Fungi are microorganisms that cause quite serious diseases. In nature, there are more than 50 thousand species. 200 of them are capable of harming a person.
Conditional separation
Conditionally fungi can be divided into several types:
- Yeast.
- Mold.
- Domiphorous. They have a distinctive feature: they are able to move from one species to another. It all depends on their environment.
Some fungi can be called natural, as they are part of the body's natural microflora. Such species are called opportunistic pathogens. However, they are still the causative agents of fungal infections.
The rest can have a serious impact on human he alth. Such parasites are called pathogenic. They can affect internal organs, skin, eyes, ears, and so on. The fungus is able to settle anywhere in the human body. A factor that positively affects its development is dampness.
If a person has strong and he althy immunity, then the body will be protected from infections. However, as soon as it starts to weaken, these microbes will multiply. If a person hasthere is a chronic disease, then the fungal infection can also begin from natural microorganisms.
Varieties of infections
In addition to the above types of fungi, there are varieties of infections. They are caused by various microorganisms, differing in symptoms and location of the lesion. In order to choose the right method of treatment, it is necessary to understand what diseases can be. Therefore, consider the varieties of fungi and infections:
- Actinomycetes and Aspergillus cause diseases such as keratomycosis. They affect the stratum corneum of the skin. Burgundy rashes may appear.
- A fungus of the genus Arthodermataceae causes dermatophytosis. This microorganism has a very strong effect on humans. The fungus can cause disease not only of the skin, but also of hair and nails.
- Trichophyton - the causative agent of trichophytosis. It has an effect on hair as well as skin and nails.
- The most common are microorganisms of the genus Candida. They cause a fungal infection - candidiasis. This microorganism is part of the natural flora of the intestine. Thanks to immunity, the fungus multiplies to an acceptable limit. As soon as the protective functions decrease, it begins to actively increase in size, so various diseases arise. Able to affect absolutely any organ of the body, most often it parasitizes on the mucous membranes and on the skin.
Routes of infection
As already understood, any fungal infectionhas a severe course. Pathogens enter the body from the environment. Routes of infection should be considered. At the same time, you need to understand that when these microorganisms are affected, not only the immune system suffers, but also all internal organs.
- The first way is contact. If a he althy person has injured skin, then when communicating with a sick person, most likely, he will become infected. There is also a social factor here.
- Alimentary way. As a rule, this is how children become infected. The infection enters the body with food. For example, babies who are not yet a year old often have oral candidiasis.
- Air-dust. Many infections and fungi can live in the environment, be carried with dust, thereby penetrating the body.
- The last one is the sexual way. In the presence of vaginal candidiasis in women, it can be transmitted to a partner through contact.
Uterine fungus
If a woman had a fungal infection of the vagina, then it can also penetrate into the reproductive organs. Accordingly, the uterus and appendages will be affected. Among the complications, it is necessary to highlight the fact that a woman can become infertile. Other chronic diseases can also develop. At risk are patients with diabetes mellitus who have undergone antibiotic therapy the day before or treated for prolonged inflammation. In any case, it is urgent to treat this ailment.
Trichophytosis
Trichophytosis in humans is a very dangerous disease. Under such an incomprehensible namehides the usual and well-known ringworm. It can be picked up by "talking" with a street cat.
This disease affects the skin, nails and hair. Symptoms may appear within the first week after contact with the patient. With proper treatment of the disease, it will pass without any trace for the person. If therapy is ignored, then the structure of the skin may be disturbed in the patient, and this will also lead to persistent baldness.
The causative agent of the disease is the fungus trichophyton. If we talk about the way it is transmitted, then, as a rule, this is contact with street animals. At risk are young and middle-aged children who are drawn to all pets. If we are talking about a disease in a small child, then it will be quite difficult to proceed. The symptoms of a fungal infection will manifest with great force.
The reason for the appearance of ringworm may be completely different fungi. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner in order to identify the pathogen.
Also, the fungus can be transmitted through household items. Therefore, the household method should not be excluded. You do not need to have direct contact with an animal or an infected person. Trichophytosis can also be transmitted by sharing things.
On the other hand, it should be noted that not always a he althy person becomes ill after direct or indirect contact. If the fungus just got on the skin, then it can be destroyed by the body's defense system.
The incubation period of the disease is 7 days. Foci of inflammation can be not only on the skincovers, but also on the head, where the hair grows. A fungal infection in children will be noticeable fairly quickly.
Treatment depends entirely on where the inflammation of this process occurs. If we are talking about smooth skin, then antifungal drugs are used. It can be a well-known salicylic ointment or sulfur-tar.
If we are talking about the defeat of the scalp, then use antifungal therapy. Antibiotics are often prescribed. Treatment should be continued until repeated tests show a negative result. As a rule, the course of therapy is at least one and a half months.
Microsporia
Microsporia is caused by the fungus of the same name. The patient, as a rule, suffers from the fact that either the scalp or smooth skin is affected. Fungi can also affect nails. This disease most often affects children who become infected from animals.
Terbinafine should be used to cure. This is the most commonly prescribed drug by doctors. The course lasts up to 5 weeks. The composition must be applied to the affected lesions about 5 times a day.
Also a popular remedy is Clotrimazole. This is an ointment for external use. Lesions should be treated three times a day. There is no need to wet them. Among the advantages, it should be noted that this drug is inexpensive and effective, and from the disadvantages - it takes quite a long time to be treated.
Histoplasmosis
Another fungal skin infection is histoplasmosis. The pathogen enters the body through the nose or after consumption.infected products. As soon as a person becomes infected, wounds and ulcers appear on the mucous membranes, and lymph nodes can become inflamed.
Microorganisms, getting into the internal organs, begin to parasitize, resulting in an increase in the liver and spleen.
Itrazol can be used to treat a fungal skin infection. This drug is available in capsules. You need to take it two pills a day. The course is 2 weeks. The disadvantages include the fact that the drug is not suitable for every patient, the pluses - high efficiency.
A drug called “Amphotericin B” also works well. This drug must be diluted with glucose, and then it should be administered either by drip or intravenously. This medication allows you to urgently respond to infection. It has quite a long list of contraindications, but it is highly effective.
Sporotrichosis
Sporotrichosis is a fungal skin infection. The virus of this disease penetrates through the integument. If a person has an injury, then the likelihood of infection is high. It can also enter the body through the respiratory tract. Microbes are found in water and soil. They are carried through the air or with clothing. This infection affects not only the skin, but also the joints, lungs, and bone tissue.
If left untreated, sepsis may develop. To treat and get rid of microorganisms, you must use either Ketoconazole or Voriconazole. The first drug should be used simultaneously externally and internally. Then the therapeutic effect will be enhanced. Shouldtake 2 tablets per day. The course of treatment lasts 2 weeks. Also, this drug is available in the form of an ointment, it is necessary to treat the affected skin. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that the remedy is not suitable for all patients, from the advantages - a high result in the treatment.
Voriconazole is administered through a drip. This procedure is done in a hospital. Among the shortcomings, it should be noted a large number of side effects, the likelihood of intoxication.
Throat infection
It is not uncommon to have a fungal infection in the throat. As a rule, it is caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida. Initially, the lesion begins with the oral cavity. If left untreated, the infection spreads further and develops in the throat.
Symptoms include pain, bad smell, fever, white coating on the throat and tonsils. At home, it is quite difficult to distinguish the development of angina from candidiasis. That is why when such symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor. As a rule, a fungal infection can be diagnosed already at the first examination. Next, the doctor must prescribe tests. A smear is taken in the laboratory and therapy is determined based on the results. To cure, use drugs of general or local action.
Sometimes, with this symptomatology, not only fungi of the Candida genus, but also some others are detected in the throat. In this case, the infection must be treated with special antibacterial agents. This defeat is eliminated much longer and more difficult.
Infection in the gut
Often, a fungal infection in the body is localized in the intestines. It is also caused by candida, is a complication of the above disease. If the oral cavity is not treated, the disease will begin to progress. The esophagus will suffer, then the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of candidiasis include constipation, constant fatigue, cravings for sweets, and skin rashes. The latter are usually allergic in nature.
If we consider the varieties of candidiasis, we should highlight the diffuse, which affects the intestines and directly the digestive tract. Such fungi injure the mucous membrane. Often this disease can lead to inflammatory processes in the body. The main symptom is the presence of blood and mucus in the stool.
The invasive form affects immunocompromised people. Symptoms include diarrhea with bloating. Very often, patients confuse the exacerbation of this disease with a common disorder. It can manifest as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and general weakness.
Candidosis should be treated with antifungal drugs. They need to be taken regularly. Also, the doctor should prescribe a diet. Do not ignore drugs that strengthen the immune system. In order for the treatment to lead to the desired result, it is necessary to lead a he althy lifestyle.
Therapy
In order to treat candidiasis or other infections, you need to see a doctor. He will identify the pathogen and prescribe the necessary drugs. It should be noted that not all antimycotic agents can affect the disease. Self-medication is not allowed. All medicines are highly toxic. If you do not use them or exceed the dose, you can worsen your condition. The liver will suffer first.
If there is already any inflammation in the body, the immune system will become weak. Accordingly, it will not be able to protect against fungal infections. Therefore, it turns out that with improper treatment, the body only collapses. Often, during therapy against fungal infections, Ketoconazole, Levorin, Pimafucin and more are prescribed. If we are talking about skin damage, then they use Exoderil, Nizoral, and so on.
These drugs have both local and general effects on the body. Judging by the feedback from patients, they cope with their task completely.
Forecast
If we are talking about the fungus of the hands, vagina, feet, then the treatment of candidiasis will be much easier. As a rule, with proper therapy, after a month, the patient will forget that he was bothered by some symptoms.
Worst of all, fungal nail disease can be treated. Forms of mycosis are considered the most severe. As a rule, they always take a chronic course. Patients experience constant exacerbations and remissions. If the treatment is chosen on time, as well as fully comply with the doctor's prescriptions, then the prognosis will be as favorable as possible.
Infection prevention
In order not to treat fungal infections, it is necessary to observepreventive measures. You need to constantly wash your hands, using only your own hygiene products, sterilize tools that are used in public places. When it comes to children, care must be taken that they do not put dirty hands in their mouths.
Prevention of systemic fungal diseases is aimed at maintaining normal immune function. To do this, you need to constantly monitor your work and rest regimen, sleep at least 8 hours, eat right, especially paying attention to those fruits and vegetables that contain a lot of vitamins, avoid stress, since the nervous system greatly affects the immune system.
If there are chronic infections in the body, then their symptoms and manifestations should be reduced as much as possible. We need to achieve remission. The fact is that during their development, the immune system gives all its strength to the fight. It is also necessary to monitor the body so that there is no secondary disease with any viruses.
Fungal infections are quite complex, they often become chronic. The fact is that often the immune system is not able to cope with these diseases on its own. Therefore, it is important to carry out proper prevention.
Results
To sum up, fungal infections are quite complex. It is necessary to pay attention to personal hygiene in order to prevent infection with them.
The article describes methods of treating some diseases caused by these microorganisms, but this is not a complete list. In order not to worry aboutabout how to recover from fungi and which doctor to contact if you have an infection, you need to be careful about your he alth.
