Bacteria get a bad reputation more often than not. However, there are many bacteria types that are actually good for our bodies and help with a lot of crucial functions like digestion. Healthy bacteria can also help control the balance of candida, a yeast which is a type of fungus that naturally dwells on your body.
In cases where the balance spirals out of control, an overgrowth of candida can lead to a series of candida infections in different areas of the body. At AG Urgent Care, let’s learn more about what candidiasis is and how you can seek treatment today.
What Are Candida Infections?
Candida is a yeast which naturally lives in areas of your body such as the skin, the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. In lesser amounts, the presence of this fungus is harmless. It only becomes a problem when an overgrowth leads to infections in your bloodstream, internal organs, or various body parts. Take a look below at three of the most commonly occurring candidiasis infections.
What is Vaginal Candidiasis?
Ever heard of a vaginal yeast infection? That’s another name for vaginal candidiasis, which is one of the most common types of vaginal infections. In fact, 1.4 million outpatient visits occur annually in the United States to address this problem. You might wonder – if candida already naturally occurs in the vagina, how could it lead to an infection?
The answer comes down to changes inside the vagina which encourage the yeast’s growth, like hormones, medication, or immune system changes. It can result in several symptoms below:
- Vaginal itching and soreness
- Pain during sex
- Pain during urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Most cases of vaginal candidiasis are not severe, with the symptoms usually disappearing after treatment from a healthcare provider at AG Urgent Care. However, more serious vaginal candida infections can occur and should be addressed immediately.
What is Invasive Candidiasis?
Invasive candidiasis targets the blood, brain, heart, eyes, bones, and other bodily parts. Often, the first signs of this kind of infection are fevers and chills that don’t subside after basic antibiotic treatments. More symptoms can emerge specific to the part of the body the candida is local to. Any patient with invasive candidiasis should seek treatment from a healthcare provider who can prescribe anti-fungal medication.
What is Candidiasis of the Mouth, Throat, and Esophagus?
Another common type of candidiasis is an infection that affects the mouth, throat, and esophagus. This can emerge if any conditions inside the areas change to boost fungal growth. The most common symptoms include:
- Fuzz-like feeling in the mouth
- Redness and cracking around the mouth
- Soreness and pain while eating or swallowing
- Loss of taste
- White patches in the cheeks, tongue, roof of mouth, and throat
People who have weakened immune systems are often more at risk of developing candida infections in these areas. If you have experienced any of the symptoms above and know that your body doesn’t fight infections as well, a healthcare provider at AG Urgent Care can help test and treat you right away.
How Can I Treat Candida Infections?
If you suspect a candida infection in any area of your body, the first step is to get tested. Our healthcare specialists at AG Urgent Care have regularly conducted candida tests and can deliver quick results. From there, they can evaluate your health history and get you started on an anti-fungal treatment to reduce your symptoms. If you’re ready to kickstart your recovery from candidiasis, we welcome you to check in online to one of our centers in Brooklyn and Queens to learn more about candida infections and get tested for them today.