Thrush is a fairly common problem faced by the fair sex more often. Despite the fact that in most cases the disease affects only the external organs of the reproductive system, there is a possibility of developing systemic candidiasis.
According to statistics, cases of systemic damage to the body are being recorded more and more often. That is why in no case should you ignore such a disease, even if at first glance it seems not too serious. The causes of the development of the disease, the main symptoms of systemic candidiasis, methods of treatment, possible complications - this is important information that is worth studying.
Causes of thrush
Candidiasis is a very common disease that is associated with the activity of fungi of the genus Candida. It should immediately be said that these yeast-like microbes are part of the natural microflora of the human body. However, their number is strictly controlled by the immune system. If the defenses are weakened (we are talking about both systemic and local decrease in immune activity), theseopportunistic fungal microorganisms begin to multiply rapidly, which leads to the development of an inflammatory process.
Thrush is considered to be a female disease. In most cases, the infection affects the mucous membranes of the external genital organs of a woman. The disease is accompanied by redness and swelling, severe itching in the perineum and the formation of curdled discharge with a sour smell. But it should be understood that the likelihood of developing candidiasis in men and even in children cannot be ruled out either - such cases are recorded in medical practice, and quite often.
Risk factors: why does a systemic form of the disease develop?
Sometimes, for one reason or another, fungal microorganisms begin to spread to the tissues of internal organs. The infection affects the respiratory, genitourinary, digestive systems - it is in such cases that doctors talk about systemic candidiasis. There are reasons that contribute to the spread of infection in different organ systems:
- oncological diseases (cancer, as well as anti-cancer therapy, affect the functioning of the immune system);
- immunodeficiencies (e.g. HIV infection);
- unfavorable ecological situation;
- uncontrolled intake of immunosuppressants, cytostatics, antibacterial drugs;
- Installation of catheters;
- installation of equipment for artificial ventilation;
- pronounced dysbacteriosis;
- presence of severe infectious diseases;
- diabetes mellitus (alsoaffects immunity).
Relatively often recorded cases of systemic candidiasis in children born prematurely, as their body is weakened. During the diagnosis, it is important to determine what exactly caused the generalization of the inflammatory process and the spread of infection - exposure to risk factors should be avoided.
Respiratory symptoms
As evidenced by statistics, systemic candidiasis is often accompanied by damage to the respiratory system. Candida fungi penetrate the tissues of the respiratory system, which leads to the development of an inflammatory process. Its symptoms are as follows:
- increase in body temperature to subfebrile values;
- severe cough, which is accompanied by the release of a large amount of sputum (often blood can be seen in the secretions);
- in more severe cases, hemoptysis occurs;
- many patients complain of chest pain;
- shortness of breath appears, which increases during physical activity;
- if the infection spreads to the trachea and larynx, then pain in the throat may occur.
The activity of fungal microorganisms in the absence of therapy leads to the development of laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Bladder candidiasis: features of the clinical picture
Fungal infection often spreads from the external genitalia to the tissues of the genitourinary system. For example, systemic candidiasis in men is often accompanied by inflammation of the bladder,as microorganisms move through the urethra to the urinary organs.
The inflammatory process is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- frequent urination;
- pain, cramps and burning in the urethra, which increase during emptying of the bladder;
- appearance of cloudy, mucous or even bloody impurities in the urine.
Intestinal lesion
If we are talking about systemic candidiasis, it is worth noting that a fungal infection often affects the walls of the intestine, namely the rectum. Of course, this form of the disease is accompanied by very characteristic symptoms that cannot be ignored. The list of features is as follows:
- increased formation of gases with their further accumulation in the intestinal cavity;
- abdominal pain associated with bloating;
- the stool becomes liquid, the urge to defecate becomes more frequent;
- blood can be seen in the feces;
- erosion areas, small sores appear around the anal sphincter;
- patients complain of burning and itching in the anus (sensation worse after defecation).
If untreated, the inflammatory process can spread to the deeper layers of the intestine, leading to ulcers and other complications.
Candidiasis sepsis
If left untreated, systemic candidiasis can lead to sepsis. Fungal infection spreads to the tissues of all organs, which leads to generalized inflammation. The symptoms of this condition are as follows:
- a sharp increase in body temperature (often above 40 degrees);
- lower blood pressure;
- excessive sweating, constant chills;
- weakness, pain in the body;
- palpitations;
- dry mouth;
- dramatic weight loss (when it comes to chronic forms of septicemia);
- a significant increase in the volume of internal organs;
- formation of abscesses and hemorrhages in internal organs.
In the absence of therapy, multiple abscesses begin to open, which only aggravates the patient's condition. With this form of the disease, the probability of death is extremely high.
Diagnostic procedures
If you have any alarming symptoms, you need to see a doctor. As a rule, to begin with, a specialist collects anamnesis data, examines the mucous membranes and skin of the patient, since it is these tissues that suffer from the activity of fungi in the first place. For example, you can notice redness of the mucous membranes, dryness and peeling of the skin, the formation of a characteristic cheesy plaque. Additional research is being carried out in the future. For example, if the lungs are affected, a chest x-ray is shown. Be sure to take a smear from the mucous membranes. Samples are then sent to the laboratory - yeast should normally be present, but with systemic candidiasis, their number increases dramatically.
Drug treatment of systemic thrush
Drugs for systemic candidiasis can only be selected by a doctor. In no case should you ignore the problem or self-medicate, since this form of thrush is extremely dangerous. Therapy must be comprehensive.
- First of all, patients are prescribed antifungal drugs in the form of tablets or solutions for intramuscular / intravenous administration. Such drugs as Nystatin, Fluconazole, Levorin, Miconazole, Ketoconazole are considered effective.
- The treatment regimen must include vitamin complexes (in particular, those containing ascorbic acid, B vitamins, vitamin A).
- Candidiasis is often complicated by a bacterial infection. In such cases, the patient is prescribed an additional dose of antibiotics.
- Systemic thrush is often accompanied by skin lesions. Inflamed tissues are recommended to be treated with special gels and ointments (drugs containing ketoconazole and nystatin are effective).
- A solution of tannin is used to treat external mucous membranes.
- To eliminate edema and allergic reactions, antihistamines are used, in particular Tavegil, Suprastin, Diphenhydramine.
- Pre- and probiotics (Linex, Bifidumbacterin) are also used, which help restore the natural microflora, populate the human intestines with beneficial microorganisms.
Prognosis for patients
Systemic candidiasis is verya serious illness that should never be ignored. If the disease was diagnosed in time and the patient received adequate medical care, then the prognosis is favorable. On the other hand, in the absence of therapy, further spread of pathogenic fungi is possible up to the development of candidal sepsis, and in this case, the probability of death is extremely high.
Prevention: is it possible to prevent the development of the disease?
Strengthening the immune system and a he althy lifestyle are all you need to prevent the development of systemic candidiasis. The doctor will probably tell you how important it is to treat thrush of the external genital organs in time.
Since Candida fungi are part of the natural microflora of the body, the only way to avoid systemic inflammation is to normalize the immune system. Rational nutrition, vitamin intake, physical activity, hardening, outdoor recreation - all this strengthens the body, making it less susceptible to various infections.
Of course, barrier contraception (condoms) should be used during sexual intercourse, especially when it comes to contact with a stranger. Women should at least twice a year go for a gynecological examination and take tests, because this is the only way to diagnose the disease in a timely manner. All chronic and acute inflammatory diseases should be treated in time.
