Before you know more about Candidiasis test you would need to know what exactly it is. Did you know that there are various funguses that find comfort in the human body? One of the most common kinds of fungus that are present in our body is called Candida. Candida is a kind of yeast that lives in a small cluster in places like your belly and your mouth or even in your skin – it, however, does not cause any harm. There is however a time, when this yeast multiplies if they find the right kind of temperature and this is when the problem starts and gets out of control and too much growth of Candidiasis may also cause Candidiasis cancer in various parts of the internal organs. The Candida fungus can cause an infection called Candidiasis.
What is the Candidiasis Infection?
There are various kinds of Candidiasis infections. But most of the infections can easily be treated on time with over the counter medicines, creams or prescription medicines. When this infection affects the mouth it is called Thrush and again this infection affects the vagina, it is known as yeast infection. Atrophic candidiasis tongue is also an oral infection caused due to lack of vitamins and minerals and presence of Candidiasis. There are more than 20 kinds of Candida that can cause various kinds of infection among which the Candida Albicans is the most common of all. You can understand the infection by a Candidiasis test.
Signs and Symptoms of Candidiasis
Candidiasis, which is also known as thrush is a very common yeast infection. It makes a home for itself on the surface of your skin and is harmless. This organism is also found inside our mouth, under our armpits and inside the vagina, as well as in our gastrointestinal tract. These are the ideal places for it to grow because of the ideal temperature.
Candida related infections are really difficult to detect and diagnose, as there are various kinds of symptoms that affect the sufferer in various ways. Candida infections can occur in various parts of the body. Some of the most common symptoms of Candidiasis are
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive problems
- Recurring yeast infections
- Oral thrush
- Food allergies and intolerance to food
- Fungus infections of the skin and the nails
- Weak immune system
- Terrible mood swings
- Low immunity and joint pain
- Skin becomes red, swollen, with a leaking fluid
- They are mostly seen in the groins, the fold of the buttock, under the breasts, inside the vagina, in between fingers and toes and in the navel.
- A yeast infection in the vagina is characterized by a slow leakage of a thick, white, clumpy discharge from the vagina that smells like cheese. The vagina may itch or burn, especially during urination or sex
Yeast also multiplies really rapidly in the right kind of temperature causing pain and inflammation of the place. Candidiasis can affect the skin, the penis, the mouth, and vagina in case of women as well. Candidiasis may also infect the bloodstream or internal organs such as the liver or spleen. If candidiasis is really serious and reaches the bloodstream, it may also be life threatening at times.
What are the Causes of Candidiasis?
Many people are of the opinion that you have caught Candidiasis. The truth is that, Candidiasis does not come to you. You already have Candidiasis within you in small amounts. This may however grow with time in ideal temperature and conditions. So what are the causes of the growth of Candidiasis?
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Overuse of Antibiotics
Candidiasis can be caused by the overuse of antibiotics. Yeast usually lives on our skin and competes with other organisms like bacteria. Bacteria can ward off yeast. When we take antibiotics, the good as well as bad bacteria are killed and thus yeast occupies the space of the bacteria and starts multiplying. Steroids and cancer medicines can also cause the growth of yeast by weakening the immune system. Thrush is known to develop in the mouth of patients with cancer or AIDS.
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Weather Conditions
Hot and humid weather conditions are also ideal for growth of Candidiasis
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Poor Hygiene and Tight Clothes
Candidiasis is likely to be exacerbated by poor hygiene and tight clothes
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Other Conditions
The other conditions that may also encourage the growth of yeast comprise of obesity and pregnancy. Obesity means that people have more folds in the skin, which allows the yeast to stay inside these folds, which are moist with sweat. Pregnancy is also known to weaken the immune system triggering the growth of yeast. Yeast infections usually have the possibility of recurring once diagnosed.
Diagnostic Tests for Candidiasis test
Diagnosing Candidiasis may be difficult at first as there are a number of symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your diet and also enquire about the use of antibiotics and medicines. Any kind of medical history like diabetes, HIV, Cancer and other diseases will also be taken into consideration. Candidiasis is easy to identify with the given symptoms. Yeast can be seen under the microscope after it is scraped off from the affected portion of the area. Yeast is normally present in the skin but your doctor would ensure that it is Candida that is causing the problem.
Candidiasis Test Results- Understanding the Levels of Antibody
There are three kinds of antibodies that should be tested to measure your immune system’s response to Candida which are IgG, IgA, and IgM. The high levels of antibodies indicate that an overgrowth of Candida is present.
- 1. 0.89 EV or less symbolizes negative Candida antibody
- 2. 0.90-0.99 EV symbolizes Questionable presence of antibodies
- 3. 1.00 EV or greater means antibody to Candida Albicans detected
IgM is produced when Candida first becomes complete. If you get a high IgM and low IgG that means the new infection is present. High IgG and high IgM means that new Candida is being produced in a long-term total infection. These are the different kinds of Candidiasis test results.
How to Treat Candidiasis
Candidiasis, in general, does not pose to be a very harmful disease except when it enters into the bloodstream and spread to all other important organs inside the body. This infection can be treated with the help of over the counter medicines, antifungal creams like Candid Erma, or antifungal pills.
If you have a vaginal yeast infection then the medicine to treat Candidiasis are administered directly into the vagina as tablets, creams, ointments, or suppositories, or administered by mouth.
If you have oral thrush, a suspension of antifungal medication can be taken and swallowed by mouth. In case of severe conditions, antifungal tablets may be needed. Sometimes injections may also be required. Speak to your doctor for further advice depending on the severity of the situation and whether a Candidiasis test would be required.
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