What is Yeast Infection?

Introduction

Yeast infection or thrush, is a fungal infection occurring in warm moist body areas, such as vagina, underarms.  It is medically referred as Candidiasis, an infection caused by a group of microscopic fungi or yeast. These fungi are present on all surfaces of human body. Human body is naturally made to block entry of fungi. But at times, we develop cuts and the inner part of the body gets exposed. Yeast attacks these areas and reproduces rapidly causing infection. Examples of such infections are vaginal yeast infections, thrush skin, and nail bed infections. This infection can also affect infants. For babies typically affected areas are the mouth and diaper areas.

Causes of Yeast Infection

Yeast Infection is caused by many ways. Use of steroids and certain antibiotics can lead to this infection.  Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause sperms, high sugar level and birth control pills also can also cause it.

If you are used to wear tight thick clothes which give little room for ventilation of air near your inner parts like vagina or penis, then you are unknowingly making an ideal dwelling for Yeast fungi.

Certain dyes and chemicals are the cause of Yeast infection in many. So if you come in contact with certain inks, perfumes or paints, then you can be prone to this nasty infection.

Yeast infection, surprisingly, is also a side effect of Pregnancy. The hormones in women’s body changes drastically during the entire 9 months of pregnancy. This produces chemicals inside body which can ultimately result in vaginal yeast infection.

Most of us believe that yeast infection is only external. But yeast infection can also occur in internal organs like lung and spleen. If an individual is suffering from big disease, then his/her immune system would be weak. This makes it ideal for the fungi to attack our body and cause an infection. Also if you are introducing a foreign body in the body and if this foreign body is not properly sterilized and then it can well become a reason for yeast infection.

Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of yeast infection are very evident. Depending upon the individual, various signs of yeast infection are visible. Following are the key symptoms -

• Vagina is the common area where this infection attacks. White thick discharge from the vagina is a strong indicator of this infection. It would be wise not to have sexual intercourse in this period. Also it is an indicator of weak immune system. Vaginal discharge is very common in pregnant women.
• The oral variety of infection happens on tongue. Does that sound strange that how does the fungi survive on something that we use so many times a day? But the fact is that if you see whitish curd-like substance and which doesn’t easily go away, chances are that you have oral yeast infection.
• Superficial Candidasis skin infections appear as a red flat rash with sharp edges.
• If someone is suffering from AIDS, then unfortunately he/she is also vulnerable to yeast infection of the esophagus. This makes swallowing food extremely difficult. There is a danger of the infection spreading to intestines which can also result in dehydration.

When to Seek Medical Care?

An average human being with no special medical conditions like pregnancy can fight yeast infection automatically. Hence, most of us tend to ignore it as the symptoms automatically disappear. However, in certain other cases this neglect can prove to be a costly affair. Hence, if the symptoms persist or increase, then medical attention should be immediately sought after. 
Knowledge and awareness about this fungal infection is the biggest aid to fight it early and clean. Also you can use nature given medications like Yogurt, Cranberry juice, etc. There are many over the counter anti fungal medications available which can help. For pregnant women or kids suffering from yeast infection, a qualified physician should be strictly solicited before taking any medicine.

The best way is to take adequate prevention measures. Avoid wearing tight clothes, public toilets, douche and oily food. Keep your body clean. Vaginal area of women should be dry. If these steps are taken, you will not have worry about yeast infection in your entire life.