Candida 101: Causes, Symptoms, and Expert Candida Albicans Treatment in Denver, CO
Candida Albicans fungus naturally lives on our skin and inside our bodies. Unfortunately, it can grow out of control and cause severe infections in the body. Here’s the essential information for understanding the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis for infections caused by Candida Albicans. If you are looking for the best candida albicans treatment in Denver CO, we can help you.
What is candidiasis?
Candidiasis is an infection caused by Candida Albicans. It can occur anywhere in the body and come with varying symptoms depending on where the infection is located, how long it has spread, and the patient’s health conditions.
Infections caused by candidiasis can be challenging to diagnose because positive cultures through lab testing don’t always indicate an infection. In all cases, a diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation of a patient’s health and health history.
Infections can appear in one of three ways: vaginal candidiasis, invasive candidiasis, and esophageal candidiasis. Each comes with varying symptoms, risk factors, and methods of diagnosis.
VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS
Over 1.4 million women are affected every year in the United States. Infections are common and typically aren’t a cause for concern if treatment and detection are started early. This makes it crucial to know the risk factors and symptoms associated with vaginal candidiasis.
Risk factors:
Pregnancy
Hormonal contraceptives
Diabetes
Antibiotics
Weakened immune system
Symptoms:
Itching
Soreness
Pain and discomfort during sex
Vaginal discharge
Pain and discomfort urinating
Diagnosis:
A sample of your vaginal discharge is taken for testing. The sample is examined in a laboratory for the presence of Candida Albicans. However, a positive test doesn’t necessarily mean your symptoms are caused by an infection.
INVASIVE CANDIDIASIS
About 25,000 cases of invasive candidiasis occur every year, meaning this kind of infection isn’t very common. Invasive candidiasis can have serious health consequences as it affects everything from the heart, brain, bones, and various other parts of the body.
Risk factors:
Spending a lot of time in the ICU
Central venous catheter
Diabetes
Preterm babies
Kidney failure
Weakened immune system
antibiotics
Symptoms:
Fever and chills that don’t improve with antibiotics
Symptoms will appear as the infection spreads to other parts of the body
Overall ill-health
Headache
Diagnosis:
A blood sample or any sample from an infected area is taken and tested to see if it will grow Candida Albicans fungus. Your doctor will also take your symptoms and medical history into account.
MOUTH, THROAT, AND ESOPHAGUS INFECTION
According to the CDC, esophageal candidiasis is one of the most common infections in people with HIV/AIDS. Typically affecting people with weakened immune systems, this is an infection that attacks vulnerable populations.
Risk factors:
Dentures
Diabetes
Weakened immune system
Dry mouth
Smoking
Symptoms:
Pain eating or swallowing
White patches
Cracking at the corners of the mouth
Loss of taste
Diagnosis:
Depending on where you are experiencing symptoms, your doctor will use the appropriate procedure to extract a sample and test it for Candida. If your symptoms appear in the mouth, visual indicators can point towards an infection.
Renew Health and Wellness — Candida Albicans treatment in Denver, CO
Looking for Candida Albicans treatment in Denver, CO? Renew Health and Wellness offers reliable testing and treatments for Candidiasis. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment here.