Who doesn’t know what Yeast is? It’s used to make bread, cakes, beer, even protein supplements and a whole host of other things.
In fact, this little microorganism is present in our bodies as well. However, most of us will not even know about it until imbalances in the quantities of yeast present in our blood leads to a yeast infection.
Now, a yeast infection is usually nowhere near serious enough a condition to cause severe debilitation or have fatal consequences. If not treated for extended periods, a yeast infection can be very irritating, even leading to anxiety, overall lack of self-esteem and depression. Having said this, given enough time if the condition were to turn into a systemic yeast infection then this can be a very dangerous condition.
This is why, it’s important to know, understand the signs of yeast infection and nip it in the bud before it takes on any real significance to be able to affect the quality of one’s life.
In the following section, we will take a look at some of the more common forms of yeast infections and their symptoms to help you take timely action and or/ seek medical consultation.
Yeast Infections and Different Signs of Yeast Infection:
Candida albicans: Candida albicans is found even in healthy human bodies, however, an infection only occurs due to a change in environment such as the reduction in the normal levels of human lactobacillus cells, which allows the Candida to multiply uncontrollably, thereby leading to an infection. Fortunately, this overgrowth can be controlled with medication, either natural or prescribed.
Some of the common symptoms that lead to a Candida yeast infection include:
- Soreness and itching of the vaginal area.
- Superficial Dyspareunia characterized by pain or discomfort during sex.
- Dysuria or pain/discomfort during urination.
- A whitish, thick discharge from the vagina with a yellowish tinge; that looks similar to cottage cheese and gives off a foul odor. However, not all women with a Candida yeast infection will display this symptom.
- Feeling ill with or without a temperature.
Besides Candida albicans, women may also suffer from vulvovaginal inflammation. The signs of this kind of yeast infection include:
- Redness of the Vulva and Vagina, also described as Erythema.
- Fissures or cracks in the vaginal skin in cases of severe inflammation.
- Swelling due to build up of fluid also known as Oedema in more serious instances of inflammation.
- Satellite Lesions, though rare, are characterized by sores in the surrounding areas of the vulva. These may also be a sign of other fungal conditions or herpes simplex.
Another kind of yeast infection, one that occurs in the mouth is known as Oral Yeast Infection or Thrush. This type of yeast infection can affect both genders, including children and infants. Some of the different telltale signs of oral yeast infection are as follows:
- A Sore and Inflamed tongue which makes it difficult to swallow or eat.
- A thick whitish patch on top of the palate of tongue or elsewhere inside the mouth which isn’t cleaned easily.
Besides these, Yeast infection signs are far more serious for those who are suffering from AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This is because, the HIV which causes AIDS, completely destroys the immune system’s ability to defend the body against foreign antigens allowing even the mildest infections to develop and grow into a serious condition.
Overall, yeast infections are more common than most people would imagine and in as many as 25% of men and women, the signs of yeast infection can be a recurring issue with about four infections annually.
In cases where yeast symptoms are chronic, it may be an indication of an underlying health condition that may require a serious approach and aggressive treatment.
In general though, yeast infection symptoms can be easily treated by using anti-fungal creams and/or medication.
In conclusion, it is important to remember that the symptoms mentioned in this article are not all exclusive signs of yeast infections and it is critical to seek professional medical help to prevent misdiagnosis.
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