The term "thrush" refers to a fungal disease of an infectious nature. Its other name is candidiasis. The most common pathology is diagnosed in women. The fungus can normally be present in a healthy person. The active process of its reproduction is launched under the influence of certain provoking factors. In many cases, a person does not even suspect that he is infected and poses a danger to others. The following describes the causes, symptoms, incubation period of thrush in women and men, treatment regimens for the disease.
Development mechanism
Normally, the pH of the vagina is acidic. Due to this, pathogens that enter the body die. In other words, pH is a kind of barrier that prevents the growth of fungi and the spread of other infections. Under the influence of various adverse factors, the degree of protection is weakened, that is, the natural environment is disturbed.
The causative agent of thrush is the pathogen of the genus Candida. Once in the body, it affects the mucous membranes. The fungus feeds on glucose. Its active vital activity helps to reduce the number of beneficial bacteria. Incubation of thrush is a short-term period. If untreated, the pathogen spreads very quickly to other internal organs.
Causes
In most cases, the process of candidiasis development starts when weakening of both local and general immunity after infections or chronic diseases.
In addition, thrush appears under the influence of the following factors:
- Hormonal imbalance.
- Taking combined oral contraceptives.
- Dysbacteriosis
- Long-term use of corticosteroids, cytostatics and antibiotics.
- Change of climatic conditions.
- Use of products intended for intimate hygiene. As a rule, they contain a large number of flavorings and alkali.
- Regular use of daily pads.
- Wearing uncomfortable and narrow underwear, as well as products from synthetic materials.
- Use of deodorized pads and tampons.
- Unbalanced diet. The growth of the fungus is promoted by the use of confectionery, spicy and fatty dishes, carbonated drinks, and various sauces.
- Avitaminosis.
- Overweight.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Smoking.
- Staying long under stress.
Under the influence of one or more of the above factors, there is a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria that secrete lactic acid. As a result, the pH of the vagina is shifted to the alkaline side, which is a favorable factor for the multiplication of the fungus.
The incubation period of thrush and severity
During candidiasis, several stages are distinguished. If the doctor correctly determines it, he will be able to prescribe the most effective treatment.
Stage of development of candidiasis:
- Primary In other words, this is the incubation period of thrush. It is characterized by the penetration of the fungus into the human body. The duration of the incubation period of thrush in women is on average 1 day. In some cases, it is delayed up to 7-8 days. At this stage, the symptoms are absent or expressed so mildly that does not cause a feeling of anxiety. In men, the incubation period of thrush is also only a few days.
- Secondary In other words, this is a period of budding. After the incubation period of thrush ends, the fungus actively begins to multiply. Pathogens gradually penetrate the tissues, and in the absence of treatment, they gradually affect the internal organs. At this stage, the person manifests the first pronounced symptoms.
- Tertiary. The fungus penetrates into the soft tissue to a depth of approximately 6 mm. At this stage, clinical manifestations are very pronounced. This stage is considered an already neglected form of the disease, requiring long-term medical treatment.
- The final one. Pathogenic microflora penetrate into the bloodstream and, through liquid connective tissue, spread throughout the body. In such situations, there is a risk of death. In this regard, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately after the onset of the first alarming symptoms.
Thus, the development of the disease occurs very quickly. In this, the infection is similar to an equally common pathology called ureaplasma. The incubation period of thrush can be only one day, a maximum of several days, after which the yeast-like flora begins to multiply actively.
Clinical picture
It often happens that unpleasant signs disappear on their own. Such a situation does not exclude the need to see a doctor. This is due to the fact that the disease turned into a chronic or asymptomatic form, but recovery did not occur.
In most cases, after the completion of the incubation period of thrush in women, the following symptoms occur:
- Pain during intercourse.
- Swelling of the walls of the vagina.
- Plaque on the genitals of white color.
- Abundant discharge of curd consistency.
- Severe itching and burning.
- Rash on the genitals.
- Deterioration of general well-being.
- Rapid urination.
- Aching pain in the lower abdomen.
- Cramping during urination.
After completion of the incubation period of thrush in men (fungal transmission usually occurs from a partner), symptoms may be absent. In representatives of the stronger sex, the disease most often proceeds in a latent form. Only minor violations of sexual function can be observed. If untreated, the fungus spreads to the urinary canal and provokes the development of urethritis.
Features of the disease in children
Infection of a child occurs during childbearing, when the baby passes through the birth canal or when hygiene rules are not followed. In children, the incubation period of thrush is an average of 24 hours. The very next day after infection, severe clinical manifestations appear. This rate of development of pathology is due to the fact that the body of a small child is not yet able to stop the reproduction of yeast-like flora.
Candidiasis affects the skin and mucous membranes. Most often, doctors find thrush in children in the oral cavity.
Diagnostics
If the first alarming signs occur, women should consult a gynecologist. The doctor will prescribe an examination and, based on its results, draw up a treatment regimen.
The main diagnostic methods:
- A smear on the flora. During the study, pathogens are detected, and the number of lactobacilli is also estimated.
- Baksev. With it, you can accurately determine the type of fungus and determine its sensitivity to drugs.
- Colposcopy This term refers to the examination of the vagina with a special tool.
Additionally, the doctor may prescribe an analysis of the biomaterial for infections that are sexually transmitted.
Treatment
After receiving the diagnostic results, the doctor draws up a therapy regimen. It includes the following items:
- Use of vaginal tablets and suppositories. The most effective drugs are the following: “Pimafucin”, “Candibene”, “Gino-travogen”, “Ginezol”, “Terzhinan”, “Polygynax”. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor. As a rule, this period takes from 3 to 10 days. Vaginal tablets and suppositories must be inserted into the vagina, preferably before bedtime, after having put on a sanitary pad on underwear. It is important to know that mild itching may be present for another 2 weeks after completing the course of treatment.
- Taking antifungal drugs. Medicines intended for oral use have a complex effect, that is, they destroy fungi in all organs. The most commonly prescribed medications are: Fluconazole, Mikosist, Diflucan, Ketoconazole, Pimafucin, Nystatin.
It is important to remember that the course of treatment must be completed by both partners. This is because reinfection may occur during sexual contact. This rule applies even if partners regularly use a condom. Men are also prescribed pills. The names of the drugs, as a rule, are the same that gynecologists recommend to women. Additionally, it is necessary to treat the glans penis with ointments. Most often, doctors recommend Pimafucin and Clotrimazole.
Forecast
The outcome of the disease directly depends on the timeliness of going to the doctor. At the primary stage, the use of local drugs is sufficient. Their active substances quickly destroy the yeast-like flora.
With a moderate disease, the use of local drugs and the use of tablets are indicated. The healing process takes, on average, 10 days.
Ignoring the problem leads to the spread of infection to the internal organs. If the patient went to the doctor at this stage, she will have long-term treatment. Lack of therapy can even be fatal.
Prevention
In order to prevent the development of candidiasis, it is recommended to avoid unprotected sexual intercourse, to take responsible hygiene practices and to strengthen the immune system in a timely manner. In addition, it is advisable to refuse to wear underwear made of synthetic materials. It is also necessary to make adjustments to the diet. You need to reduce the amount of carbohydrate food and confectionery in the menu.
Finally
Candidiasis is a widespread disease that significantly degrades a person’s quality of life. The incubation period of thrush can be only 1 day, and after its completion, the first alarming symptoms occur. It is necessary to consult a doctor at an early stage of the development of an ailment in order to prevent the development of complications from the internal organs.