Candidiasis or Candida albicans is a yeast infection primarily caused by a fungus that can possibly affect all the organs and systems of the body. Accordingly, there are at least 25 different strains of the yeast fungus proliferating inside the human body.

In most healthy bodies to maintain equilibrium, Candida albicans normally reside in the gastrointestinal linings including the mouth, throat and intestines and the genitourinary tract. The yeast is actually beneficial in nature and the immune system could very well handle the situation of overgrowth by sending the white blood cells under normal circumstances. However, due to both internal and external agents such as the decrease in the number of good bacteria and the weakened immune system, yeast infection is propagated. As a result, the structure called rhizoids penetrate and infiltrate through the linings and into the blood stream. These happens when the leg-like structures (rhizoids) bore holes into the mucosal linings consequently reaching vital organs like the heart, kidneys and lungs. This phenomena is coined as the Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Primarily, the major contributors to the multiplication and replication of the fungus are antibiotic overuses, vaccinations, deficiency in nutritive elements, toxin and harmful chemicals exposure as well as other microorganisms like bacteria, virus and parasite. The sedentary lifestyle of an individual as well as stress plus an unhealthy diet also trigger the overgrowth of Candida.

These days, Candida infection cases has become very alarming as it is assumed that 80-90% of the human population may have some kind of Candida yeast. Candida is known to affect everyone from the female and male population and even to young children and babies.

Types of Yeast Infection

There are various kinds of common early manifestations of Candida yeast infection. One of them is oral candida and also called oral thrush which includes the infection confined in the mouth and the throat of an affected individual. It can occur with or without symptoms. Nevertheless, the common symptoms are creamy white to yellowish patches or spots inside the mouth extending to the throat, a burning sensation which can sometimes be painful and irritating and an altered sense of taste.

Candidiasis of the throat and windpipe also called esophageal infection is a serious ailment which usually happens in conjunction with oral thrush. The symptoms of the condition are chest pain, nausea and pain upon swallowing. This is because the esophagus becomes partly covered and blocked by the yeast buildup. The yeast buildup further results to ulcers which rupture in rare cases. This type of infection can extend and reach the stomach and the intestines and because swallowing is difficult for the affected individual, the appetite becomes poor and the person loses significant weight if treatment is not done immediately.

Intertrigo on the other hand, is an irritation of the skin folds. These are common in the moist areas like the underarms, breasts, and groin. Normally, the skin will be able to fight of the infection, however, if there is break in the integrity of the skin, there is a great risk of candidal infection.

Candidal infection also includes candidal body rash, candidal vulvovaginitis, candida balanitis Congential cutaneous candidiasis, Candidal paronychia, and Systemic candidiasis.

Candidal body rash may be due to excessive sweating, intake of antibiotics, or a decreased movement which may eventually lead to skin occlusion. This commonly appears in diabetic patients. Candidal vulvogainitis is an infection affecting the vaginal tract. Inhabitation of these fungi in the vaginal tract may lead to itchiness, redness, irritation and a burning sensation.

Candida balanitis initially appears in the form of penile vesicles and develops into exudative white patches. The rash may spread into scrotum, buttocks and thighs.

Candidal paronychia on the other hand is a chronic inflammation of the fold of the nail. With some cases, this caused the discharge of pus. Along with that is the soft, watery, swelling around the fingernail.

For babies, the diaper rash is a perfect and concrete example of the possible yeast invasion. As these are common, the term little yeast infection is used in these circumstances. Nonetheless, if these are not cured and the cases persist, the yeast may be able to become major disturbances that result to the spread in the bloodstream and other organs and systems of the body.

Finally, when every part of the body has become infiltrated by the fungus, Systemic Candidiasis occurs. This condition weakens all the organs and systems from the brain, heart, kidney, liver to every essential cell. This condition, if not carefully assessed could lead to a delayed diagnosis and treatment because of the ability of Candida infection to imitate several other disorders.

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