatment of candidiasis, the patient is prescribed antimycoticfacilities. They come in the form of ointments (Pimafucin, Nystatin Ointment, Clotrimazole, etc.), tablets (Fluconazole, Futsis, etc.) and vaginal suppositories (Pimafucin, Zalain, "Mikozon", etc.). Also, therapy may include immunomodulatory drugs.
To reduce the activity of candida, it is important to maintain a he althy lifestyle and eat right. Eliminate alcohol, dairy products, sugar, and carbohydrates (bread, cookies, etc.) from your diet.
Herbal treatment
Folk methods can get rid of the fungus in the human body. Herbs are recognized as the most effective: chamomile, St. John's wort, succession, calendula, nettle. Oak bark and aloe also work well.
Decoctions and infusions of herbs are used both internally and externally. Such funds help relieve inflammation, eliminate itching, heal wounds. Medicinal plants strengthen the body's immune defenses.
Based on herbs in the treatment of thrush use:
- Tampons. The procedure is carried out before going to bed. You need to make a tampon from gauze and soak it with a pre-prepared infusion. Carefully insert into the vagina and leave until the morning.
- Douching. This method helps to wash away the fungal infection from the walls of the vagina. But you should not abuse such treatment, since along with the pathogenic microflora, the useful one is also washed out. Douching is permissible for three days, but not more than twice a day.
- Baths. In the presence of a fungal infection, you need to wash thoroughly. herbalbaths help wash off curdled discharge and relieve inflammation. The procedure is carried out twice a day, the duration is from 15 to 30 minutes.
- Irrigation. This method is suitable in cases where it is impossible to carry out a full washing procedure.
These treatments for fungus in the human body are affordable and safe.
Stop mycosis
Another common fungal disease is athlete's foot. Symptoms of the disease are:
- cracks;
- rough skin, corns;
- diaper rash;
- pain and itching;
- bad smell.
Subsequently, the affected tissues soften and become whitish. There is necrosis of skin cells and their peeling. In some cases, when a bacterial infection joins, sores and abscesses appear on the affected areas.
You can get mycosis in public places (bathhouse, beach, swimming pool), by contact with a sick person or his things.
Treatment of the disease should be comprehensive. Assign antimycotic drugs for internal and external use and physiotherapy. Popular antifungals are:
- "Mikoseptin";
- Diflucan;
- "Lamitel";
- "Candide";
- "Diflazon";
- Clotrimazole, etc.
Special disinfectant solutions are also used to treat the feet. Ointments and creams are applied to clean feet just before bedtime.
Trichophytosis
This disease is known to many as ringworm. Trichophytosis is a disease caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton. Most often, the disease affects children who have had contact with infected animals. The disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted to both humans and animals. The fungus affects smooth and hairy areas of the skin. It manifests itself in the form of rounded foci, on which hair almost completely falls out. The skin becomes pale pink and slightly flaky.
The disease is treated with topical preparations. The affected areas are treated with antifungal ointments and an iodine-containing solution, alternately. The most popular drugs are: "Naftinin", "Terbinafine", "Bifonazole".
Diseases of internal organs caused by fungi
As mentioned above, fungal infections affect not only the skin. Spores can enter the human body. How to get rid of the fungus that hit the internal organs?
Unlike skin, visceral fungal infections are much more dangerous. They are difficult to identify in the early stages of development, since the symptoms are practically not manifested. Fungi multiply inside the body, affecting organ after organ. These diseases include:
- Sporotrichosis. This type of infection most often affects the tissues of the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue. A little less often, the fungus spreads to the mucous membranes and internal organs. Spores enter the human body in several ways: in the process of breathing, through wounds onskin and gastrointestinal tract. If the internal organs are affected, the disease proceeds in the form of sepsis. The following symptoms can serve as signs of a fungus in the human body: the formation (mainly on the upper limbs) of painless seals, their gradual softening and opening, after which ulcers form. In the process of healing, scars of irregular shape are formed. Treatment is with potassium iodide or sodium. The patient is prescribed antibacterial agents, and for local use - ichthyol ointment.
- Candidiasis. If the disease was not treated in a timely manner, the fungal infection spreads to the internal organs. The disease has many varieties: candidal esophagitis (in which the esophagus is affected), candidal pneumonia (the fungus multiplies in the lungs and respiratory tract). Also, a fungal infection leads to diseases of the genitourinary system and organs of the gastrointestinal tract. There is a generalized candidiasis, in which the fungus enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body, affecting the nervous system. Treatment depends on the type of disease.
- Histoplasmosis. The causative agent of the disease is the fungus Histoplasma. Spores mainly affect the lungs, only in rare cases the disease affects other organs. Lack of treatment can lead to death. The patient experiences a number of specific symptoms: high fever (above 40 ° C), general malaise, pain in the chest, muscles and head, chills and heavy sweating.
Conclusion
How to cure the fungus in the human body? It's prettydifficult question, since there are a huge number of mycotic infections. The course of therapy is prescribed by the attending physician, after carrying out all the necessary diagnostic tests. Self-medication is very dangerous, since a specific drug is provided for each individual type of fungal infection. Mycosis, not treated in a timely manner, can bring many he alth problems.
