Candidiasis of the mucous membranes is a fungal disease that many people on our planet face. In this article, we will consider the main features of this pathology, as well as its symptoms, causes and the most effective treatment methods. Therefore, carefully read this article in order to arm yourself as much as possible.
General description of the disease
Candidiasis of the mucous membranes is a pathology that affects the mucous membranes of the human body. Typically, such an ailment occurs in the oral cavity, vagina, as well as in the nasopharynx and in the intestine. In fact, about thirty percent of the earth’s population at least once in their life has experienced the development in the body of various forms of mucosal candidiasis. If we consider the oral cavity, then most often small children are affected by such a fungus. It is at this age that the disease is much easier to treat, but at the same time it spreads very quickly. However, adults are not immune to attacks of candida on the oral cavity. Very often, elderly people who are forced to wear dentures suffer from this pathology. Indeed, under it a large number of fungi and bacteria can accumulate, and candida is no exception.
Also, the disease can begin to progress if the person’s immunity is too weak. Much more often candidiasis of the mucous membranes is attacked by the fair sex, however, men are also prone to the development of this pathology. At a special risk zone are smokers of the stronger sex.
What is Candida Bacteria?
Before you start treating diseases caused by fungi, you need to understand what they are. In this article we will talk about the candida. This fungus is unicellular. In this case, the human body can attack about twenty varieties of representatives of such parasites. Candidiasis of the oral mucosa can form in a wide variety of areas. For example, on the site of a damaged tooth, on tonsils and mucous membranes. If the conditions in your body are ideally suited for the active reproduction of yeast-like fungi, then be prepared for the fact that soon you will encounter a disease such as candidiasis of the mucous membranes.
Remember, these mushrooms simply adore the alkaline nature. If you consume a large amount of sweets, as well as other foods rich in carbohydrates, then create ideal conditions for them in your body.
The disease is very easily transmitted. When the parasite enters the epithelium, it will begin its active life there. It is also worth considering that candida are able to secrete special enzymes that destroy the cells of the human body. Under the influence of such processes, you will notice that painful sensations began to arise in the oral cavity. In addition, excessive dryness, inflammation, and burning may occur.
Candidiasis of the oral mucosa: causes of pathology
In fact, absolutely any person, even the healthiest, can become a carrier of such a fungal pathology as candidiasis. And, oddly enough, a large half of humanity does not even suspect this. Of course, the body adapts to peaceful cohabitation with many microorganisms, however, if health deteriorates sharply, the fungi begin to feel their dominance and tend to actively multiply. Thus, fungal cells do not already exist alone. They form very large colonies.
Consider the most basic causes of the development of such a disease as candidiasis of the mucous membranes (you can see a photo on this topic in this article).
Most often, such a pathology occurs in those people who suffer from reduced immunity. The body's defenses can fail if there are any diseases in the body, as well as against the background of uncontrolled use of antibiotics.
Very often, the disease can begin to progress in pregnant women. This is due to the fact that the period of gestation is accompanied by a change in the hormonal background.
Also, fungi that affect the oral cavity, signal the development of such a dangerous disease as diabetes.
It is worth paying attention to the diet. Very often, people suffer from fungal diseases just because their body lacks vitamins. Be sure to include in the daily menu foods rich in vitamins B, C and PP.
Pay attention to your lifestyle. If you consume an excessively large amount of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, then, most likely, the balance of your body is impaired, which means that the defenses have weakened.
As mentioned above, the elderly, wearing dentures, are also prone to candidiasis of the oral mucosa and pharynx.
It is worth considering the presence in the oral cavity of small wounds, caries and cracks. Timely visits to the dentist will significantly reduce the risk of developing various fungal pathologies.
Remember, a person is infected with candidiasis from another person is very simple. This can happen during a kiss or sexual intercourse, as well as in the absence of an individual toothbrush and other hygiene products. The disease can spread to people and from animals. Therefore, in a particular risk zone are small children, often in contact with them.
Disease in children
Candidiasis of the mucous membranes in children is very common. About twenty percent of babies face this pathology. In this case, the disease can be transmitted both from mother to her baby, and from the working staff of the clinic. The protective system of the child's body has not yet been fully formed, so getting into the body of a fungal infection will not be difficult. The microflora of the oral cavity is not yet stable, so bacteria develop and multiply very quickly.
At the very initial stages of the development of candidiasis of the mucous membranes in children, it is very difficult to identify the disease, since the only thing that can be seen in the oral cavity is inflamed areas. However, later the oral cavity will be covered with small white grains of sand, which will subsequently take the form of curd mass. If the disease is not treated, then every day it will be progressive in nature. Children begin to suffer from insomnia, and body temperature rises.
The main symptoms in adults: the first stage of the development of pathology
As soon as the infection enters the epithelial tissue, it begins to proliferate in it and destroy all surrounding cells. This is accompanied by pain, as well as inflammation and dryness.
Active breeding phase
The accumulation of a large number of pathogenic microorganisms is very simple to consider. They have the appearance of cheesy discharge. At the same time, it is not difficult to remove them.
Every day, the affected areas of the skin become more and more, and in the end they begin to merge. In some cases, not only the inside of the mouth, but also the lips are in the danger zone. They are also covered with a white curd coating.
Heavy phase
The next step is to remove the curd clusters more and more difficult. Under them, you can notice inflamed skin and even wounds. If bacteria affect the throat, then it becomes very difficult for a person to swallow, and the process of eating food becomes quite difficult. Gradually, body temperature rises, the body's protective immune forces are completely depleted, and the body is poisoned by toxins that produce candida fungi.
Treatment of candidiasis of the mucous membranes of the mouth
In no case should you self-medicate. Be sure to contact the hospital for an accurate diagnosis. Only an experienced specialist will be able to recognize the disease and prescribe you the best possible treatment. In order to accurately determine the type of pathology, the doctor will take several necessary tests, as well as examine the anamnesis. Only then can we talk about treatment methods. First you need to get rid of the reasons that influenced the development of such a dangerous and unpleasant ailment.
If the disease only affects the oral cavity, then a periodontist or dentist can help you. If the fungi spread to other mucous membranes, then contact an infectious disease specialist.
Conservative treatments
A lot of people are faced with such a fungal disease as candidiasis of the oral mucosa. The treatment in this case usually consists of taking certain medications. Typically, doctors prescribe polyene antibiotics to their patients, but if treatment with them does not lead to positive results, then the drug "Amphotericin" is prescribed, which is administered intravenously. In addition, drugs such as Fluconazole and Nizoral have proven themselves well. The doctor at the reception will tell you about all the features of their use, because each case is individual, therefore it requires a special approach.
It is very important to deal with the restoration of immunity. Usually, doctors recommend taking multivitamin complexes, as well as trace elements such as iron and calcium gluconate.
Dieting
Candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes is quite common. Often, such a disease affects the oral cavity. In order to get rid of the pathology much faster, doctors recommend a special diet. Namely, try to completely abandon the sweet during treatment, reduce the intake of simple carbohydrates as much as possible. Do not eat too sharp and acidic foods, as they will excessively irritate the already damaged mucous membranes. Also try not to eat harmful foods for a year after undergoing treatment. This will maximize the results and save you from re-infection.
Alternative methods of treatment
Do not ignore a disease such as candidiasis of the oral mucosa. The healing process will advance much faster if you combine folk and conservative methods.
Experts recommend rinsing the oral cavity with a decoction based on oak bark, dill seeds and parsley roots. You can also use oils that have anti-inflammatory effect. Apply them to gauze folded in several layers and apply to damaged areas. Start consuming carrot and cranberry juice. Natural honey also has a good effect. Drink calendula tea daily. It will eliminate the inflammatory processes in your body, significantly strengthen the immune system.
Preventative measures
The first thing you should pay attention to is careful hygiene. Each member of the family should have their own personal toothbrush. A woman is recommended to take a shower before breastfeeding, and her nipples and baby dishes should be boiled.
Both adults and children should eat properly and consume enough vitamins to strengthen immunity. Experts recommend introducing more dairy products into the diet.
Everyone should take care of the condition of their teeth, so at least twice a year go to the dentist for a routine examination.
conclusions
Each of us is responsible for the state of our health. Only we decide whether to be healthy or to bend under the weight of various diseases. Take care of yourself today, because candidiasis is not a sentence. It is very simple to protect yourself from the development of this pathology. First of all, pay attention to your diet. Eat as many foods as possible, which are responsible for strengthening the defenses of your body. Doctors also recommend drinking multivitamin complexes several times a year. Engage in active sports, walk more in the fresh air, accustom yourself to hardening.
It is very important to cure all the chronic diseases that exist in your body at the moment. Go to the dentist regularly and teach your children to take care of themselves from childhood. And then you will not know what is candidiasis of the oral cavity. Love yourself and be healthy!