Fungi and parasites in the human body lead to the development of serious diseases. Today, there are about 100 varieties of mycoses that threaten human health. Fungal infections affect the mucous tissues, internal organs, the bone and nervous system, and they are also able to penetrate the blood. At an early stage, the fungus in the human body is difficult to diagnose. You can identify the disease after a series of studies.
What is the danger of fungal infections?
Today, according to WHO statistics, on our planet every fourth inhabitant gets some form of mycosis. Over the past 20 years, the number of patients has increased rapidly.
The fungus enters the human body quite quickly and easily, but to take it out requires a lot of effort. In addition to complex therapy, the patient needs to perform a complete cleansing of the body, adhere to dietary nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. The best conditions for the propagation of fungal infections are an acidic environment. Fighting mycosis through high or low temperatures will not succeed. Various types of mushrooms are able to survive both at -150 and at +150 ° C.
The body of each person is unique, therefore, the susceptibility to infection can be different. Some people may have a disease, while others may not, even if they are infected with the same type of mushroom. Not only the pathogenicity and virulence of the pathogen are responsible for the development of the disease. One of the most important factors is the resistance of the human body, that is, the ability to resist infection.
Mycoses do not pass on their own, in order to get rid of pathogenic microflora it is necessary to undergo treatment. The patient must undergo an examination, after which the doctor will prescribe effective therapy. Self-medication can exacerbate the problem. Incorrectly conducted therapy will lead to the fact that a temporarily reduced activity of pathogenic microflora, after a short period of time, will make itself felt with renewed vigor. Spores of the fungus will spread throughout the body, infecting healthy organs and leading to serious consequences. An infected person also poses a threat to others, as it is a carrier of infection.
Quite often, fungal diseases are secondary and develop against the background of the main ailment. Who is at risk?
Factors leading to the development of the disease
Before proceeding to the question of how to remove the fungus from the human body, you should understand what provokes the development of pathology.
The main factors include:
- disturbances in the endocrine system;
- weak immune defense;
- VVD (vegetovascular dystonia);
- lack of vitamins in the body;
- non-compliance with hygiene standards;
- injuries of the skin;
- hyperhidrosis (increased sweating).
The most favorable conditions for the survival of fungal colonies is a moist, moist environment. That is why the threat of catching an infection is much higher in people who often visit public baths and saunas, as well as the pool. A dry environment does not contribute to the death of pathogenic microflora. Fungi only temporarily become inactive and, under favorable conditions, again make themselves felt.
All fungal infections can be divided into two groups:
- Pathogenic. After contact with an infected person, the risk of infection is high.
- Conditionally pathogenic. The development of the disease occurs solely on the background of a weakened immune defense.
There are fungal diseases that affect people of a certain age category. For example, ringworm is found mainly in children, while mycoses of the feet and nails mainly occur in the adult population.
Fungi in the human body are quite often activated against a background of chronic diseases. These include: diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and thyroid gland, various degrees of obesity, diabetes mellitus and much more.
Mycoses can affect both the skin and mucous tissues of internal organs.
Varieties of fungal infections
There are three main types of mushrooms that can affect the human body:
Yeast fungi belong to opportunistic microflora. They are constantly present in the human body and do not pose a hazard until their number exceeds the permissible norm. This group includes Candida. In the human body, it is present in the natural microflora of the intestine, vagina, etc. However, under favorable conditions, it begins to multiply intensively, causing a disease known to many as thrush.
Moldy and domiphorous fungal infections are pathogenic. They pose a serious threat to both health and human life. Next, we consider the most common diseases caused by fungi, their symptoms and treatment methods.
Six main symptoms of Candida fungal infections
As mentioned above, Candida is a type of yeast that is present in the natural microflora of the human body. In small amounts, they benefit by helping in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. But when their number increases significantly - they have a negative effect on the human body. Fungi infect the intestinal mucosa and gradually lead to the destruction of its walls.
With a healthy immune system, the body copes with this problem on its own, however, if the defense is weakened, this leads to the development of a pathological process.
Fungi tend to penetrate the bloodstream and secrete toxins. With weakened immunity, the infection can migrate throughout the body, including the membranes of the brain and myocardium. How to determine the disease? What are the signs of fungus in the human body?
- Disturbances in the digestive system. If a person is tormented by regular gastrointestinal problems (flatulence, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, intestinal colic) - this is one of the clear signs of a fungal infection. Be sure to undergo an examination, as this symptom can be the cause of a much more serious disease.
- Chronic fatigue and exhaustion. This condition may signal candidal imbalance. No matter how many hours a person sleeps, he does not feel rested. If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
- Depression, anxiety, mood disorders. Such violations can signal the development of candidiasis. Do not be surprised that fungi can affect the functioning of the central nervous system. The main part of hormones, including serotonin, is formed during digestion. With intensive reproduction of candida, the production of the hormone “happiness” is suppressed, because of which a person experiences depressive states, a sense of anxiety and other psychological disorders. Acetaldehyde is a substance formed during the activity of a fungus, which reacts with dopamine and leads to distraction and the inability to concentrate.
- Genitourinary infections. Quite often, the cause of diseases of the genitourinary system are Candida fungi. The infection is contagious and can be transmitted sexually. The fungus affects the urinary tract and vaginal mucous membranes. The patient feels severe itching. Swollen tissues and swelling are observed. There may also be a burning sensation during bowel movement and pain during intercourse.
- Sinusitis. This disease is quite common. It can be caused by various factors, one of the pathogens is candida. During studies conducted at the Mauo Clinic, it was found that bending was detected in 96% of cases in mucus samples. Infection affects the mucous membranes of the sinuses, which causes nasal congestion, runny nose, and seasonal allergies.
- Disturbed hormonal background. In the process of reproduction, the fungus in the human body violates not only the gastrointestinal tract. High candida levels result in hormonal imbalances. Infection provokes the onset of early menopause, the occurrence of endometriosis and other health problems. If the hormonal background is disturbed, it is difficult for the patient to normalize the weight.
If any signs of fungus are found in the human body, treatment will be prescribed after a full examination. Diagnostic measures will determine the root cause of the disease. This is very important, since candidiasis is very often a concomitant disease. Based on the research, the doctor will prescribe an effective therapeutic course. It is important to adhere to a diet and a healthy lifestyle, otherwise relapse is possible.
Symptoms and treatment of the fungus
In the human body, the immune system performs protective functions. If for some reason it fails, the risk of infection with fungal infections increases. Candidiasis can be transmitted sexually, so when diagnosing it, both sexual partners should undergo treatment. The fungus affects the skin and tissues of the mucous membranes. Most often, thrush occurs in women (vaginal candidiasis). In infants, a fungal infection often affects the oral mucosa. This disease is called oral candidiasis. Since Candida fungus is present in the natural intestinal microflora, it is not surprising that this organ is affected in the first place, which leads to gastrointestinal tract disorders.
The infection spreads to the skin. For example, in overweight women, quite often the fungus affects the folds under the breast, and in men - the foreskin and inguinal region.
Consider the main symptoms of a fungus in the human body:
- burning sensation during urination;
- pain that occurs during intercourse (in men, this can also occur during erection);
- itching
- redness of the affected skin and mucous membranes;
- white cheesy discharge with an unpleasant odor.
For the treatment of candidiasis, antimycotic agents are prescribed to the patient. They come in the form of ointments (Pimafucin, Nystatin Ointment, Clotrimazole, etc.), tablets (Fluconazole, Futsis, etc.) and vaginal suppositories (Pimafucin, Zalain, "Mykozon", etc.). Also, therapy may include immunomodulatory drugs.
To reduce candida activity, it is important to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and eat right. You need to exclude alcohol, dairy products, sugar and carbohydrates (bakery products, cookies, etc.) from your diet.
Herbal treatment
Alternative methods can relieve the fungus in the human body. Herbs are recognized as the most effective: chamomile, St. John's wort, succession, calendula, nettle. Oak and aloe bark also worked well.
Decoctions and infusions of herbs are used both internally and externally. Such remedies help relieve inflammation, eliminate itching, and heal wounds. Medicinal plants strengthen the body's immune defense.
Based on herbs in the treatment of thrush use:
- Tampons. The procedure is performed before bedtime. From gauze, you need to make a swab and soak it with a pre-prepared infusion. Carefully enter into the vagina and leave until morning.
- Douching. This method helps flush out the fungal infection from the walls of the vagina. But it is not worth abusing such treatment, since along with pathogenic microflora it is also washed out useful. Douching is acceptable for three days, but no more than twice a day.
- Baths. In the presence of a fungal infection, you need to thoroughly wash yourself. Herbal baths help rinse off cheesy discharge and relieve inflammation. The procedure is carried out twice a day, duration from 15 to 30 minutes.
- Irrigation. This method is suitable in cases where it is impossible to carry out a full washing procedure.
These methods of treating fungus in the human body are affordable and safe.
Mycosis stop
Another common fungal disease is mycosis of the feet. Symptoms of the disease are:
- cracks;
- rough skin, corns;
- diaper rash;
- pain and itching;
- bad smell.
Subsequently, the affected tissue softens and becomes whitish. There is a necrosis of skin cells and their peeling. In some cases, with the attachment of a bacterial infection, sores and ulcers occur in the affected areas.
You can get infected with mycosis in public places (bathhouse, beach, pool), in contact with a sick person or his things.
Treatment of the disease should be comprehensive. Prescribe antimycotic drugs for internal and external use and physiotherapy. Popular antifungal agents are:
- "Mycoseptin";
- Diflucan
- "Lamellar";
- Candide;
- "Diflason";
- Clotrimazole, etc.
For the treatment of feet, special disinfectant solutions are also used. Ointments and creams are applied to clean feet just before bedtime.
Trichophytosis
This disease is known to many as ringworm. Trichophytosis is a disease caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton. Most often, the disease affects children who have had contact with infected animals. The disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted to both humans and animals. The fungus affects smooth and hairy areas of the skin. It manifests itself in the form of rounded lesions, on which the hair almost completely falls out. The skin takes on a pale pink tint and peels off a bit.
They treat the disease with local drugs. The affected areas are treated with antifungal ointments and iodine-containing solution, in turn. The most popular drugs are: "Naphtinin", "Terbinafine", "Bifonazole".
Fungal diseases of the internal organs
As mentioned above, fungal infections affect not only the skin. Spores can enter the human body. How to get rid of a fungus that affects the internal organs?
Unlike skin, visceral fungal infections are much more dangerous. They are difficult to identify in the early stages of development, since the symptoms are practically not manifested. Fungi multiply within the body, affecting organ after organ. Such diseases include:
- Sporotrichosis. This type of infection most often affects the tissues of the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue. Slightly less often, the fungus spreads to the mucous membranes and internal organs. Spores enter the human body in several ways: in the process of breathing, through wounds on the skin and gastrointestinal tract. If the internal organs are affected, the disease proceeds in the form of sepsis. The following symptoms may serve as signs of a fungus in the human body: the formation (mainly on the upper limbs) of painless seals, their gradual softening and opening, after which ulcers form. In the healing process, irregular scars form. Therapy is carried out with potassium iodide or sodium. The patient is prescribed antibacterial agents, and for local use - ichthyol ointment.
- Candidiasis. If timely treatment of the disease has not been carried out, the fungal infection spreads to the internal organs. The disease has many varieties: candidal esophagitis (in which the esophagus is affected), candidal pneumonia (the fungus multiplies in the lungs and respiratory tract). Also, a fungal infection leads to diseases of the genitourinary system and organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Generalized candidiasis occurs , in which the fungus enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body, affecting the nervous system. Treatment depends on the type of ailment.
- Histoplasmosis. The causative agent of the disease is Histoplasma fungus. Spores predominantly affect the lungs; only in rare cases does the disease affect other organs. Lack of treatment can lead to death. The patient experiences a number of specific symptoms: high fever (above 40 ° C), general malaise, pain in the chest, muscles and head, chills and severe perspiration.
Conclusion
How to cure a fungus in the human body? This is a rather difficult question, since there are a huge number of mycotic infections. The course of therapy is prescribed by the attending physician, after carrying out all the necessary diagnostic tests. It is very dangerous to self-medicate, since a specific drug is provided for each individual type of fungal infection. Mycosis, not cured in a timely manner, can bring many health problems.