A large number of women at the gynecologist's office complain of manifestations of a disease such as vaginal candidiasis, which can also be referred to as thrush. By itself, it does not pose a threat to he alth, but can cause a lot of inconvenience. It is quite problematic to completely get rid of this disease and its symptoms can occur every month. In this article, we will analyze what causes contribute to the appearance of pathology and if thrush is constantly tormented, what to do about it.
Disease definition
Thrush is a vaginal candidiasis caused by fungi of the genus Candida, which is present in the normal microflora of the vagina. But under certain circumstances, there is an increased growth of the fungus, leading to the appearance of the disease. In some women, after undergoing treatment, thrush disappears for a long time. But there are situations whenin which the acute form of the disease becomes recurrent. Persistent thrush requires an integrated approach to treatment, one of the main factors of which will be an increase in immunity.
Classification of pathology
Currently, experts distinguish between two forms of persistent thrush:
- Recurrent. This form of the disease proceeds in a mild form, practically without causing inconvenience. Therein lies its insidiousness. Indeed, due to the fact that there are no obvious manifestations, a woman is in no hurry to see a doctor and begin the necessary treatment, which can lead to serious consequences.
- Persistent. This form is characterized by a severe course of the disease with severe symptoms. Treatment only dulls the manifestations of persistent thrush for a while, after which they begin to disturb again.
Reasons
A large number of factors can provoke increased growth of the fungus. The most common causes of persistent thrush are:
- Decreased immunity. This is a key factor in the occurrence of the disease.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Pregnancy.
- Improper diet, which contains sweet, starchy and alcoholic products.
- Taking antibiotics. In this case, thrush appears in most cases.
- Hormonal contraceptives.
- Dysbacteriosis.
- Inadequate intimate hygiene.
- Frequent change of sexual partners, which may becarriers of the fungus.
- Wearing tight or synthetic underwear.
- Menstruation, during which ideal conditions are created in the vagina for the reproduction of fungi. This also includes the use of pads, which can provoke a violation of the microflora of the vagina.
- Stressful situations.
- Allergic reactions, resulting in a decrease in immunity.
- Sexually transmitted diseases and pelvic inflammatory disease. This is a very important factor in the appearance of recurrent thrush. This happens due to the fact that in the treatment of candidiasis, the doctor does not always reveal the true cause of its appearance, as a result of which the pathology is treated superficially. It happens, and vice versa, when the main therapy is directed specifically to the treatment of a provoking disease. As a symptom, thrush disappears for a while, but the microflora remains disturbed. As a result, after a while, the manifestations of candidiasis begin to disturb again.
Symptoms
Signs of repeated thrush are quite characteristic, which in most cases allows you to accurately establish the diagnosis. Its most obvious symptoms include the following manifestations:
- Itching and burning of the genitals, which may worsen at night, after intercourse or urination.
- Curdled white discharge.
- White coating on the genitals. It is worth noting that in the early stages it may be absent.
- Redness and swelling of the genitals.
- Pain withintercourse and urination.
- Without timely treatment, erosion may appear in the area of the woman's vagina and labia.
Men may experience the following symptoms:
- White coating on the head of the penis.
- Itching and burning.
- Redness and swelling of the penis.
Diagnosis of disease
In some cases, there are no obvious manifestations of persistent thrush. Therefore, to detect it, it is necessary to resort to a set of diagnostic measures.
- First of all, the gynecologist examines the genitals.
- Then a small amount of white discharge is taken from the walls of the vagina, after which they are placed on a special glass and sent to the laboratory, where, through microscopy, the laboratory assistant accurately determines the presence of the fungus.
- It happens that a more in-depth diagnosis is required, which includes such a method as sowing.
- An important step in diagnostic measures is to identify the type of fungus found and its sensitivity to antifungal agents. After all, it happens that with the wrong prescription of drugs, thrush does not go away after treatment, but continues to progress.
Treatment
It is very important at the first symptoms of pathology to consult a doctor who will prescribe an effective treatment in your case. Indeed, in its absence, a chronic form can develop, which will be very difficult to get rid of.complicated. Many, faced with such an unpleasant disease, are interested in how to treat chronic thrush? Consider the treatment options in more detail.
First of all, after determining the sensitivity of the fungus, antifungal drugs are prescribed. They can be used in the following ways:
- Local (this includes creams, vaginal suppositories, ointments and vaginal tablets). The advantage of this method is the achievement of a quick effect of the drug, minimal penetration of the active substance into the patient's blood.
- Systemic (this method includes taking medications in the form of tablets, injections). The duration of therapy is prescribed on an individual basis, depending on the patient's condition.
If the thrush does not go away after treatment, the doctor prescribes an additional examination and, in most cases, changes the drug.
Prescribed drugs
The most prescribed antifungals are:
- "Pimafucin".
- "Clotrimazole".
- "Flucostat".
- "Terzhinan".
- Diflucan and others.
Let's consider the features of the use of these drugs on the example of Pimafucin tablets. Instructions for use indicate that this drug can be used in various ways - both for oral administration and as a local method of treatment. The most effective dosage is selected by the attending physician. The duration of the course of treatment for chronic thrush will be determinedindividually.
Antifungal agents should also be used in the sexual partner of a sick person, even if the analysis did not reveal a pathological presence of the fungus in him.
Below is the instruction for the use of Pimafucin tablets.
Other treatments
An important way to treat persistent thrush will be vitamin therapy.
In addition to the above methods of treatment, physiotherapy will contribute to the restoration of he althy microflora. These include:
- Electrophoresis.
- Laser therapy.
- Magnetotherapy.
Traditional medicine
The use of traditional medicine has proven itself in the treatment of thrush. As a rule, methods such as douching or ingestion in the form of infusions and decoctions are used. It is important to remember that any use of traditional medicine should be under the supervision of the attending physician.
Medicinal plants used in the treatment of candidiasis include:
- Chamomile.
- Yarrow.
- Sage.
- Juniper.
- Deaf nettle.
- Elecampane.
It happens that thrush appears in the mouth. At the same time, the use of soda has proven itself well. To do this, take 1 teaspoon of soda in a glass of warm water. A piece of bandage is wetted with the resulting solution and the oral mucosa is gently wiped. This procedure must be carried out several times a day.
You can also make tea consisting ofthe following medicinal herbs:
- Oregano.
- Hawthorn.
- Dill.
- Anise.
Many traditional medicines can cause allergic reactions, so it is important to consult a doctor before use.
Disease prevention
Preventive measures for thrush are primarily aimed at creating conditions under which the reproduction of the fungus will be impossible. This is especially true for patients who are at risk. These include the following categories of people:
- Pregnant women.
- Patients taking antibiotics or hormones.
- People with low immunity.
- Those who have had candidiasis in the recent past.
Let's take a closer look at possible preventive measures.
Diet plays a big role in preventing recurrence of thrush. Recommended products are:
- Garlic.
- Yoghurts and other dairy products.
- Grapefruit.
- Red pepper.
- Cowberry.
The following product categories are not recommended:
- Yeast baking.
- Cheese with mold.
- Sweet and fatty foods.
Eat small meals several times a day.
There are also other preventive methods.
- Cotton underwear should be preferred.
- Regular intimate hygiene.
- Restriction on panty linersor their frequent change during the day.
- Intimate hygiene products should be chosen more carefully, giving preference to hypoallergenic options.
- It is necessary to carry out activities to increase immunity.
- When taking antibacterial agents, antifungal drugs and bacteria are prescribed in parallel.
- Frequent douching can not only help get rid of the pathology, but also cause it. Therefore, you should not abuse this method, but replace it with other methods of treatment and prevention.
Forecast and conclusion
Thrush is a disease that, in the absence of adequate treatment, can return again and again, bringing a lot of unpleasant symptoms, and in some cases lowering the quality of life. If thrush appears constantly, what should I do? First of all, at the first sign, you should consult a doctor and take the necessary diagnostic measures. It is very important to identify the root cause of candidiasis and eliminate it. It is worth remembering that sometimes even with a negative test result, if conditions favorable for the reproduction of the fungus occur, the symptoms appear again. Therefore, it is so important not to self-medicate, but to consult a specialist. With timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable, but the chronic form of thrush is almost impossible to completely cure. But thanks to preventive measures, a stable remission can be achieved. You should learn to listen to your body and, in case of any changes, contact a qualified specialist. Delay at thisdisease can lead to the rapid growth of the fungus and, as a result, provoke the development of a chronic form of candidiasis.
