Types of disease
Today, there are many different classifications of such a disease as thrush (or candidiasis). It cannot be said that some of them are incorrect, and therefore each doctor chooses the most convenient one for himself and uses it in practice.
First of all, it is worth highlighting the different types of the disease based on the type of tissue it affects:
- thrush on the mucous membranes is the most common;
- cutaneous candidiasis;
- cavitary candidiasis (tissues of internal organs);
- allergic thrush.
Some specialists emphasize that it is worth distinguishing only two types of the disease based on its localization:
- this is superficial candidiasis;
- and internal type.
The nature of the course of the disease allows highlight:
- complicated candidiasis (dangerous and severe course of the disease);
- without complications.
There are also several main forms in which candidiasis can occur:
- acute form (the most striking manifestations and rapid course);
- chronic disease (sluggish and long course);
- the last form is carriage, that is, there are no symptoms and manifestations of the disease, but a certain amount of fungus is detected during examination.
Causes
It is worth noting that fungi of this kind are constantly present in the human body in a certain amount and this amount is maintained within specific limits due to a number of factors. As soon as the natural balance is disturbed, active growth of the fungus occurs.
Most often, candidiasis develops on the mucous membranes of the genitals, both in men and women (in the latter it occurs more often). Transmission is possible through sexual contact, but the onset of the disease may not be related to sexual intercourse.
In some cases, it is impossible to reliably establish why candidiasis is actively progressing, but there is a list of factors that create a favorable environment for the activation of the disease:
- the presence of infectious diseases and taking antibiotics;
- a decrease in the general level of immunity due to severe stress, fatigue and some diseases;
- the use of oral contraceptives;
- pregnancy;
- poor nutrition;
- the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Symptoms of thrush
When localized candidiasis on the female genital organs, the course may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- change in the color of the mucous membrane - it becomes bright red;
- during urination there is a burning sensation and pain;
- when touching the mucous membrane, pain is clearly felt;
- cheesy white discharge is typical.
If we talk about genital thrush in men, then we can note the following manifestations: a burning sensation and itching on the head of the penis, swelling of the head and the presence of some white plaque, redness and pain when urinating.
The main symptom that clearly signals the presence of the disease is severe itching, which most often manifests itself in the form of attacks or with direct contact with the mucous membrane.
Diagnostics
In most cases, a specialist will be able to make a diagnosis based on the results of an examination, because candidiasis has characteristic external manifestations. For confirmation, a smear can be taken, which can determine the presence of a problem even in a situation with an asymptomatic course of the disease.
Another method of laboratory diagnostics for detecting candidiasis is bacterial culture.
Treatment of thrush
When thrush occurs, it is very important to begin treatment as soon as possible, because if no measures are taken, the disease will cause inconvenience and severe pain for a long time.
A mycologist can prescribe various medications: both oral and local. It is also worth following other doctor's recommendations: wash the affected area more often, make changes to your diet (do not eat spicy foods, foods containing yeast, etc.), do not subject yourself to heavy physical exertion.
During treatment of genital candidiasis, it is very important to avoid sexual intercourse, as the disease will be transmitted to your partner and will return if you have repeated intercourse.
Prevention
In the case of genital candidiasis, the basis for preventing relapses should be the simultaneous treatment of both sexual partners. It is also worth avoiding contacts with those who suffer from this disease - it is transmitted quickly, but it can be very difficult to get rid of it completely. It is also recommended to wear underwear made of natural materials.
If we talk about thrush in pregnant women, then in order to prevent the child from becoming infected, treatment should be carried out before childbirth.
