Thrush is a fairly common problem, which is often encountered by the fair sex. Despite the fact that in most cases the disease affects only the external organs of the reproductive system, there is a likelihood of developing systemic candidiasis.
According to statistics, cases of systemic damage to the body are recorded more often. That is why in no case should you ignore such a disease, even if at first glance it does not seem too serious. The causes of the development of the disease, the main symptoms of systemic candidiasis, treatment methods, possible complications are important information that is worth exploring.
Reasons for the development of thrush
Candidiasis is a very common disease that is associated with the activity of fungi of the genus Candida. It is worth saying right away 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 a systemic and a local decrease in immune activity), these conditionally pathogenic 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 genitalia of a woman. The ailment is accompanied by redness and swelling, severe itching in the perineum and the formation of cheesy discharge with a sour smell. But it is worthwhile to understand that the likelihood of developing candidiasis in men and even in children cannot also be ruled out - such cases are recorded in medical practice, and quite often.
Risk factors: why does the systemic form of the disease develop?
Sometimes, for one reason or another, fungal microorganisms begin to spread to the tissues of internal organs. Infection affects the respiratory, genitourinary, digestive systems - in such cases, 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);
- adverse environmental conditions;
- uncontrolled administration of immunosuppressants, cytostatics, antibacterial drugs;
- catheter placement;
- installation of equipment for mechanical ventilation;
- severe dysbiosis;
- the presence of severe infectious diseases;
- diabetes mellitus (also affects immunity).
Relatively often, cases of systemic candidiasis are recorded 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.
Symptoms of damage to the respiratory system
According to 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 the inflammatory process. Symptoms of it 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 in the secretions you can notice blood impurities);
- in more severe cases, hemoptysis is observed;
- many patients complain of chest pain;
- shortness of breath appears, which intensifies during physical activity;
- if the infection spreads to the trachea and larynx, then a sore throat may appear.
The activity of fungal microorganisms in the absence of therapy leads to the development of laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Bladder candidiasis: clinical features
A fungal infection often spreads from the external genital organs to the tissues of the genitourinary system. For example, systemic candidiasis in men is often accompanied by inflammation of the bladder, as microorganisms move along the urethra to the urinary organs.
The inflammatory process is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- soreness in the lower abdomen;
- frequent urination;
- pain, pain, and burning in the urethra, which intensify during emptying of the bladder;
- the appearance of turbid, mucous, or even bloody impurities in the urine.
Bowel damage
If we are talking about systemic candidiasis, it is worth noting that a fungal infection often affects the intestinal wall, namely the rectum. Of course, this form of the disease is accompanied by very characteristic symptoms that cannot be ignored. The list of signs is as follows:
- increased gas formation with their further accumulation in the intestinal cavity;
- abdominal pain that is associated with bloating;
- stool becomes loose, urge to defecate become more frequent;
- in the feces you can notice blood impurities;
- erosion patches appear around the anal sphincter, small sores;
- patients complain of burning and itching in the anus (sensations intensify after defecation).
If untreated, the inflammatory process can spread to the deeper layers of the intestine, which leads to the formation of ulcers and the development of other complications.
Candidiasis sepsis
If untreated, systemic candidiasis can lead to sepsis. Fungal infection spreads to the tissues of all organs, which leads to generalized inflammation. Symptoms of this condition are as follows:
- a sharp increase in body temperature (often above 40 degrees);
- lowering blood pressure;
- severe sweating, constant chills;
- weakness, pain in the body;
- heart palpitations;
- dry mouth
- sharp weight loss (when it comes to chronic forms of septicemia);
- a significant increase in the volume of internal organs;
- the formation of abscesses and hemorrhages in the internal organs.
In the absence of therapy, multiple abscesses begin to open, which only exacerbates the patient's condition. With this form of the disease, the probability of death is extremely high.
Diagnostic procedures
If any alarming symptoms appear, consult a doctor. As a rule, to begin with, a specialist collects anamnesis data, examines the patient’s mucous membranes and skin, since it is these tissues that suffer from fungal activity in the first place. For example, you may notice redness of the mucous membranes, dryness and peeling of the skin, the formation of a characteristic cheesy plaque. Further studies are ongoing. For example, with lung damage, a chest x-ray is indicated. Be sure to take a smear from the mucous membranes. The 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
Preparations for systemic candidiasis can only be selected by a doctor. In no case should you ignore the problem or self-medicate, since such a form of thrush is extremely dangerous. Therapy must be comprehensive.
- First of all, antifungal drugs are prescribed to patients in the form of tablets or solutions for intramuscular / intravenous administration. Such drugs as "Nystatin", "Fluconazole", "Levorin", "Miconazole", "Ketoconazole" are considered effective.
- Vitamin complexes (in particular, containing ascorbic acid, group B vitamins, vitamin A) must be included in the treatment regimen.
- Candidiasis is often complicated by a bacterial infection. In such cases, the patient is prescribed additional 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).
- The tannin solution is used to treat the external mucous membranes.
- To eliminate edema and allergic reactions, antihistamines are used, in particular Tavegil, Suprastin, Diphenhydramine.
- Also, pre- and probiotics (Linex, Bifidumbacterin) are used, which help restore the natural microflora, populate the human intestines with useful microorganisms.
Predictions for Patients
Systemic candidiasis is a very serious disease, which in no case can 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 until 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 healthy lifestyle are all that is needed to prevent the development of systemic candidiasis. Your doctor will probably tell you how important it is to treat thrush of the external genitalia in time.
Since Candida fungi are part of the body’s natural microflora, the only way to avoid systemic inflammation is to normalize the immune system. Efficient nutrition, intake of vitamins, physical activity, hardening, rest in the fresh air - all this strengthens the body, makes it less susceptible to various kinds of infections.
Of course, during sexual intercourse it is necessary to use barrier contraception (condoms), especially when it comes to contact with a stranger. Women should at least twice a year go to a gynecological examination and take tests, because this is the only way to diagnose an ailment in a timely manner. All chronic and acute inflammatory diseases should respond to therapy on time.