A large number of women at the appointment with a gynecologist complain about the manifestations of a disease such as vaginal candidiasis, which can also be called thrush. In itself, it does not pose a threat to health, but it can cause a lot of inconvenience. Completely getting rid of this disease is quite problematic and its symptoms can occur every month. In this article, we will analyze what causes the pathology to appear and if the yeast infection is constantly tormented, what to do about it.
Disease definition
Thrush is vaginal candidiasis caused by fungi of the genus Candida, which is present in the normal microflora of the vagina. But under certain circumstances, increased fungal growth occurs, leading to the onset of the disease. In some women, after treatment, the yeast infection disappears for a long time. But there are situations in which the acute form of the disease becomes recurrent. Permanent thrush requires an integrated approach to treatment, one of the main factors of which will be an increase in immunity.
Pathology classification
Currently, experts distinguish two forms of the course of persistent thrush:
- Recurrent. This form of the disease proceeds in a mild form, practically without causing inconvenience. This is its insidiousness. Indeed, due to the fact that there are no obvious manifestations, the woman is in no hurry to consult a doctor and begin the necessary treatment, which can lead to serious consequences.
- Persistent. This form is characterized by a severe course of the disease with severe symptoms. Treatment only for a while dulls the manifestations of persistent thrush, after which they begin to bother again.
Causes
A large number of factors can provoke increased fungal growth. The most common causes of persistent thrush are the following:
- Immunity reduction. This is a key factor in the occurrence of the disease.
- Hormonal background malfunctions.
- Pregnancy.
- Improper nutrition, which contains sweet, flour and alcohol products.
- Taking antibiotics. In this case, thrush appears in most cases.
- Contraceptive hormonal drugs.
- Dysbacteriosis
- Lack of intimate hygiene.
- Frequent change of sexual partners, which may be carriers of the fungus.
- Wearing tight or synthetic underwear.
- Menstruation, in which ideal conditions for the reproduction of fungi are created in the vagina. Also here include the use of pads, which can provoke a violation of the vaginal microflora.
- Stressful situations.
- Allergic reactions, resulting in a decrease in immunity.
- Sexually transmitted diseases and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs. This is a very important factor in the appearance of recurrent thrush. This is due to the fact that in the treatment of candidiasis, the doctor does not always reveal the true cause of its appearance, as a result of which the pathology is treated superficially. It happens, and vice versa, when the main therapy is directed specifically to the treatment of a provoking disease. As a symptom, the thrush disappears for a while, but the microflora remains disturbed. As a result, after a while, the manifestations of candidiasis again begin to disturb.
Symptoms
Signs of repeated thrush are quite characteristic, which in most cases allows you to accurately diagnose. The most obvious symptoms include the following manifestations:
- Itching and burning of the genitals, which can intensify at night, after intercourse or urination.
- Curdled white discharge.
- White plaque on the genitals. It is worth noting that in the early stages it may be absent.
- Redness and swelling of the genital organs.
- Pain during intercourse and urination.
- Without timely treatment, erosion may appear in the vagina and labia of a woman.
In men, the following symptoms may appear:
- White plaque on the glans penis.
- Itching and burning.
- Redness and swelling of the penis.
Diagnosis of the disease
In some cases, there are no obvious manifestations of persistent thrush. Therefore, to detect it, it is necessary to resort to a complex of diagnostic measures.
- First of all, a gynecologist examines the genitals.
- Then a small amount of white discharge is taken from the walls of the vagina, after which they are placed on a special glass and sent to the laboratory, where, using microscopy, the laboratory assistant accurately determines the presence of the fungus.
- It happens that a more in-depth diagnosis is required, which includes a method such as sowing.
- An important step in diagnostic measures is to identify the type of fungus detected and its sensitivity to antifungal agents. After all, it happens that with improper prescription of drugs, thrush does not pass after treatment, but continues to progress.
Treatment
It is very important at the first symptoms of a pathology to consult a doctor who will prescribe an effective treatment in your case. After all, in its absence, a chronic form may develop, getting rid of which will be very difficult. Many, faced with such an unpleasant disease, are interested in - how to treat chronic thrush? Consider the treatment options in more detail.
First of all, after determining the sensitivity of the fungus, antifungal drugs are prescribed. They can be applied in the following ways:
- Local (this includes creams, vaginal suppositories, ointments and vaginal tablets). The advantage of this method is to achieve a quick effect from the drug, the minimum penetration of the active substance into the blood of the patient.
- Systemic (this method includes taking medications in the form of tablets, injections). The duration of therapy is prescribed individually, depending on the condition of the patient.
If the thrush does not pass after treatment, the doctor prescribes an additional examination and, in most cases, changes the drug.
Prescribed Drugs
The most prescribed antifungal agents are:
- Pimafucin.
- "Clotrimazole".
- Flucostat.
- Terzhinan.
- Diflucan and others.
Consider the features of the use of these drugs on the example of pimafucin tablets. Instructions for use indicate that this drug can be used in different ways - both for oral administration and as a local method of treatment. The most effective dosage is selected by the attending physician. The duration of treatment for chronic thrush will be determined individually.
Antifungal agents must also be used by the sexual partner of a sick person, even if the analysis did not reveal the pathological presence of the fungus.
Below is the instruction for the use of Pimafucin tablets.
Other treatments
An important way to treat persistent thrush will be vitamin therapy.
In addition to the above methods of treatment, physiotherapy will contribute to the restoration of healthy microflora. These include:
- Electrophoresis
- Laser Therapy
- Magnetotherapy.
ethnoscience
The use of traditional medicine has proven itself in the treatment of thrush. As a rule, methods such as douching or ingestion in the form of infusions and decoctions are used. It is important to remember that any use of traditional medicine should be under the supervision of the attending physician.
Medicinal plants that are used in the treatment of candidiasis include:
- Chamomile.
- Yarrow.
- Sage.
- Juniper.
- Deaf nettle.
- Elecampane.
It happens that thrush appears in the mouth. At the same time, the use of soda has proven itself. To do this, 1 teaspoon of soda is taken in a glass of warm water. The resulting solution is wetted with a piece of bandage and the oral mucosa is gently wiped. This procedure must be carried out several times a day.
You can also make tea, consisting of the following medicinal herbs:
- Oregano.
- Hawthorn.
- Dill.
- Anise.
Many traditional medicine can cause allergic reactions, so it is so important to consult a doctor before use.
Disease prevention
Preventive measures for thrush are primarily aimed at creating such conditions under which the reproduction of the fungus will be impossible. This is especially true for patients who are at risk. These include the following categories of people:
- Pregnant women.
- Patients taking antibacterial or hormonal drugs.
- People with low immunity.
- Those who have had candidiasis in the recent past.
Let us consider in more detail possible preventive measures.
A large role in preventing the appearance of repeated thrush is played by the diet. Recommended products are:
- Garlic.
- Yoghurts and other dairy products.
- Grapefruit.
- Red pepper.
- Lingonberry.
The following product categories are not recommended:
- Yeast baking.
- Cheeses with a mold.
- Sweet and fatty foods.
You need to eat in small portions several times a day.
There are also other preventative methods.
- It is worth giving preference to cotton underwear.
- Regular intimate hygiene.
- Limit the use of daily pads or change them frequently throughout the day.
- Intimate hygiene products should be chosen carefully, preferring hypoallergenic options.
- It is necessary to carry out activities to increase immunity.
- When taking antibacterial agents, antifungal drugs and bacteria are prescribed in parallel.
- Frequent douching can not only help get rid of the pathology, but also become its cause. Therefore, do not abuse this method, but replace it with other methods of treatment and prevention.
Forecast and Conclusion
Thrush is a disease that, in the absence of adequate treatment, can come back again and again, bringing a lot of unpleasant symptoms, and in some cases lowering the quality of life. If thrush appears constantly, what should I do? First of all, you should consult a doctor at the first sign and pass the necessary diagnostic measures. It is very important to identify the main cause of candidiasis and eliminate it. It is worth remembering that sometimes even with a negative test result, when conditions favorable for the reproduction of the fungus arise, the symptoms appear again. Therefore, it is so important not to self-medicate, but to consult a specialist. With timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable, but it is almost impossible to completely cure the chronic form of thrush. But thanks to preventive measures, stable remission can be achieved. You should learn to listen to your body and, in case of any changes, contact a qualified specialist. Procrastination in this disease can lead to rapid growth of the fungus and, as a result, provoke the development of a chronic form of candidiasis.