Fungi are microorganisms that cause quite serious diseases. In nature, there are more than 50 thousand species. 200 of them can harm a person.
Conditional split
Conventionally, fungi can be divided into several types:
- Yeast.
- Mold.
- Domifornye. They have a distinctive feature: they are able to move from one species to another. It all depends on their environment.
Some fungi can be called natural, as they are part of the body's natural microflora. Such species are called opportunistic. However, they are still causative agents of fungal infections.
The rest are able to have a serious impact on human health. Such parasites are called pathogenic. They can affect the internal organs, skin, eyes, ears and so on. The fungus is able to settle anywhere in the human body. A factor that positively affects its development is dampness.
If a person has a strong and healthy immunity, then the body will be protected from infections. However, as soon as it begins to weaken, these germs will multiply. If a person has a chronic disease, then a fungal infection can begin from natural microorganisms.
Types of infections
In addition to the above types of fungi, there are varieties of infections. They are caused by various microorganisms, differing in symptoms and location of the lesion. In order to choose the right method of treatment, you need to understand what diseases can be. Therefore, we consider varieties of fungi and infections:
- Actinomycetes and aspergillus cause a disease such as keratomycosis. They affect the stratum corneum of the skin. Rashes of burgundy shade may appear.
- A fungus of the genus Arthodermataceae causes dermatophytosis. This microorganism has a very strong effect on humans. The fungus can cause disease not only in the skin, but also in the hair and nails.
- Trichophyton - the causative agent of trichophytosis. It affects the hair, as well as the skin and nails.
- The most common are microorganisms of the genus Candida. They cause a fungal infection - candidiasis. This microorganism is part of the natural intestinal flora. Thanks to immunity, the fungus multiplies to an acceptable limit. As soon as the protective functions are reduced, it begins to actively increase in size, therefore, various diseases arise. Able to affect absolutely any organ of the body, most often parasitizes on the mucous membranes and on the skin.
Infection pathways
As already understood, any fungal infection has a severe course. Pathogens enter the body from the environment. Consideration should be given to infection routes. At the same time, it must be understood that when affected by these microorganisms, not only the immune system suffers, but also all internal organs.
- The first way is contact. If a healthy person has injured skin, then when communicating with a patient, most likely, he will become infected. There is also a social factor.
- Alimentary way. As a rule, this is how children become infected. Infection enters the body with food. For example, babies who are not yet a year old often have candidiasis of the oral cavity.
- Dusty. Many infections and fungi can live in the environment, be carried with dust, thereby penetrating the body.
- The last is the sexual way. If there is vaginal candidiasis in women, it can be transmitted to a partner by contact.
Uterine fungus
If a woman had a fungal infection of the vagina, then it can penetrate into the genital organs. Accordingly, the uterus and appendages will be affected. Among the complications, it is necessary to highlight the fact that a woman can become infertile. Other chronic diseases are also capable of developing. At risk are patients with diabetes mellitus, who have undergone antibiotic therapy the day before or have been treating prolonged inflammation. In any case, it is urgent to treat this ailment.
Trichophytosis
Trichophytosis in humans is a very dangerous disease. Under such an incomprehensible name, ordinary and well-known ringworm is hidden. It can be picked up by “talking” with a street cat.
This disease affects the skin, nails and hair. Symptoms may occur during the first week after contact with the patient. With proper treatment of the disease, it will pass without any trace for a person. If therapy is ignored, then the patient may break the structure of the skin, and this will also lead to persistent baldness.
The causative agent of the disease is Trichophyton fungus. If we talk about the route of its transmission, then, as a rule, this is contact with street animals. At risk are young and middle-aged children who are drawn to all pets. If we are talking about a disease in a small child, then it will be quite difficult to proceed. Symptoms of a fungal infection will manifest with great force.
The cause of ringworm may be completely different fungi. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner in order to identify the pathogen.
Also, the fungus can be transmitted using household items. Therefore, the household method should not be ruled out. In this case, you do not need to have direct contact with an animal or an infected person. Trichophytosis can also be transmitted through the use of common things.
On the other hand, it should be noted that a healthy person is not always ill after direct or indirect contact. If the fungus just got on the skin, then it can be destroyed by the body's defense system.
The incubation period of the disease is 7 days. The foci of inflammation can be not only on the skin, but also on the head, where the hair grows. Fungal infection in children will be noticeable quite quickly.
Treatment depends entirely on where the inflammation of the process occurs. If we are talking about smooth skin, then use antifungal drugs. This can be a well-known salicylic ointment or sulfur-tar.
If we are talking about damage to the scalp, then use antifungal therapy. Antibiotics are often prescribed. Treatment should be continued until repeated tests show a negative result. As a rule, the course of therapy is at least one and a half months.
Microsporia
Microsporia is caused by the fungus of the same name. The patient, as a rule, suffers from the fact that either the scalp or smooth skin is affected. Fungi can also affect nails. This disease most often affects children who become infected from animals.
In order to recover, you should use "Terbinafine." Doctors prescribe this drug most often. The course lasts up to 5 weeks. The composition must be applied to the affected foci about 5 times a day.
Also popular is Clotrimazole. This is an ointment for external use. The foci should be treated three times a day. You do not need to wet them. Among the advantages, it should be noted that this drug is inexpensive and effective, and of the disadvantages - it takes them a long time to be treated.
Histoplasmosis
Another fungal infection of the skin is histoplasmosis. The pathogen enters the body through the nose or after eating infected products. As soon as a person is infected, wounds and ulcers appear on the mucous membranes, lymph nodes can become inflamed.
Microorganisms entering the internal organs begin to parasitize, resulting in an increase in the liver and spleen.
To cure a fungal infection of the skin, itrazol can be used. This drug is available in capsules. You need to take it two pills a day. The course is 2 weeks. The disadvantages include the fact that the drug is not suitable for every patient, and the pluses are high efficiency.
A medicine called “Amphotericin B” also works well. This drug must be diluted with glucose, and then it should be administered either drip or intravenously. This medication allows you to urgently respond to infection. He has a rather large list of contraindications, but he is highly effective.
Sporotrichosis
Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection of the skin. The virus of this disease penetrates through the integument. If a person has an injury, then the probability of infection is high. It can also enter the body through the respiratory tract. Germs are found in water and soil. They are carried by air or with clothing. This infection affects not only the skin, but also the joints, lungs, bone tissue.
If left untreated, sepsis may develop. For the treatment and disposal of microorganisms, either “Ketoconazole” or “Voriconazole” must be used. The first drug must be used both externally and internally. Then the therapeutic effect will be enhanced. 2 tablets per day should be taken. The course of treatment lasts 2 weeks. Also, this drug is available in the form of an ointment, it is necessary to treat the affected skin. Among the shortcomings, it should be noted that the tool is not suitable for all patients, of the advantages is a high result in treatment.
“Voriconazole” is introduced into the body through a dropper. This procedure is done in a hospital. Among the shortcomings, a large number of side effects, the likelihood of intoxication, should be noted.
Throat infection
Often, a fungal infection in the throat can occur. As a rule, it is caused by yeast, which belong to the genus Candida. Initially, the lesion begins with the oral cavity. If you do not treat the infection, then it goes further and is already developing in the throat.
Symptoms include pain, unpleasant odor, fever, white plaque on the throat and tonsils. At home, it is quite difficult to distinguish the development of angina from candidiasis. That is why when such symptoms appear, you need to see a doctor. As a rule, a fungal infection can be diagnosed already at the first examination. Next, the doctor should prescribe tests. A smear is given in the laboratory and therapy is determined by the results. To recover, use drugs of general or local action.
Sometimes, with this symptomatology, fungi not only of the genus Candida, but also some others, are detected in the throat. In this case, the infection must be treated with special antibacterial agents. This lesion is eliminated much longer and more difficult.
Intestinal infection
Often a fungal infection in the body is localized in the intestine. It is also caused by candida, is a complication of the disease described above. If the oral cavity is not treated, then the disease will begin to progress. The esophagus will suffer, then the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of candidiasis include constipation, constant fatigue, cravings for sweets, and skin rashes. The latter, as a rule, are allergic in nature.
If we consider the varieties of candidiasis, then diffuse, which affects the intestines and directly the digestive tract, should be distinguished. Such fungi injure the mucous membrane. Often, this disease can lead to inflammatory processes in the body. The main symptom is the presence of blood and mucus in the stool.
The invasive form affects people with weakened immunity. As a symptom, diarrhea with bloating appears. Very often, patients confuse an exacerbation of a given disease with a common disorder. It can manifest as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and general weakness.
Candidiasis should be treated with antifungal medications. They need to be taken systematically. Also, the doctor should prescribe a diet. Do not ignore drugs that strengthen the immune system. In order for the treatment to lead to the desired result, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Therapy
In order to treat candidiasis or other infections, you must consult a doctor. He will identify the pathogen and prescribe the necessary drugs. It should be noted that not all antimycotic agents can affect the disease. Self-medication is not allowed. All medicines are very toxic. If you do not use them or exceed the dose, you can worsen your condition. First of all, the liver will suffer.
If any inflammation has already appeared in the body, then the immune system will become weak. Accordingly, she will not be able to protect against fungal infections. Therefore, it turns out that with improper treatment, the body only collapses. Often, with therapy against fungal infections, “Ketoconazole”, “Levorin”, “Pimafucin” and more are prescribed. If we are talking about skin damage, then use “Exoderil”, “Nizoral” and so on.
These drugs have both local and general effects on the body. Judging by the reviews of patients, they cope with their task in full.
Forecast
If we are talking about the fungus of the hands, vagina, feet, then the treatment of candidiasis will be much easier. As a rule, with proper therapy, after a month, the patient will forget that he was worried about some symptoms.
The worst treatment is a fungal nail disease . Forms of mycosis are considered the most severe. As a rule, they always take a chronic course. Constant exacerbations and remissions are observed in patients. If you choose the treatment on time, as well as fully comply with the doctor’s prescriptions, the prognosis will be as favorable as possible.
Infection prevention
In order not to deal with the treatment of fungal infections, preventive measures must be followed. You need to constantly wash your hands, using only your hygiene products, sterilize instruments that are used in public places. If we are talking about children, you must ensure that they do not pull dirty hands into their mouths.
Prevention of systemic fungal diseases is aimed at maintaining normal immune function. To do this, you need to constantly monitor your work and rest regimen, sleep at least 8 hours, eat right, especially paying attention to those fruits and vegetables that contain many vitamins, to avoid stress, since the nervous system greatly affects the immune system.
If the body has chronic infections, then their symptoms and manifestation should be minimized. Need to achieve remission. The fact is that with their development, the immune system gives all its strength to the fight. It is also necessary to monitor the body so that there is no secondary disease with any viruses.
Fungal infections are quite complex, often they become chronic. The fact is that often the immune system is not able to cope with these diseases. Therefore, it is important to carry out the correct prevention.
Summary
As a result, it should be noted that infections caused by fungi are quite complex. It is necessary to pay attention to personal hygiene in order to prevent infection by them.
The article describes the methods of treatment of certain diseases caused by these microorganisms, but this is not a complete list. In order not to worry about how to recover from fungi and which doctor to contact in the presence of infection, you need to carefully consider your health.