What is thrush? This question is asked by many people, because such a pathology is considered very common, especially among the fair sex. This ailment gives a person a lot of inconvenience. And despite the fact that candidiasis lends itself well to medical treatment, in the absence of therapy, it can lead to very unpleasant complications.
So, why does this ailment develop? Are there any risk factors? What symptoms are worth paying attention to? Is thrush dangerous during pregnancy? Is it possible to develop an ailment in men? Is treatment possible at home? Which drugs do doctors use? The answers to these questions are interesting to many readers.
What is a disease?
What is thrush? What are the symptoms associated with? Many people are looking for answers to these questions. First, get acquainted with the general information.
The term "candidiasis" means a group of inflammatory diseases, the cause of which is the increased activity of the yeast Candida albicans. It is worth noting that these organisms are not always dangerous. According to statistics, more than 80% of the population are carriers of this fungus. It is part of the natural microflora, provides the creation of optimal pH in the structures of the reproductive system.
The number of microorganisms is strictly controlled by the immune system and the activity of other bacteria that make up the body’s natural microflora. If, for one reason or another, the immune defense weakens, the yeast begins to multiply rapidly, which leads to inflammation. Infection affects the mucous membranes of the vagina, head tissue and the extreme flesh of the penis, and sometimes penetrates other structures of the genitourinary system.
Causes of thrush. Risk factors
Inflammation of the tissues of the external genitalia is associated with the activity of fungal microflora. Nevertheless, the causes of thrush can be associated with the influence of certain risk factors, because the intensive reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms requires some conditions.
- Thrush often develops against the background of antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, antibiotics are harmful not only for pathogenic bacteria, but also for beneficial microorganisms. The death of natural microflora can lead to intensive reproduction of fungi.
- The decrease in immune activity can sometimes be associated with the presence of other inflammatory diseases in various organ systems (even tooth decay is potentially dangerous).
- A change in the hormonal background also leads to the development of thrush. By the way, that is why pregnant women often suffer from this ailment. Risk factors also include various diseases of the endocrine glands, including diabetes.
- The hormonal status may be affected by the use of improperly selected contraceptives, which contain synthetic hormones.
- Microflora is also affected by nutrition. Sweets, flour products, sweet carbonated drinks - all these products are a source of glucose, which yeast uses for nutrition. That is why the diet should be balanced.
- Risk factors include the constant wearing of narrow linen made of synthetic fabrics, the improper use of sanitary pads and tampons.
Thrush in women: symptoms
Now it is worthwhile to understand the features of the clinical picture. What are the symptoms of thrush? Reviews indicate that yeast causes very characteristic signs.
- Inflammation is accompanied by the formation of white discharge of a curdled consistency. White lumps are clearly visible on underwear. Moreover, the discharge has a very characteristic sour smell (somewhat reminiscent of kefir). Sometimes curdled deposits on the walls of the vagina acquire a yellowish or greenish tint.
- The ailment is accompanied by burning and severe itching of the external genital organs. It should immediately be said that you can not comb the skin. Microcracks that appear on the skin from such manipulations create the conditions for the infection to penetrate into deeper layers.
- Pain, itching, and discomfort increase during urination. Women also complain of discomfort and pain during intercourse.
The discomfort is gradually increasing. That is why it is so important to consult a doctor on time.
Stages of the development of the disease in women
You already know what thrush is. But it is worth noting that this ailment proceeds in several stages.
- Candidiasis colpitis. At this stage, the inflammatory process is localized only on the mucous membrane of the external genitalia. Itching, burning, the formation of cheesy discharge is observed.
- Candidiasis vaginitis. The causative agent extends to the mucous membranes of the vagina. Symptoms worsen, patients complain of pain that occurs during physical activity, sexual intercourse, or even touch.
- Candidiasis pyelocystitis. The causative agent penetrates into the submucosal tissues, the inflammatory process spreads to the tissues of the bladder, kidney structure. Patients complain of pain during urination. A deep, sometimes even bleeding, ulcer forms on the vaginal mucosa. Urine contains yeast-like fungi.
Possible complications
Many women face a problem such as thrush. Reviews of experts indicate that the acute form of fungal disease lends itself well to drug therapy. But if untreated, the inflammation can turn into a chronic form, which is already fraught with dangerous complications:
- the formation of adhesions between the tissues of the pelvic organs;
- adhesive process sometimes leads to obstruction of the fallopian tubes, which is fraught with infertility;
- a chronic inflammatory process weakens the immune defense, as a result of which the body becomes much more susceptible to infections;
- thrush during pregnancy can result in intrauterine infection of the fetus;
- the inflammatory process can go to other pelvic organs, for example, the rectum, bladder, ovaries;
- extremely rarely, the activity of the pathogen leads to sepsis.
That is why it is so important to treat the disease on time. Thrush in women can be dangerous, so you should not ignore it.
Symptoms of pathology in men
Despite the fact that this pathology is considered female, men are also often diagnosed with thrush. Symptoms naturally look different, but the stronger sex is also prone to a similar fungal disease.
Candidiasis in men proceeds in the form of balanoposthitis. The foreskin and the head of the penis swells and turns red, it becomes hot to the touch. Patients complain of discomfort, itching, burning, which intensify during physical activity and sexual intercourse. In the preputial cavity, cheesy discharge with a characteristic sour smell begins to accumulate.
Sometimes there are general symptoms of intoxication. There is an increase in body temperature, weakness, aches. Sometimes it is possible to observe an increase in inguinal lymph nodes.
Perhaps the development of erosive candidiasis balanoposthitis. Maceration of tissues begins, small sores, erosion appear on the skin of the genital organ. The process is accompanied by severe pain, and sometimes slight bleeding.
What is the disease dangerous for men? Description of possible complications
Is it worth worrying for patients diagnosed with thrush? Medication is usually effective. But the lack of therapy is fraught with unpleasant, and sometimes dangerous complications.
- Thrush in men increases the risk of cracks and erosion on the tissues of the external genitalia. In addition, the disease increases the susceptibility of the body to sexually transmitted infections.
- The inflammatory process can spread to other organs of the genitourinary system, which leads to the development of urethritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, nephritis, glomerulonephritis.
- In especially severe cases, candidiasis provokes inflammation of the prostate gland.
- It is proved that this pathology increases the risk of impotence and male infertility.
Diagnostic measures
How to treat thrush? The attending physician will tell you about this. But first you need to make an accurate diagnosis. As a rule, an external examination is enough to suspect the presence of thrush. A standard gynecological examination is shown to women, and a urologist examines the genitals of a man. In the future, some additional analyzes are required.
- First of all, a microscopic examination of a smear from the vagina (or urethra, if it is a male patient) is performed. This is a quick procedure, which is carried out in almost every clinic. Alas, during the test it is far from always possible to obtain reliable results.
- Bacteriological culture using samples taken from the mucous membrane of the vagina and urethra is more informative. Such a study helps to determine the exact type of pathogen, as well as check its reaction to certain drugs. This diagnostic technique is effective, but takes several days.
- PCR testing helps to identify yeast-like fungi (or other pathogens) in DNA samples.
- The patient also passes tests to determine sexually transmitted diseases, determine HIV status.
- If symptoms of complications occur, then patients are referred for additional diagnostics, which include pelvic ultrasound, colposcopy, and some other procedures.
Drug treatment
Many people are interested in questions about how to treat thrush. It’s worth saying right away that trying to get rid of the disease yourself is not worth it - inept attempts to cope with the infection can only lead to the development of chronic complications. Only a doctor knows what therapy thrush requires. Treatment for such a disease should be comprehensive.
To begin with, patients are prescribed antifungal drugs of both local and systemic effects. Effective are such tablets from thrush, such as "Flucostat", "Diflucan", "Nystatin." These drugs inhibit the activity of pathogenic microflora, prevent the reproduction of fungal organisms.
Other drugs are also used. For example, vaginal suppositories from thrush must be included in therapy, if we are talking about a female patient. Such topical agents as Terinal, Polygynax contain the same nystatin. Effective are vaginal tablets from the thrush "Pimafetsin". Such drugs as Ovulum, Lomexin, Livarol, Vetorozal, Nizoral are also included in the list of effective antifungal drugs. Medicines are available in the form of suppositories, tablets, ointments, creams, douching solutions.
Of course, the complex of drugs and their dosage is determined by the attending physician. In most cases, therapy lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, it is extremely important to follow the diet, adhere to the rules of personal hygiene (soap for processing intimate places must be selected very carefully), refuse sexual intercourse, since during this period the body is extremely susceptible to other infections.
Thrush is very often associated with intestinal dysbiosis. That is why it is important to restore the normal composition of beneficial microflora. Patients take Lactulose, Hilak Forte, Bifiform, as well as other medications that help colonize the intestines with beneficial bacteria.
The right diet for thrush
In modern medical practice, cases of thrush in women are often recorded. Treatment for such a disease necessarily includes appropriate nutrition. The fact is that some foods can affect the activity of the microflora of the human body, which sometimes only exacerbates the situation. Patients with a similar diagnosis are temporarily contraindicated:
- any dishes and products containing a large amount of sugar (this category also includes sweet fruits and juices);
- baking, white bread, pastry, pasta - all these products contain starch, which ultimately breaks down into glucose molecules (high sugar content forms a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi);
- any dishes and products made with yeast (including beer).
By following such simple rules, you can speed up the healing process. By the way, men should adhere to the same diet during therapy.
Folk remedies
Thrush at home can also be cured. Of course, medicinal decoctions and other drugs cannot be a substitute for full-fledged drug therapy. Such drugs can only complement treatment, accelerate the healing process.
- Honey, as you know, has a lot of useful properties. This product has a detrimental effect on bacterial and fungal microorganisms, helps relieve inflammation and eliminate unpleasant symptoms of thrush. Folk healers recommend diluting natural honey with boiled water in a ratio of 1: 10 and treating the external genitalia with this liquid.
- Effective are infusions and decoctions of sage, juniper, eucalyptus, calendula and chamomile. These funds are taken orally like tea. They help strengthen the immune system and relieve inflammation.
- For washing and douching, decoctions of oak bark, St. John's wort, burdock root and calendula flowers are used.
Naturally, you can start home therapy only after consulting a doctor - a specialist will help you choose effective and safe means.
Is there an effective prevention?
You already know what thrush is and why it develops. In a certain situation, this ailment can lead to a lot of complications. That is why it is much easier to try to avoid the development of candidiasis. The rules of prevention are actually extremely simple.
- Observe the rules of personal (intimate in particular) hygiene. Use suitable soap.
- It is worth remembering that promiscuous sexual relations are risk factors. If such contacts do occur, it is important to use protective equipment.
- Doctors recommend regularly inspecting the external genitalia, checking them for a rash, redness, discharge, and other symptoms.
- Proper nutrition is important - it is worth limiting the amount of fatty and flour products.
- It is also important to strengthen the immune system, exercise, avoid stress, and gradually slaughter the body.
You already know what thrush is. Symptoms of this disease are very characteristic. Having noticed such violations, you should immediately contact a specialist. The sooner therapy is started, the lower the risk of complications.