Systemic Yeast Infections

Systemic yeast infection is caused by the overgrowth of the fungus, candida albicans, when the normal yeast 'candida' takes the form of fungus. The infection is also known as 'systemic candidiasis'. The infection starts by invading the bloodstream, affecting the liver and the urinary tract. This infection occurs on three different levels, namely - occasional infection, chronic infection and the systemic infection. The systemic yeast infection is extremely hard to discover at its early stage. The candida attacks all the body organs including the sensory organs. The wellbeing of a person depends upon the severity of the infection.

Causes
We cannot name a single reason for it. Factors like a weakened immune system, eating disorders, irregular lifestyle, deficiency of white blood cells (granulocytopenia), negligence during the early yeast infection cause it. Also, external factors like, tight clothing, daily stress, yeast feeding food, contraceptive pills, drugs, various antibiotics etc. are some of the root causes of the systemic yeast infection. The extreme moist parts of the body (intestines, mouth and vagina) favor the growth of this fungus. Candidiasis becomes dangerous due to its ability to spread quickly, all over the human body.

Risk Factors
Candida's ability to spread all over the body makes the host that much more vulnerable. Let's categorize the risk factors that candida brings on.

• Dermatological - Chafing/intertrigo, hives, acne, eczema, etc.
• Gastrointestinal - Diarrhea, oral thrush, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), constipation, flatulence, rectal itching, food sensitivities, etc.
• Genitourinary - Genital yeast infections like yeast vaginitis, bladder inflammation, premenstrual and menstrual problems, cystitis, chronic urinary tract infections, etc.
• Autoimmune - Systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, hemolytic anemia, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, arthritis, etc.
• Psychologica l- Confusion, memory loss, irritability, lack of concentration, depression, learning disability, short attention span, insomnia, etc.
• General - lethargy, fatigue, weakness, migraines, dizziness, hypoglycemia, respiratory problems, muscle pain, chemical sensitivities, sensory disturbances, etc.

Symptoms

• Skin related - Itchiness of the skin, reddish-white patches, inflamed skin areas, rashes, weeping sores, diaper rashes, etc.
• Esophagus - Pain while swallowing, heartburn, sore throat, etc.
• Oral - Thrush, sore mucous membranes with pain, bad breath, white coating on tongue, cracks on the corners of the mouth, etc.
• Intestinal - Indigestion and bloating, gas, craving for sweets, diarrhea and 'bloody' diarrhea, etc.
• Anal Area - Soreness and weeping, extreme itching, etc. The symptoms vary from one person to another.
• Urinary Bladder - Pain over the bladder area, rare bleeding while urination, frequent and painful urination.
• Genital Organs - Itch, dysuria (pain while urinating), etc. One can see a whitish discharge, inflamed mucus membrane and pain during intercourse in females, while red glans skin with a white layer, patent urethral discharge, and pain, in males.

Other general symptoms might also be seen like - Fatigue and lack of energy, irritability, moodiness, lack of concentration, etc. and other psychological problems. Any of the above physiological symptoms can be seen and each of them show difference in severity.

Diagnosis
There are some simple blood tests and tissue tests that diagnose the systemic yeast infection. The physician also analyzes the samples of the patient's stool to verify if it is actually a yeast infection. Another method is a light microscopy, in which a small fragment of the infected part is observed under the microscope. There is yet another method, named as culturing, in which a sterile swab is rubbed on the affected skin surface. This culture is incubated at around the normal human body temperature. This method allows the yeast to develop its colonies. The visible characteristics, such as the color of the colony, is the main tool to identify the type of infection and its severity. The last two methods are the ones mostly used for diagnosis when there is an external and visible kind of infection.

Treatment
Systemic yeast infections don't really respond to antibiotics, so planning the treatment gets very essential. There are two main curative methods and drugs for it. One drug is active all over the body (Systemic) and the other one is active when it is specifically applied on the infected area (Topical). The topical drugs mainly include, econazole, clotrimazole, amphotericin B suspension, miconazole, ketoconazole, and other such drugs. Mouth rinses, ointments and creams, lozenges and others are prescribed depending on the severity and location of the infection. The systemic therapy is mostly used when there are some recurring traces of the disease even after the topical therapy.

The easiest way of them all, is to not to let the infection happen in the first place. The easiest solution is to have a planned diet. The infection largely affects the body pH levels and hence one must try to have a low or no sugar diet in order to control it. The ones who are already infected, sugar must be totally excluded from their diets. Yeast feeds on the body carbohydrates, which means that a heavy intake of probiotics is necessary. A low amount of protein must be consumed and consumption of high-protein stuff, like certain meats and vegetables, should be reduced. Fruit sugar is exactly the kind of sugar that should also be avoided.

But before making any change into your diet plan, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor. With so many things to be avoided to prevent the infection, there are high chances for the infected to starve and ironically become more vulnerable. Nonetheless, timely and correct diagnosis, a strict diet plan and proper medical attention has got the capacity to control and cure the systemic yeast infections.