Yeast Infection and Thrush Symptoms

Yeast infections are the physical and psychological symptoms arising from the body reacting to an unacceptable increase in the levels of microscopic yeast cells, which all of us have naturally living in and on our bodies.

When certain imbalances in the body's natural defenses occur, this can lead to conditions that allow the over-growth of such opportunistic yeasts. This can then lead to a wide variety of yeast infection symptoms being experienced.

Thrush is a common alternative name for vaginal yeast infection, although it is a term more frequently used in the UK. Yeast infection is also referred to as Candida, or Candidiasis, as it is a yeast that goes by the Latin nomenclature of Candida albicans that is now recognized as the major cause of such infections.

Candida albicans lives in, and on, the body in many moist warm environments as part of the typical opportunistic flora. In general the low levels of Candida can be tolerated without any noticeable symptoms of yeast infection per se. An 'over growth' of yeast is normally avoided due to the beneficial action of so-called 'good bacteria' like the Lactobacillus family which keep the body's acid-alkaline balance such that Candida cannot thrive.

There is a growing interest in supplements, often referred to as pro-biotics, which contain rich quantities of beneficial bacteria that may help to enhance the bodies resources after numbers have been depleted by illness, or perhaps through taking antibiotics.

However, when something such as an hormonal imbalance occurs or there is another major disruption C. albicans can soon multiply rapidly. This results in the infection called Candidiasis which typically affects the mucus membranes (like the lining of the mouth, vagina or cervix -- See Photo below) or even the surface of skin where there are moist areas or folds. People whose immune systems are suppressed, such as HIV/AIDS patients, those undergoing aggressive treatments (such as chemo- or radio-therapy) can be particularly vulnerable to this type of infection.

The symptoms of yeast infections can be very wide ranging. The nature and severity of thrush symptoms can also vary greatly between individuals.

For example there are those whose yeast infection symptoms are so low-level that they may not even realize they have a Candida infection. This can lead to a long-term period or chronic infection and may lead to infection of their sexual partner, and even other family members.

Other sufferers, on the other hand, can feel constantly under the weather, rundown, tired and listless. It is very possible that chronic yeast conditions may not be accurately diagnosed which is why it is now thought that Candida infection could be the real cause lying behind some of today's growing number of 'difficult diagnosis' illnesses such as Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and even Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) -- all of which have a long term prognosis and are notoriously difficult to treat.

What are the typical symptoms of thrush?

The basic typical physical vaginal yeast infection symptoms include: -

A white discharge that can often be thick and 'yogurty' looking (rather coincidental as 'Old Wives' have it that applying yogurt can be beneficial to salve the symptoms of thrush!), but then again the discharge can simply be watery. The discharge often has a distinctively yeasty smell (rather unsurprising perhaps), which is a major clue to correct diagnosis, as the odor cannot be said to be really unpleasant. This is unlike the other infections such as bacterial vaginosis, or trichomonas which are sometimes confused with thrush symptoms and which both tend to have a strong, unpleasant fishy-odor.

Other typical symptoms of thrush include an aggravating itching and burning sensation around genital area, which can naturally prove socially embarrassing. The genitals may also appear swollen and reddened.

Whilst vaginal yeast infection is probably most common, thrush symptoms can occur in other parts of the body. Because Candida thrives in moist warm conditions oral thrush is also common. Thrush is often seen in babies mouths and is evidenced by a white coating on the tongue and in the corners of the mouth. Oral thrush in babies can also lead to thrush symptoms affecting the nipples of breast-feeding Mums which can be very sore and uncomfortable.

Those suffering from AIDS can also commonly fall prey to oral thrush, which is noted as an opportunistic secondary infection related to their condition of suppressed immunity (see photos below).

The wide range of possible thrush symptoms

Here is a summary of other known possible physical expressions of thrush or yeast infection symptoms include:

• Tiredness, fatigue general feeling of being spent or exhausted

• Irritability and feeling aggravated and short tempered

• May lead to development of depressive illness

• Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) and menstrual pain may be worsened

• Make you feel run down and listless

• May exacerbate heartburn, indigestion and acid-reflux type sysmptoms

• May cause muscular aches and cramp like pains

• May cause pain in joints such as hips, knees and hands

• Causes inflammation and swelling of joints which can lead to diagnoses of Arthritic conditions

• Can cause headaches, sometimes severe enough to be confused with migraine

• Can lead to development of chronic and persistent rashes and skin irritations

• Can be the pre-cursor to respiratory infections

• Generally depresses the Immune System opening the way to regular minor ailments

• May lead to self imposed social isolation due to loss of self esteem

• May worsen conditions such as acne and other dermatological complaints

• May lead to sexual dysfunction due to causing discomfort and pain during intercourse

• May lead to impotence (thrush symptoms are also common in men!)

• May exacerbate stomach gas/wind

• Can lead to Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar) which in turn may cause dizzy spells and faintness

• can pre-empt bladder problems such as incontinence or urine retention

• Can cause red/brown skin marks, blotches or lesions to appear

• Can lead to feeling short of breath

• May act as a trigger food sensitivities and allergies

• Has been known to lead to reduced attention span

• Which in turn may lead to memory problems and learning difficulties

• Leads to the evidence of premature aging

It may take many years (if ever) for some sufferers to get a correct diagnosis of suffering from Thrush. Often misdiagnosis occurs which can lead to victims believing that the problems are caused by other things and undergoing a variety of inappropriate treatment regimes. This is because so many of the symptoms of thrush are similar to other contemporary common illness. People can be simply be suffering from chronic Candidasis and assume , wrongly, that their thrush symptoms are merely 'signs of growing old'. Often, if sufferers are lucky enough finally to deal with their yeast overgrowth symptoms using natural, holistic thrush treatments they can truly feel as if they are re-invigorated and energized.

At the very least vaginal yeast infection is a debilitating illness that makes the majority of sufferers feel run-down, aggravated, miserable, lacking in energy and generally self-conscious. It can adversely impact on relationships and simply lead to a depressed, joy less existence.

Why common medicinal treatments and OTC products may make things worse

Typically medical adviders, pharmacists and doctors often tend to treat thrush symptoms in a routine way by prescribing certain creams, lotions, pessaries or tablets that contain clotrimazole. There are numerous branded products that feature this widely used drug. Antibiotics are also quite frequently, and questionably, prescribed. The very action of antibiotics may result in useful bacteria being killed off that would control the spread of Candida albicans. This can therefore lead to an even worse situation arising.

Antibiotics often kill off the human body's natural healthy flora as well as bad bacteria, so they can leave you open to developing an even worse yeast overgrowth problem. Such treatments therefore lead to a cycle of temporary relief followed by subsequent re-emergence of the sufferers thrush symptoms. Many consequently end up experiencing chronic yeast infection, or finding that they have developed a systemic yeast infection that spreads far beyond vaginal thrush with many more associated problems becoming apparent.

Natural and holistic approaches may be the answer

Many sufferers have finally broken free of the cycle of recurrent yeast infection by adhering to a holistic and natural approach that incorporates changes to both lifestyle and diet as well as strengthening the immune system and reinforcing the bodies natural defenses.
Source Article can be found at Google Knol Yeast and Thrush Infections