If a patient has yeast-like fungi in the stool, this indicates intestinal candidiasis. This disease refers to mycoses of internal organs. Its causative agent is the fungus Candida, which causes thrush of the genitourinary organs and oral cavity. Candidiasis is most often the result of severe dysbacteriosis. Uncontrolled growth of the pathogen is possible only if the balance of microflora in the digestive tract is disturbed. How to get rid of a fungal infection in the intestines? We will consider this issue in the article.
Pathogen
The yeast Candida lives in the intestines of most people. It is part of the normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract and under normal conditions does not show pathogenic properties. This microorganism is essential for the digestion process.
However, under adverse conditions, excessive reproduction of the fungus and Candida occursacquires pathogenic properties. As a result, an inflammatory process occurs - intestinal candidiasis.
Under normal conditions, this microorganism is not excreted from the intestines. If Candida yeast-like fungi are found in the feces, then this is most often a sign of pathology.
Reasons
Under what conditions does yeast become pathogenic? The following factors can provoke intestinal candidiasis:
- emotional and physical overload;
- chronic diseases accompanied by a drop in immunity;
- avitaminosis;
- pregnancy;
- diabetes mellitus;
- hormonal disruptions;
- frequent food poisoning;
- immunodeficiency states;
- long-term use of antibacterial drugs;
- pathology of the digestive tract;
- sexually transmitted diseases;
- alcohol and coffee abuse.
The activation of the fungus leads to a drop in immunity and an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria. In this case, excessive reproduction of the microorganism occurs, accompanied by inflammation of the intestine.
Symptomatics in adults
What to do if the analysis showed the presence of yeast-like fungi in the feces of an adult? Symptoms and treatment of candidiasis of the gastrointestinal tract will depend on the form of pathology. In medicine, it is customary to distinguish between non-invasive and invasive varieties of the disease. Consider them in more detail.
Non-invasive candidiasis of the intestine is the most common in patients. In thatcase, the fungus does not penetrate into the tissues, but lives in the cavity of the organ. It releases toxins that irritate the mucous membrane. This is accompanied by the following pathological manifestations:
- recurring constipation and diarrhea;
- abdominal discomfort;
- flatulence;
- itching in the anal area;
- cheesy intestinal secretions;
- exacerbation of allergic diseases.
The patient's condition remains satisfactory. Often, even doctors mistake such symptoms for signs of irritable bowel syndrome. And only the detection of yeast-like fungi in the feces of an adult patient allows us to make a correct diagnosis.
In invasive candidiasis, the fungus penetrates the thickness of the intestinal walls. This form of the disease is observed in people with sharply reduced immunity. Pathology is severe and is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- a sharp deterioration in general well-being;
- high temperature;
- diarrhea with bloody and curdled impurities;
- unbearable itching in the anus;
- severe abdominal pain.
In invasive candidiasis, yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida are found in feces, as well as mucus and red blood cells. The disease resembles in its manifestations a severe gastrointestinal infection. A correct diagnosis can be made by conducting a coprogram and analysis for bacterial culture.
Manifestations of candidiasis inchildren
In infancy, the digestive system is still being formed. Therefore, yeast-like fungi in the feces of infants are found quite often. The organs of the gastrointestinal tract are very sensitive to the effects of microorganisms. The baby has the following manifestations of pathology:
- no milk;
- anxiety, frequent crying due to abdominal pain;
- seal in the anus;
- frequent regurgitation;
- fungal skin lesions (especially on the abdomen, back and limbs).
Babies suffering from candidiasis and dysbacteriosis do not grow well and gain little weight. In the future, the disease may affect the psychomotor development of the baby.
In older children, intestinal candidiasis is accompanied by the following manifestations:
- appetite loss;
- frequent diarrhea;
- anus itching after going to the toilet;
- high gas production;
- abdominal pain not related to eating.
There are cases when the baby's he alth remains normal, but during the coprogram, yeast-like fungi are found in the child's feces. This is most often noted with non-invasive candidiasis. However, even if the disease occurs without severe symptoms, urgent treatment is necessary. Even mild forms of pathology can lead to serious consequences. Chronic irritation of the intestinal mucosa with fungal toxins does not pass without a trace for the body.
Complications
How dangerous is the appearanceyeast-like fungi in feces? Without treatment, candidiasis of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to the following complications.
- Atopic dermatitis. This complication of candidiasis is often observed in children.
- Vaginal candidiasis. In women, an infection from the intestines can enter the genital tract.
- Perforation of the intestinal wall. The invasive form of candidiasis is often accompanied by ulcerative colitis. This can lead to perforation of the organ wall and severe bleeding.
- Generalized candidiasis. A fungal infection can move to he althy parts of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs. Such an extensive lesion often causes sepsis.
Additional Research
When yeast-like fungi are found in the feces of an adult or a child, doctors prescribe additional examinations:
- Stool analysis for dysbacteriosis. In this study, the patient is found not only yeast-like fungi, but also bacteria - Klebsiella, staphylococcus, E. coli. This indicates the development of candidiasis against the background of a violation of microflora.
- Colonoscopy. This study allows you to determine the degree of intestinal damage and differentiate the non-invasive form of pathology from the invasive one.
Adult treatment
What to do if the coprogram showed the presence of yeast-like fungi in the feces? Treatment of candidiasis should be comprehensive. The basis of therapy is the appointment of antimycotic drugs:
- "Amphotericin B";
- Itraconazole;
- "Fluconazole";
- "Ketoconazole";
- "Pimafutsina".
These drugs have a detrimental effect on fungi and prevent their reproduction.
The following groups of drugs are prescribed as symptomatic therapy:
- Prebiotics and probiotics: Hilak Forte, Linex, Bifiform, Bifidumbacterin. These drugs help to normalize the ratio of good and bad bacteria in the intestines.
- Anspasmodics: Nosh-pu, Papaverine, Spazmalgon. These medicines relieve cramps and eliminate pain in the abdomen.
- Enzymatic preparations: "Mezim", "Creon", "Wobenzym", "Festal". These medicines improve digestion and boost immunity at the same time.
- Sorbents: Enterosgel, Polysorb, Polyphepan, Filtrum. These drugs contribute to the rapid removal of fungal toxins from the body.
A diet is a prerequisite for successful treatment. It is necessary to completely exclude sweets, flour, yeast, spicy and fatty foods from the diet. Such food promotes the reproduction of the fungus. It is useful to use garlic and various types of onions (leek, onion). These products have antimycotic properties.
Treatment of children
Antimycotic drugs are also used to treat fungal infections in the intestines of children. At the same time, doctors are trying to prescribe more gentle medications with a minimum of side effects for small patients:
- "Pimafucin";
- "Nystatin";
- Diflucan;
- "Fluconazole".
In children, the disease always develops against the background of intestinal dysbiosis. During the analysis, not only yeast-like fungi are found in feces, but also bacteria. Therefore, small doses of antibiotics are additionally prescribed: Vancomycin and Neomycin.
To remove toxins from the body, the drug "Enterosgel" is used, and to normalize the microflora, the children's form of the prebiotic "Hilak-forte" is indicated.
Limit the amount of sweet and starchy foods. The baby's diet includes a large number of vegetables and fruits, as well as dairy products. Such a diet helps to normalize intestinal motility and saturate the body with useful lactobacilli.
Prevention
How to prevent yeast-like fungi in stool? The following measures will help to avoid the activation of opportunistic microflora.
- It is necessary to cure fungal diseases of the genitourinary organs in a timely manner. This will prevent infection from entering the digestive tract.
- After antibiotic treatment, it is necessary to take drugs with lactobacilli. This will help to avoid disturbing the intestinal microflora.
- Sweet, spicy and fatty foods should be eaten in moderation.
- Food should be varied and contain enough vitamins. This will help strengthen the immune system.
- With a tendency to candidiasis, it is useful to use onions, garlic, bananas and squash. These foods are natural prebiotics.
It is important to remember that the risk group for the occurrencecandidiasis includes patients with immunodeficiency and diabetes mellitus, as well as people taking cytostatics and corticosteroids. Such categories of patients should regularly undergo preventive examinations and be tested for yeast-like fungi.
