The proliferation of pathogenic fungi in the intestines causes candidiasis, which begins to spread throughout the body. The initial growth of Candida flora in the large and small intestines leads to the penetration of fungi into the blood and damage to important organs. It is possible to cure fungal infections of the genitourinary system, kidneys, and lungs by suppressing mycosis at the very source of infection. The prescription of antimycotics, probiotic and prebiotic drugs, and the use of folk remedies are carried out taking into account the depth of the process, age category, contraindications, and the state of the immune system of patients.

Is intestinal candidiasis a cause for concern?

Intestinal candidiasis means pathological changes, which are based on the active proliferation of Candida fungi in parts of the intestine that affect the mucous membrane. If the disease is not treated, the fungus spreads its harmful activity to other tissues and organs - the stomach, liver, genitals, bronchial tree, pancreas, lungs, kidneys, spleen.

Intestinal candidiasis is a source of fungal infection of the whole body

Initially, fungal populations are constantly in the intestines, causing no harm. But when immunity declines and conditions are created that are unsuitable for the life of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, fungi give rise to explosive mass growth, turning into pathogens that are dangerous to the entire body.

Risk factors for Candida fungi

Among the general factors that predispose the intestines to the appearance of candidiasis, the following should be highlighted:

1. Low immune defense.
2. Unbalanced food intake.
3. Active, long-term therapy with antibacterial drugs, which leads to inhibition of beneficial intestinal microflora with simultaneous excessive proliferation of Candida.

Spread of fungi throughout the body

Complications

Intestinal candidiasis is dangerous due to possible complications such as:

1. Ruptures of the mucous membrane and tissue of the intestinal wall (so-called intestinal perforation).
2. Spread of the ulcerative process to surrounding organs.
3. Internal bleeding.
4. Generalization of candidiasis with the introduction of fungi into the kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen.
5. Development of mycotic sepsis (penetration of fungi into the blood and infection of the entire body). The mortality rate for this type of candidiasis reaches 28–56% (in patients with acute leukemia or after transplantation).

Diagnosis of the problem

Diagnosis of fungal infection of the large and small intestine is very important for the correct treatment.

The specifics of candidiasis in the intestines have not been studied too deeply by most gastroenterologists. Many patients experience mild symptoms of intestinal damage, and the diagnosis made by endoscopic examination is often erroneous.

When individual ulcers are detected on the intestinal mucosa, medicine hesitates to make a diagnosis, and specialized tests for the presence of a fungal infection are not carried out.

Practical medicine knows very well that fungus in the intestines is often an early sign of disease in immunodeficiency syndrome. Therefore, for a correct diagnosis, observation and analysis of the patient’s general condition is necessary.

General principles of treatment

For effective treatment of intestinal candidiasis, a gastroenterologist provides a treatment regimen with the following basic directions:

1. Use of antifungal agents.
2. Elimination of intestinal dysbiosis accompanying candidiasis.
3. General strengthening agents and immunostimulants.
4. Treatment of the underlying disease that caused candidiasis.

Treatment with drugs

For intestinal candidiasis, competent therapy consists of prescribing:

• antifungal agents, taking into account the type of candidiasis, depth of lesion, age and contraindications;
• antibacterial drugs (included in the treatment regimen if candidiasis is accompanied by the addition of other pathogens);
• drugs that restore the microflora of the large and small intestines;
• therapy using immunostimulants.

Antifungal agents

For candidiasis in a non-invasive form, antifungal drugs absorbed in the intestines are used - fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole, itraconazole. The treatment regimen and dosage are selected individually, taking into account body weight. Form of application - tablets or intravenous injections.

A serious drawback is that in tablet form, drugs are almost completely absorbed in the upper intestine and they do not reach the ileum, where the bulk of pathogens are concentrated. Therefore, treatment by injection is more preferable. In addition, the use of these antifungal drugs is often accompanied by side effects, one of which is toxic hepatitis.

Important! To destroy intestinal fungi, it is necessary to use agents that are not adsorbed in the intestines and with a treatment duration of up to 10 days or more.

The source of the spread of fungi that causes the spread of fungi throughout the body (systemic candidiasis) is the intestines, therefore, without inhibiting the proliferation of Candida in it, antifungal treatment is ineffective or helps only for a short time.

Almost non-absorbable antifungal drugs include levorin, nystatin, Pimafucin (natamycin). The use of nystatin, levorin, as well as adsorbable agents, often has side effects (nausea, vomiting, allergies, diarrhea, toxic hepatitis).

Pimafucin is an antimycotic antibacterial agent with strong potential, acting against many pathogenic Candida yeast fungi. Compared to nystatin, Pimafucin has higher efficacy and fewer side effects. In medical practice, no cases of Candida resistance to natamycin have been identified. With repeated and long-term use of pimafucin, addiction to it does not occur. In this regard, it is possible to use a minimum dose that inhibits fungal growth. Pimafucin tablets are almost not absorbed, actively working in the intestines.

For candidiasis of the colon, rectal suppositories are used. The average estimated course is up to two weeks.

The issue of timely detection and treatment of intestinal candidiasis is very important to prevent the development of forms of systemic (spreading to organs) and generalized (with the penetration of fungi into the blood) candidiasis in patients receiving anti-tuberculosis drugs, radiation and chemotherapy. Here again, the use of non-absorbable antifungal agents is more preferable, since even their long-term and repeated use has virtually no effect on the effect of other drugs.

Probiotics and prebiotics

Intestinal candidiasis is always accompanied by dysbiosis, so probiotics, which are live microorganisms representing the normal intestinal flora, are prescribed simultaneously with antimycotic drugs. Acidophilus bifidobacteria and lactobacilli help balance the composition and concentration of microorganisms in the intestines and have a detrimental effect on pathogenic microbes and fungi.

High-quality probiotics exhibit resistance to the action of antibiotics and antimycotic drugs, so they can be used simultaneously.

Prebiotics, also necessary for candidiasis, are chemical organic substances that are not absorbed in the intestines, but stimulate the creation of optimal conditions for the growth of normal microflora (that is, for the same living probiotics).

Temporary side effects: loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, skin rash, fever, headache, urticaria, drowsiness.

Table: drugs used in the treatment of intestinal candidiasis

Name	Main action	Side effects
Adsorbable antimycotic agents
Fluconazole (Diflucan)	Compared to ketoconazole, it is more effective with fewer side effects. Does not activate liver enzymes, does not cause toxic hepatitis. Capsules and syrup (0.5%). In pediatrics, tablets are approved from 4 years of age. Diflucan syrup - from the newborn period.	Passing – itching, rash, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Rarely: convulsions, liver dysfunction, bleeding, swelling, ventricular fibrillation, hair loss (alopecia), decreased calcium in the blood.
Ketoconazole	Actively inhibits the growth of yeast fungi.
Antifungal agents that are not absorbed in the intestine
Nystatin	The approximate duration of therapy is up to 14 days.	Significant frequency of side effects (dyspepsia, allergies, drug-induced hepatitis).
natamycin (Pimafucin)	Allowed for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in pediatrics for newborns.	At first, passing nausea and diarrhea are possible.
Antimicrobial drugs that normalize intestinal microflora. They are used in the treatment and prevention of intestinal dysbiosis that accompanies candidiasis.
	The drug is antidiarrheal, suppresses the activity of Candida fungi. Normalizes the balance of intestinal microflora.
Prebiotics are products that contain bacteria natural to the intestinal microflora. Maintains acidity (pH) that is favorable for the life of beneficial bacteria. They exhibit an average antibacterial effect on harmful microbes, stimulating immune mechanisms.
Lactusan, Maxilak, Duphalac, Inulin, Normaze, Lactofilter, Kandinorm, Eubicor, Prelax, Latkuzan DUO	Activate reproduction and a normal environment for the vital activity of beneficial intestinal microflora. The treatment regimen and dosage are selected by a gastroenterologist taking into account age and based on the individual characteristics of the course of the disease.
Hilak-forte	One of the components of the treatment of candidiasis. Corrects the qualitative composition of microorganisms in the intestines. Helps heal damaged intestinal walls.	Possible: constipation, diarrhea, skin rash, itching, urticaria.
Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms for therapeutic purposes, food additives, dietary supplements containing live microcultures. Mainly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Lactobacterin, colibacterin, bifidumbacterin	They are active against most pathogenic microorganisms. Prescribing medications according to instructions.	No side effects were recorded. Contraindications – only individual intolerance.
	Contains lactobacilli - for the small intestine, bifidobacteria - for the large intestine, supplies “medicinal” bacteria in balanced proportions. Produces acids, creating an environment detrimental to the growth of pathogenic fungi. Allowed for children under 2 years old.	Side effects may include flatulence (short-term).

Important! The duration of the course of treatment with antifungal agents, probiotics and prebiotic drugs is determined by the doctor individually. After the symptoms of the disease disappear, it is recommended to continue treatment for several more days.

The main indicator of the effectiveness of therapy for intestinal candidiasis does not simply mean a negative test result when tested for pathogenic yeast fungi. Only the complete disappearance of the main symptoms and a decrease in Candida concentration to normal is a sign of positive dynamics in the treatment process. Often, for final recovery it is necessary to conduct repeated courses of antifungal therapy.

When treating intestinal candidiasis with antifungal agents, do not take corticosteroids and contraceptives; they significantly disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the intestines and promote the proliferation of Candida.

Diet, nutrition rules

Correct and effective treatment of intestinal mycosis is difficult to carry out if the patient does not follow a certain diet and basic nutritional rules.

The Candida fungus produces a large amount of toxic substances - toxins that penetrate the blood through the walls of blood vessels and poison the entire body. Disruption of the intestines contributes to the active proliferation of pathogens.

The most toxic substance produced by fungi is acetaldehyde, which quickly turns into ethanol. Patients suffering from candidiasis often feel an unpleasant feeling of hangover, apathy and fatigue in the morning.

A diet developed according to the rules during the period of Candida infection requires that the following be excluded from the diet:

• alcohol;
• fructose, which means all sweet fruit juices, purees;
• honey, jams, preserves, white, brown sugar;
• smoked products, spicy dishes, spices;
• white bread, wheat flour and dishes made from it such as pancakes, pancakes (contain yeast);
• sweets, baked goods, pastries, cakes (fungi, like ordinary nutritional yeast, “adore” a sweet environment);
• fruits saturated with glucose - bananas, figs, grapes;
• vegetables - sugar beets, potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, corn;
• reducing to a minimum the consumption of coffee and tea (the substances they contain inhibit the effects of agents that kill fungi).

Photo gallery of prohibited products

Jams, jams - large amounts of fructose, sucrose Alcohol is food for a pathogenic fungal environment Fruits with high sugar content create a favorable environment for candidiasis Contain a lot of sugar, which promotes the growth of fungi in the intestines

Products necessary for the complex treatment of intestinal candidiasis must contain a small amount of carbohydrates, a sufficient amount of proteins, and minerals:

• lean, stewed, boiled or steamed meat, fish, eggs;
• dill, cilantro, parsley (a product that is rough on the stomach, therefore in small quantities), arugula, basil;
• all types of lettuce, Chinese cabbage;
• zucchini, beans, tomatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers, white cabbage;
• low-fat cottage cheese, sour cream;
• strawberries, blueberries, lingonberries;
• cereals;
• oats in any form - porridge, jelly;
• unsweetened yoghurts, curdled milk, kefir, fermented baked milk, acidophilus drinks;
• garlic.

Fermented milk products are an excellent environment that is destructive for fungi Cauliflower is a very healthy vegetable for candidiasis Fungi of the genus Candida, which have occupied the intestines, hate garlic and are afraid of it Steamed cutlets contain a minimum of harmful substances Oatmeal is easily digestible and does not create a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic fungi.

Important! When curing one disease, you need to remember about others. Some products that are useful for candidiasis may be contraindicated for peptic ulcers, inflammation of the kidneys, and liver. Therefore, the choice of food package must take into account all contraindications for a particular patient.

Folk remedies

In folk home medicine, many natural remedies are used to treat intestinal candidiasis.

It is necessary to destroy pathogenic fungi from the inside. To do this, take medicinal herbal infusions that stabilize impaired metabolism, a healthy intestinal environment, and strengthen the immune system.

But, as a rule, they really help only if they work in combination with antifungal drugs. Herbs and other natural remedies used separately help only with superficial mucocutaneous fungal infections and provide only temporary improvement, often relieving only the symptoms.

Important! Many natural substances may have contraindications and cause allergic reactions. Therefore, before using this or that remedy, it is necessary to carefully study its effect on all organs.

Acidic substances, products

The Candida fungus is afraid of an acidic environment, so everything that “acidifies” the body helps suppress pathogens - apple cider vinegar, tea and milk mushroom. These excellent remedies may be contraindicated for gastritis and ulcerative lesions.

Turmeric

In folk medicine, one of the spices is very often used as a useful addition in the treatment of candidiasis - turmeric. Curcumin, even at low concentrations, actively inhibits more than 20 strains of fungi, including Candida Albicans. Doctors consider it even more powerful than Fluconazole. But like any spice, turmeric can cause allergic reactions.

Mucous decoctions

Enveloping mucus works great for the treatment of candidiasis of the gastrointestinal tract. A wonderful effect is achieved by simple oats, oat flakes, from which jelly is boiled or “steamed”. One glass of oats is poured with 600–800 ml of water and boiled for 3–4 hours over very low heat. Drink 100 ml warm several times a day before meals and before bedtime. When the intestines are colonized by fungi, treatment with jelly helps many patients.

Medicinal herbs

• Kuril tea.

A proven folk remedy for the treatment of intestinal candidiasis.

Two teaspoons of chopped herbs are poured into a full glass of hot water. Infuse for about 10 minutes, drink, without adding sugar, little by little. The course is no more than 20 days with a break of 7–10 days.

• Herbal decoctions.

A strong decoction is made from burdock root, oak bark, and burnet, which is drunk 3 to 4 tablespoons before meals.

• Decoctions with celandine.

Take 2 tbsp. tablespoons of celandine herb, calendula flowers, mint leaves, 3 each of birch and plantain leaves, 4 each of St. John's wort herb, burdock root. Three tablespoons of mixed herbs are poured into 300 ml of boiling water and heated in a water bath for about half an hour. Strain, cool. Drink half a glass three times a day before meals, about 20 to 30 minutes. The course of treatment is two weeks, the break is one week.

Important! Each of the herbs carries a certain danger under certain conditions of the body. Celandine is poisonous and should be taken in limited quantities, even in decoctions. Healing St. John's wort should not be used if you are prone to blood viscosity or thrombosis.

• Black cumin oil.

An effective antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral agent: optimizes intestinal function by eliminating dysbiosis.

A simple way is half or a full spoon of oil (if in capsules, then 1 - 2 pieces) with meals; 3 times a day. Children can take half a teaspoon (1 capsule) 2 times a day. Drink for 2 weeks.

Bread method: place 25 drops of oil on a piece of bread and take with food.

Contraindications: During pregnancy, prostaglandins formed when using cumin can cause premature birth.

• Soda solution.

Vaginal candidiasis in women, which often accompanies intestinal mycosis, is treated using a soda solution in the form of douching. If fungi have affected the intestines, rectum, or anus, use enemas with a soda solution (a teaspoon per 200 ml of warm water).

This solution should not be taken orally for intestinal candidiasis - it can significantly worsen the patient’s condition.

Any folk remedies have excellent antibacterial and good antimycotic effects, but are not able to completely replace pharmaceutical medications.

Features of treatment of the disease in women

In women, intestinal candidiasis is very often accompanied by fungal infection of the entire genitourinary system, and simultaneous yeast vulvovaginitis (colloquially “thrush”). In this case, a combined approach to the treatment of both pathologies is rational, since unilateral therapeutic actions will not lead to complete recovery in the presence of an unsuppressed Candida lesion.

Thrush in women is often one of the symptoms of intestinal candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis manifests itself:

• severe itching of the external genitalia;
• in yellowish-white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge;
• in a burning sensation and increased urination.

An exacerbation of thrush is often detected before menstruation. This is due to a change in the vaginal environment towards increased acidity (fungal fungus occurs at an acidity pH in the range of 2.5 - 3.0).

Complex therapy tactics

1. Pimafucin in tablet form - for the treatment of intestinal and vaginal mycoses. At the same time, the use of Pimafucin suppositories is prescribed, used intravaginally for local action on fungi of the vaginal mucosa (up to 7 days). For concomitant anal candidiasis, suppositories are also used.
2. Fluconazole is taken in capsules simultaneously with the topical use of Terzhinan, Neopenotran, Clotrimazole, Butoconazole suppositories. Before inserting vaginal suppositories, douching with a 0.5 - 2% solution of baking soda is indicated.

Features of treatment during pregnancy

Up to 85 pregnant women out of 100 studied are diagnosed with thrush. This is especially common in the first and last trimesters. Doctors believe that pregnancy is a factor that provokes candidiasis due to the increase in progesterone at this time.

Many experts consider it inappropriate to use Fluconazole during pregnancy. It is used only in extremely serious cases of fungal infections, when the possible benefit of the drug for the pregnant woman is much greater than the risk to the child.
Fluconazole accumulates in breast milk, so the use of the drug during breastfeeding is contraindicated.

Pimafucin is often used during pregnancy. Experts consider it one of the safest and most effective medicines against Candida fungi, even when used in the first weeks after conception. No negative effects on the fetus were detected during the studies.

Features of the treatment of candidiasis in children of different ages

Candidiasis in children with weakened immunity can pose a serious threat, penetrating into organs, tissues and blood. Thrush in a baby's mouth can always be a symptom of a more serious form of fungal infection. The main thing when treating candidiasis in pediatrics is to prevent such development.

Fluconazole (Diflucan)

Many questions arise about Diflucan, which is approved for infants. But the fact is that the active ingredient in Diflucan is fluconazole, which is not used in children under 4 years of age or in pregnant and lactating women.

Important! Since medical experts themselves have not reached a consensus on the use of Diflucan in children, a high degree of caution is required when using it for children under four years of age.

Diflucan in the form of a suspension is often prescribed even to newborns for intestinal candidiasis. The duration of therapy depends on the weakness of the immune system, concomitant diseases and the neglect of the process. As a rule, treatment lasts from 1 week to 2 months. According to the observations of pediatricians, Diflucan is easily tolerated by children of all ages.

In premature newborns, the use of the drug also did not reveal any unwanted side effects.

Candida fungi on baby's tongue

Nystatin is taken by children up to one year old.

Pimafucin

Very young children are given tablets in the form of a crushed piece to avoid getting into the windpipe. The acidity of gastric juice at this age is reduced, so the product does not lose its activity. The duration of treatment is approximately 7 days. Side effects are short-term and rare: slight nausea and diarrhea go away quickly without stopping Pimafucin.

Let mushrooms grow in the forest. The natural source of the spread of Candida fungi is the intestines, and if the fungus begins to actively multiply in it, then it is impossible to get rid of thrush, candidiasis of the urinary tract and kidneys. The activity of fungi in the intestines will support the development of candidiasis in other organs, causing relapses. The correct choice of treatment regimen for candidiasis and the selection of drugs is based on knowledge of: the form and localization of the process, the spread of Candida to other organs, the severity of the disease, age, concomitant diseases, and the state of the immune system.

Thrush or candidiasis in women- a disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida. If these microorganisms have developed on the mucous membrane of the vagina and external genitalia, then they speak of vaginal candidiasis.

This disease affects not only women of childbearing age who are sexually active, but also young girls and those who have reached advanced years. The reason is simple: candidiasis occurs not only after contact with a sick sexual partner. It can be a consequence of the active reproduction of Candida, which were previously part of the normal microflora.

With candidiasis, women complain of copious curdled vaginal discharge and itching in the genital area. According to statistics, 70% of gynecologist patients who come with such problems are diagnosed with thrush. This disease is not a sexually transmitted disease. Compared to them, it is less dangerous and much easier to treat.

The disease affects women on all continents, regardless of age and wealth. Moreover, the incidence is higher in hot countries. Statistics show that city residents suffer more from candidiasis. 30-40% of women experienced thrush during pregnancy. During this period, the risk of getting sick increases 2-3 times.

75% of the fair sex have suffered from candidiasis, and the majority more than once. Since this disease has the unpleasant property of returning. So in 5% the diagnosis is recurrent candidiasis. In this case, exacerbations occur 4 or more times a year.

In recent years, the number of cases of thrush has been steadily increasing. This is due to uncontrolled use of antibiotics and a decrease in the level of immunity. If thrush is not treated in time, then from a minor ailment it can turn into a serious problem when fungi affect most internal organs.

Composition of normal microflora of the vagina and external genitalia

The genitals of girls begin to be colonized by microorganisms within a few hours after birth. This is the moment when microflora begins to form. From the first day of life, various types of bacteria constantly live in the vagina and external genitalia. There are more than 60 of them. Usually these microorganisms do not cause diseases and do not harm the body.

This set varies depending on the woman’s age, phase of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the presence of a permanent sexual partner. From time to time, pathogenic bacteria enter the vagina. But if their number is not large, then representatives of the microflora and immune cells destroy these microorganisms.

The vagina contains:

• lactobacilli
• bifidobacteria
• enterococci
• clostridia
• coagulase-negative staphylococci
• coliform bacteria
• candida

The majority of microorganisms in the body of a healthy woman are various types of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria - up to 90%. They provide an optimal pH level of up to 3.8–4.5 (in adult women). If their numbers decrease, then the vaginal environment becomes slightly alkaline and the pH exceeds 6. This leads to the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and the development of inflammatory processes.

In almost 80% of cases, Candida is present in a woman’s microflora. They are represented by single inactive round cells and do not form mycelium threads (pseudo-mycelium).

Normal microflora in a woman’s body performs important functions:

• Releases beneficial enzymes that provide the necessary acidity
• Promotes the formation of vitamins
• Maintains the strength of local immunity
• Prevents the penetration of foreign bacteria that can cause disease.

The vaginal microflora has a balanced composition. At the same time, some bacteria regulate the number of others. This is how lactic acid bacteria produce acid, which inhibits the excessive proliferation of Candida. Therefore, normally, fungi found in the vagina do not cause thrush.

Causes of thrush

Why thrush occurs is one of the most common questions among women. After all, this problem is very common. Unpleasant sensations arise at the most inopportune moment. This fungal disease destroys intimate relationships and ruins everyday life.

You can become infected with candidiasis from a sexual partner. Especially if a man has obvious signs of this disease or is a carrier of fungi. However, this reason is far from the most common. Much more often, thrush occurs as a consequence of decreased immunity and disruption of the natural balance of the microflora of the genital organs.

There are many factors that provoke the development of vaginal candidiasis in women.

• Decreased body defenses as a result of chronic diseases or after previous infections.
• Hormonal shifts during pregnancy and before menstruation.
• Changes in hormonal levels during menopause.
• Use of hormonal contraceptives.
• Long-term use of antibiotics, corticosteroids and cytostatic drugs.
• Intestinal dysbiosis, and fungi can be introduced into the vagina.
• Climate change, which entails adaptation to new conditions and water composition.
• Using intimate hygiene products: intimate gels, soaps, shower gels containing a lot of alkali and fragrances.
• Using panty liners. They interfere with air access to the genitals, increasing humidity.
• Deodorized tampons and pads cause allergic reactions and disrupt the condition of the mucous membrane.
• Wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics, narrow and tight. The most common culprit for thrush is thongs.
• Food rich in confectionery products and carbohydrate dishes, strong coffee, carbonated drinks, yeast baked goods, spicy and fatty delicacies, ketchup and mayonnaise.
• Avitaminosis entails a decrease in the body's resistance and a deterioration in the condition of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Obesity- favorable conditions for the proliferation of fungi are created in the folds of the body.
• Metabolic disorders. A prime example is diabetes mellitus. It not only weakens local immunity, but also increases the amount of carbohydrates in cells, which is a good breeding ground for microorganisms.
• Smoking causes vasospasm and impairs blood circulation, including in the genitals.
• Sexual intercourse with a dry vagina and other actions that can lead to microtraumas on the genital mucosa. Through them, Candida can penetrate deep into the tissues.
• Chronic stress, severe mental and physical stress, overwork, lack of sleep.

The action of these factors leads to a decrease in the number of lactobacilli that create a protective microfilm. They secrete less lactic acid, and an alkaline environment is formed in the vagina. Fungi and other bacteria penetrate the cells of the mucous membrane and thin skin of the external genitalia. There they begin to actively reproduce, feeding on glycogen and destroying host cells. If left untreated, the inflammatory process gradually spreads.

What are the symptoms of thrush and what are they associated with?

1. Pain during intercourse.
   Most often, Candida multiplication begins on the vaginal mucosa. They destroy the upper epithelial cells, gradually affecting the deeper layers. In this case, tiny lesions are formed that resemble ulcers. The mucous membrane of the vaginal walls becomes inflamed and painful. Therefore, during sexual intercourse, a woman experiences pain and other unpleasant sensations.


2. Swelling of the genital organs.
   Inflammation causes the vaginal walls to swell. This occurs due to the fact that small vessels on the surface of the mucosa dilate. In this way, the body tries to eliminate the toxins released by Candida. Blood circulation increases, and the tissue of the genital organs is saturated with fluid released through the walls of the capillaries.


3. White coating and curdled discharge.
   Gradually, the number of fungi increases and the colonies grow. They look like a whitish coating on the genitals. An inflammatory process begins, which is accompanied by copious vaginal discharge. They look like white curdled masses or curdled milk. These are mainly fungal mycelium, leukocytes and damaged mucosal cells.


4. Itching and burning.
   Candida feeds on glycogen stores in cells. When this carbohydrate is broken down, acids are formed. They cause itching and burning in the vagina and irritate the skin of the genital organs damaged by Candida, while the woman feels severe discomfort. These symptoms are worse after urinating or washing. Therefore, each time the skin in this area must be dried. It is advisable to use soft paper towels to avoid further injury.


5. Thrush rash.
   The inflammatory process with thrush also extends to the vestibule of the vagina, labia majora and labia minora. On the skin of the genital organs, the epidermis stratifies as a result of the activity of fungi, and small burgundy pimples-vesicles with liquid contents inside - vesicles - are formed. After a day or two, they burst and small erosions and crusts form in their place.


6. Spread to nearby skin areas.
   Signs of candidiasis: redness, small rash, itching, formation of white plaque can also occur in the perineum, on the skin of the intergluteal and inguinal folds. More often, this form of the disease occurs in women who are overweight.


7. Deterioration of general condition.
   Itching, constant discomfort and unpleasant sensations cause nervousness, attacks of bad mood, and sleep disturbances. The latter is due to the fact that the burning sensation intensifies at night. Unpleasant symptoms increase after long walking and during menstruation.


8. Urethritis and cystitis with thrush.
   Frequent urination and the appearance of pain indicate that Candida has penetrated the urinary system and caused urethritis and cystitis. Another sign that the inflammatory process has spread to other organs is the appearance of aching pain in the lower abdomen. This may result in an increase in temperature. If you notice such symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.

Diagnosis of thrush

If you notice signs of thrush, contact your gynecologist. This is especially necessary to do if the appearance of unpleasant sensations was preceded by unprotected sexual contact. The fact is that the symptoms of candidiasis are in many ways similar to the manifestations of dangerous sexually transmitted infections. In addition, mucous membranes damaged by fungi become vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, taking antifungal drugs alone is not enough. A visit to a specialist is mandatory if signs of thrush appear again soon after treatment. Otherwise, the disease may become chronic.

In order to clarify the diagnosis, the doctor takes a smear of contents from the vagina. Flora smear (gynecological smear, bacterioscopy) necessary to determine the composition of the microflora and the presence of pathogenic bacteria. Ideally, the analysis should contain 90% lactobacilli. Gardnerella and Candida may be present in single copies. But microorganisms such as Trichomonas should not exist.

In the laboratory, a sample of vaginal contents is examined under a microscope and the number of immune cells, leukocytes and bacteria, and the presence of Candida pseudomycelium are determined.

In some cases, they carry out microflora seeding on special nutrient media. As a result, it is possible to determine which of the 150 species of Candida caused inflammation, and to which medications these microorganisms are most sensitive. This must be done if a woman suffers from recurrent thrush.

Also an informative research method is colcoscopy - examination of the vagina with a special device called a colcoscope. The doctor applies Lugol's solution to the vaginal walls. If after this small inclusions in the form of semolina are clearly visible on them, then this indicates the presence of thrush.

If necessary, the doctor prescribes an additional test for sexually transmitted infections, a stool test for dysbacteriosis, an immunogram, an analysis aimed at identifying diabetes mellitus - a glycemic profile with a load.

If the gynecologist believes that thrush is caused by chronic diseases, he will advise you to consult a therapist, endocrinologist or immunologist.

How to treat thrush

Local therapy for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system not only allows the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms, but also inevitably leads to an imbalance in the beneficial microflora of the vagina and a decrease in local immunity. If you do not quickly restore the lactoflora, activation of opportunistic microflora is possible, which will lead to an exacerbation of thrush or bacterial infections. For the same reason, antifungal therapy for vaginal candidiasis may not be effective enough. Therefore, it is important, after the first stage of treatment aimed at eliminating the infection, to carry out the second stage - to restore the balance of beneficial microflora with the help of Lactozhinal capsules. This is the only tribiotic drug registered in the Russian Federation. Laktozhinal quickly restores the pH and microflora of the vagina and protects for a long time from re-exacerbation of bacterial vaginosis and thrush. Two-step therapy has recently become the gold standard for the treatment of conditions accompanied by pathological discharge. Many experts are confident that only this method can provide a pronounced and long-term therapeutic effect, strengthen local immunity, which serves as the prevention of subsequent exacerbations.

How to treat thrush during pregnancy?

Treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a gynecologist. He prescribes drugs that are non-toxic, are poorly absorbed into the blood, do not harm the child and have maximum therapeutic effect. Almost always this is a local treatment - Pimafucin suppositories. The drug causes destruction of the walls of the fungal cell and leads to its death. This remedy can be used both in the first weeks and immediately before childbirth.

Another drug approved during pregnancy is Terzhinan. It contains the antifungal antibiotic Nystatin. But besides this, it contains substances that fight bacteria. Treatment can be supplemented with a complex of vitamins to support immunity.

Drugs in tablets that have a systemic effect on the body are usually not used.

During pregnancy, it is better to refrain from douching. With the pressure of fluid, you can introduce an infection into the uterine cavity. This procedure can only be prescribed by a doctor in exceptional cases. Instead of douching, it is better to use a weak soda solution, chamomile and calendula decoctions for washing.

What suppositories are effective for treating thrush?

Suppositories and vaginal tablets for the treatment of thrush are local treatments. They are prescribed when the lesions are not deep and no complications have arisen. Here is a list of the most effective remedies for thrush. The active substance is indicated in the arms.

• Pimafucin (Natamycin) is the least toxic. Can be used during pregnancy. Causes the death of various fungi. Candles are used before bedtime. They quickly relieve symptoms, but treatment must be continued for another 2-3 days after improvement. On average, the course is 3-6 days.


• Antifungol, Yenamazol 100, Candibene, Kanesten, Kanizon, (Clotrimazole) its components dissolve the Candida shell. Suppositories or vaginal tablets are inserted into the vagina once a day before bedtime. The course of treatment is 6-7 days.


• Gyno-Travogen Ovulum (Isoconazole) disrupts the permeability of the cell wall of fungi. Has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. Quickly eliminates itching. Used to treat forms of fungi that are resistant to other agents. A suppository (candle) is inserted deep into the vagina before bedtime once a day. The course of treatment is 3 days.


• Ginezol 7, Gino-Daktarin, Klion-D 100 (Miconazole) - destroys fungi and some bacteria. Treatment lasts 14 days. One suppository deep into the vagina before bed.


• Polygynax, Terzhinan (Nystatin) - these vaginal tablets must be moistened before insertion into the vagina.

  Use one before bed for 10 days.

  It should be noted that minor itching and other discomfort may occur for two weeks after treatment.

Which tablets are effective in treating thrush?

Treating thrush with tablets has several advantages. You will get rid of unpleasant symptoms in 1-3 days. While treatment with suppositories, vaginal tablets and gels takes an average of a week. Taking the tablets provides comprehensive treatment of fungi in all organs. Therefore, the likelihood of thrush recurring is reduced. If the course of the disease is mild, then one drug will be enough. In another case, you will need to take several antifungal agents from different groups. To enhance the effect and relieve itching, local treatment in the form of creams or suppositories is additionally prescribed.

There are several types of drugs designed to combat fungi. They have different mechanisms of action, but they all lead to the death of Candida and the destruction of their mycelium.

Here is a list of substances that destroy fungi and drugs based on them:

• Fluconazole (Diflucan, Mikosist, Medoflucon, Forkan) – a single dose of 150 mg of the drug is sufficient.


• Ketoconazole (Ketoconazole, Nizoral) – 1-2 tablets per day. Course 5 days.


• Natamycin (Pimafucin) – 1 tablet for 3-5 days.


• Miconazole (Miconazole, Micatin, Funginazole) - take 1 tablet for three days.


• Nystatin (Nystatin) – 1 tablet 4 times a day. The treatment period is 10-14 days.

These drugs should not be taken by pregnant women to treat thrush. To prevent exacerbations of candidiasis in the future, it is advisable that both sexual partners undergo treatment.

How to treat thrush at home?

Treatment for thrush almost always occurs at home. Ideally, it should be done after consultation with a doctor. Traditional medicine has many benefits. They have no side effects, are non-toxic and completely safe. However, in terms of speed of treatment, they are significantly inferior to drugs.

• To relieve itching and prevent bacterial complications, wash and douche with soda solution. In 0.5 liters of warm boiled water you need to dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day.


• This composition has a strong antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect. Take 5 tablespoons of a mixture of equal parts of oak bark, chamomile, nettle and knotweed. Pour in a liter of water and bring to a boil. Cool, strain and use for douching in the morning and evening.


• Tampons with sea buckthorn oil heal erosions on the mucous membrane and relieve inflammation. Soak a tampon made of several layers of gauze with pharmaceutical sea buckthorn oil and insert it overnight.


• Garlic oil tampons are effective in getting rid of Candida. To prepare the product, you need to peel and chop 5 large cloves of garlic and add 50 ml of refined vegetable oil. Leave for 3 hours, stir and strain. Soak a tampon with this product and insert it into the vagina for 2 hours. If a strong burning sensation occurs, the procedure must be stopped. Garlic phytoncides are a very powerful remedy. Therefore, it is recommended to eat several cloves daily.


• To restore normal vaginal microflora, tampons with bifidumbacterin are used. Dilute an ampoule of this drug in a tablespoon of refined vegetable oil. Soak a tampon and insert it into the vagina for 1 hour. American doctors recommend lubricating the mucous membrane with pure natural yogurt without flavoring additives. This may be a pure culture of lactobacilli, which are sold in pharmacies.


• If you are not allergic to honey, then you can dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:10 and lubricate the affected areas of the mucous membrane.


• To wash, use tar soap or brown laundry soap. Its components prevent the proliferation of microorganisms.

To ensure that thrush does not return after some time, it is necessary to continue the procedures for another 2-3 days after the symptoms of the disease disappear. Folk remedies are best used as an addition to treatment prescribed by a doctor.

What medications should be used to treat thrush?

To get rid of thrush forever, one drug is not enough. It is necessary to reduce the number of Candida to normal levels, to cure damage to the mucous membrane that has arisen as a result of the disease. After this, you can begin to normalize the microflora in order to increase the number of lactobacilli. You also need to strengthen your immune system.

Therefore, for the complex treatment of thrush, various groups of drugs are used.

Antifungal agents (antimycotics) destroy the bulk of Candida. These are products based on Fluconazole, Clotrimazole, Iconazole, Ketoconazole. In the form of suppositories and creams for local treatment of the genital organs, as well as in the form of tablets and capsules for oral administration.

Antibiotics for the treatment of thrush They fight not only Candida, but also some bacteria that join during candidiasis. They are also available for local and general treatment.

• Antibiotics from the macrolide group: Pimafucin, Natamycin


• Triazole antibiotics: Flucostat, Mikosist


• Polyene antibiotics: Nystatin, Levorin

Combination drugs are products that contain several types of antibiotics. It also contains the hormone prednisolone for quick relief from itching, pain and inflammation. These are products in the form of ointments and vaginal tablets Terzhinan, Neo-Penotran, Polygynax.

Probiotics normalize the composition of the vaginal microflora and acidity level. They also often contain components for restoring the vaginal mucosa and external genitalia. These are vaginal tablets and suppositories with a complex of lacto and bifidobacteria: Gynoflor, Ecofemin, Vaginorm S and Vagilak, as well as Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin.

Immunomodulators or immunocorrectors prescribed to strengthen general immunity. Its task is to restrain the growth of Candida after treatment is discontinued. These are Likopid oral tablets and Viferon and Methyluracil rectal suppositories.

Is Fluconazole effective for thrush?

Modern antifungal drugs can get rid of thrush in one day. In most cases, it is enough to take one capsule of Fluconazole 150 mg to destroy the fungal infection. If a woman suffers from recurrent thrush, then she will need to take one capsule once a week or a month for 6-12 months. The doctor selects the regimen individually.

For a quick recovery, it is advisable to combine systemic treatment with Fluconazole in capsules and local treatment: suppositories with antifungal and anti-inflammatory drugs, the use of creams and douching.

Various pharmaceutical companies produce drugs based on Fluconazole: Diflazon, Diflucan, Mikosist, Medoflucon, Forkan, Flucostat. The active substance of these medicines disrupts the metabolic processes in fungi, which leads to their death. The medicine is well absorbed into the blood and reaches all organs, where it accumulates in the required quantity. Thus, these drugs rid the body of any diseases caused by fungi.

With vaginal candidiasis, after taking Fluconazole, a woman usually notices a significant improvement within a day. But complete recovery occurs after 3-4 days. If, a week after taking the drug, you continue to be bothered by symptoms of thrush, you should consult your doctor again.

There are several reasons why taking Fluconazole capsule did not bring results. This can happen if fungi have developed resistance and are not sensitive to it. Other medications may reduce the effectiveness of Fluconazole when taken simultaneously. For example, the antibiotic Rifampicin. In some cases, a single dose is not enough. You need to take one more capsule on the third and seventh day of treatment.
It must be remembered that Fluconazole has contraindications and serious side effects. Therefore, it must be taken on the recommendation of a doctor.

What traditional methods of treating thrush exist?

To treat thrush in women, traditional medicine recipes are successfully used. They have significantly fewer contraindications and side effects than traditional medications. However, even natural ingredients can cause an allergic reaction. And douching is generally not recommended for pregnant women. Please take this into account during treatment.

St. John's wort is an excellent remedy against thrush due to its astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The high content of phytoncides guarantees getting rid of bacteria and fungi of the genus Candida. St. John's wort decoction is used for douching. To prepare it, take 3-4 tablespoons of the herb and pour 1.5-2 liters of boiling water. After this, let the medicine brew for 1.5-2 hours. You need to douche with this infusion 4 times a day.

Has long been used infusion of sage and raspberry leaves rich in estrogens and anti-inflammatory components.

Directions for use: mix sage with raspberry leaves in equal proportions - 2 tablespoons of each herb. Then pour the mixture with a liter of boiling water. We wait 20 minutes for brewing, then strain the infusion through a sieve or cheesecloth. Let the product cool to room temperature. It is used for douching 2-3 times a day. For greater effectiveness, you can add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per liter of product.

Oak bark– an effective way to get rid of thrush. The decoction has a strong antimicrobial effect, calms inflammatory processes and protects the genital mucosa from deep damage. To prepare the decoction, you need to take three parts of oak bark, one part of string and one part of lavender. To prepare, pour one tablespoon of herbal mixture into 150 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 2 hours. After this, you need to strain the broth and add the same amount of boiling water to it. Douche with this mixture 2 times a day.

Cranberry and viburnum– universal assistants in the fight against thrush. The polyphenols contained in these berries stop the growth of yeast fungi, alleviate symptoms and strengthen the body. Juices from cranberries or viburnum will prevent the development of thrush. But the main requirement is to drink only unsweetened juice. The presence of sugar has the opposite effect and the fungus develops even more intensively.

You need to drink juices 3 times a day, 2 tablespoons. You can add the same amount of water. For douching, take 1 tablespoon of strained juice per glass of warm water.

Answers to frequently asked questions:

Is it possible to get pregnant with thrush?

A woman who has a flare-up of thrush may become pregnant. The processes that occur during candidiasis and the acid that fungi produce can slightly impair the viability of sperm. But if their number is large and their mobility is high, then fertilization will still occur.

It is desirable that the woman is absolutely healthy at the time of pregnancy. But still, this disease does not pose a serious danger to the fetus. Unlike, for example, rubella.

Is it possible to have sex with thrush?

It is not recommended to have sex if you have thrush. This is due to the fact that with vaginal candidiasis, the mucous membrane becomes swollen and covered with erosions. During sex, she gets injured. This promotes the penetration of fungi into deeper layers and the addition of a bacterial infection. In addition, during and after sexual intercourse, pain and itching in the genitals intensify.

Is it possible to douche if you have thrush?

You can douche for thrush. This helps cleanse the vaginal walls of fungi and cheesy plaque. Various medications can help relieve itching and inflammation. Most often, a weak soda solution, chamomile and calendula decoctions are used.

Is it possible to use kefir or cottage cheese if you have thrush?

Kefir or cottage cheese contain a large number of fermented milk bacteria, which normally make up the main part of the microflora. With thrush, their number decreases sharply. Therefore, eating such foods restores balance and will be very beneficial. It is necessary to include fresh kefir and natural yoghurts with a short shelf life and minimal sugar content in your diet. They bring the most benefit.

Prevention of thrush in women

Prevention of candidiasis is based on general strengthening of the immune system. Strict personal hygiene is also necessary, the meaning of which is to maintain normal vaginal microflora. Gynecologists recommend using intimate gels with high acidity levels, which contain lactic acid and a minimal amount of fragrances, for washing.

Wear underwear made from natural fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. But tight skinny jeans provoke the development of the disease.

You can become infected with thrush in swimming pools and bathhouses, where there are many people and the skin is exposed to chlorine. If you notice such a tendency, then avoid visiting these places.

Consume more vegetables, fruits and dairy products. This will help keep the number of lactobacilli normal. Avoid uncontrolled use of medications and do not forget about preventive visits to the doctor.

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. BEFORE USE, CONSULT A DOCTOR.

One of the symptoms of thrush is bloating. People who consider candidiasis a disease of the female genital tract are very mistaken. Pathogenic fungi of the genus Candida aldicans can develop on all surfaces of the body, mucous membranes, and even affect internal organs. When yeast does not develop on the skin, but affects the gastrointestinal tract, the patient has a persistent feeling of fullness in the stomach even after emptying, and is bothered by bloating with painful sensations.

Causes of bloating due to thrush

A common disease, it affects people at risk. The pathology is accompanied by intestinal dysbiosis; a drop in the level of beneficial bacteria is one of the reasons for the activation of pathogenic microorganisms. Food entering the intestines is not completely digested due to reduced levels of beneficial bacteria. Unprocessed leftover food rots, producing gases. When candida fungus actively multiplies, its waste products are collected. Some of them enter the blood, manifesting themselves as symptoms of toxicosis of the body, and a percentage accumulates in the intestines, forming bloating and flatulence. The list of patients at risk includes:

• children and elderly people, pregnant women;
• patients with immunodeficiency, autoimmune or endocrine diseases;
• patients taking antibiotics for a long time;
• people who do not follow a diet.

Weak immunity is not able to overcome the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.

Fungi of the genus Candida, in small quantities, are not dangerous to humans. Violation of the resistance of the body's support system to the influence of pathogenic microorganisms, provoked by a weakened immune system, allows yeast fungi to actively multiply. An unbalanced diet, limited amounts of vitamins, minerals and foods that support normal levels of beneficial bacteria allow harmless candida fungi to reach health-threatening levels.

Other symptoms of gastrointestinal thrush

It is impossible to correctly diagnose thrush on your own, because most of the symptoms of a gastrointestinal tract disorder are similar to each other and it is almost impossible to identify individual ones that are characteristic exclusively of candida. An infectious disease doctor can make a correct diagnosis after conducting blood and stool tests, and also taking a smear for bacterial culture. The main symptoms of the development of pathology will be:

• diarrhea, stools are not watery, but with cottage cheese inclusions;
• loss of strength, apathy;
• flatulence and constant bloating;
• feeling of fullness in the intestines after using the toilet;
• wandering pain in the abdomen;
• blood in stool.

If one or more signs of fungal development are detected, it is necessary to urgently consult a specialist; delay in treatment will allow more complex forms of pathology to develop. There are several forms of development of thrush:

• invasive - a feeling of fullness in the gastrointestinal tract, loose stools, flatulence, cottage cheese inclusions in the stool;
• diffuse - the presence of blood and mucus in feces;
• focal - ulcerative lesions of the intestine.

An advanced form of fungal infection can affect organs located near the intestines, threatening intestinal perforation, bleeding from the anus, and the development of fungal sepsis. Complications can be fatal. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier and faster the treatment.

Treatment indicated for intestinal thrush

During the period of drug treatment, it is necessary to adhere to a healthy diet.

A special feature of the treatment of pathogenic fungi is their ability to adapt to drugs. For effective therapy, complex treatment is prescribed, and it begins with eliminating the factors that allowed candidiasis to develop, normalizing the acidic and bacterial environment of the intestines and strengthening the body's immune resistance. The doctor prescribes the necessary medications to kill fungi in the intestines. When choosing them, attention is paid to ensuring that the drugs are immediately absorbed into the intestines and can reach all foci of the disease. For thrush it is prescribed

Thanks to the invention of antibiotics, mortality from infectious diseases has dropped to negligible numbers. Pneumonia and intestinal infections, which a hundred years ago claimed millions of lives, are today treated within a few days, even on an outpatient basis. The name of Louis Pasteur is forever inscribed in the history of medicine.

However, the same Pasteur who invented a means of fighting infection uttered the famous phrase: “Gentlemen! The microbes will have the last word.” And the scientist was absolutely right. Over time, it became absolutely clear that antibiotics also have plenty of their “skeletons in the closet.”

Side effects of antibacterial drugs can be no less serious than the original disease that became the root cause of treatment. A study conducted by American clinicians proved that antibiotic toxicity has become one of the most common causes of death in hospitalized patients. But don't rush to conclusions.

Let's try to consistently answer the burning questions: why sometimes the result of the use of drugs is therapy of consequences? And how to recover after antibiotic treatment?

Antibiotics: side effects

As you know, antibacterial drugs are divided into groups that have a common spectrum of action and similar side effects.

Penicillins

Antibiotics of the penicillin group are generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include rash and exfoliative dermatitis. However, the appearance of antibiotic-associated diarrhea during treatment with penicillins (drugs Amoxicillin, Augmentin, etc.) is not uncommon.

Cephalosporins

Cephalosporins of all four generations are considered relatively safe antibiotics. Among the side effects attributed to these drugs, diarrhea takes pride of place. Quite rarely, hypersensitivity reactions are recorded: rash and fever. Ceftazidime, a third-generation antibiotic, causes liver dysfunction.

Macrolides

Side effects of macrolides (for example, the antibiotic Sumamed) include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rarely antibiotic-associated colitis and cholestatic jaundice.

Fluoroquinolones

When taking these drugs, gastrointestinal symptoms are more often recorded, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Allergic reactions such as rash and itching develop much less frequently.

Aminoglycosides

Drugs in this group are among the most toxic. Of particular concern is the nephrotoxicity of aminoglycosides, which manifests itself in the development of acute renal failure, as well as ototoxicity, leading to hearing impairment.

So, the range of side effects of antibacterial drugs is extensive. But the most well-known adverse event associated with treatment with these drugs is certainly antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Let's try to figure out what causes this manifestation and how to deal with it.

Antibiotics and diarrhea: causes

Let's start with the fact that the probability of diarrhea or simply diarrhea during treatment with antibacterial agents is not so small: it ranges from 5 to 40%.

Diarrhea during or after treatment with antibiotics can be caused by two completely different reasons:

• imbalance of microflora colonizing in the large intestine;
• extremely rapid growth of opportunistic bacteria Clostridium difficile.

Stool disorder caused by changes in the composition of the intestinal flora is the symptom that is commonly called in domestic medicine.

Dysbacteriosis - truth or myth?

Heated debates about dysbacteriosis have not subsided to this day. Many patients and doctors diligently look for signs of this condition and treat it. Meanwhile, Western medicine treats the concept of “dysbacteriosis” very reservedly.

Let us note that in Russia there is no nosological unit with this name, that is, there is no such diagnosis officially. This is largely due to the fact that the composition of the intestinal flora is too diverse to allow clear norm criteria to be established. Moreover, a healthy person has recovery mechanisms, and they start on their own.

The condition, which in our country is regarded as dysbiosis due to the use of antibiotics, is called antibiotic-associated diarrhea by most European and American specialists. The main and often the only symptom of impaired intestinal microflora is loose stool.

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis - an unfamiliar name for a familiar problem

In approximately 5–15% of cases of antibiotic use, diarrhea that occurs during or after treatment is caused by the growth of Clostridium difficile. The disease that develops as a result of the proliferation of clostridia is called pseudomembranous enterocolitis. Most often, this complication is recorded in patients undergoing inpatient treatment.

The diagnosis of pseudomembranous enterocolitis is considered primarily in any patient with diarrhea who has taken antibiotics in the previous three months and has been hospitalized.

Symptoms of pseudomembranous enterocolitis include:

• mild to moderately severe watery diarrhea;
• cramping abdominal pain;
• lack of appetite;
• malaise.

In severe cases, fever and dehydration may occur. If signs of enterocolitis appear, urgent consultation with a doctor is necessary. And no self-medication!

Dysbacteriosis after taking antibiotics: risk factors and solutions

Much more often there is a less aggressive consequence of treatment with antibacterial drugs - dysbacteriosis.

The likelihood of developing dysbiosis and, as a consequence, antibiotic-associated diarrhea increases if the primary infection is caused by clostridia, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus and some other pathogens.

In addition, people at risk for diarrhea associated with antibacterial drug treatment include:

• elderly people;
• patients of inpatient departments;
• cancer patients;
• patients taking proton pump inhibitors.

Let us remember that these drugs include drugs for the treatment of gastritis and peptic ulcers: Omeprazole, Lanzaprozole, Pantoprozole and others.

So, what should those 5–39% of patients do who, during or after taking antibacterial agents, felt manifestations of dysbacteriosis?

First of all, don’t be discouraged. In the vast majority of cases, diarrhea is not the reason for discontinuation of the main medications.

And secondly, at least one more drug will have to be added to the main list of medications.

Symptoms of intestinal candidiasis are varied. Determining the disease is not difficult. Despite the fact that candidiasis is a disease caused by opportunistic flora, it cannot be avoided without proper treatment.

Intestinal candidiasis is a pathological condition of the gastrointestinal tract caused by pathogenic mycoses of the genus Candida. Normally, microorganisms are found in the normal flora of a healthy person. The development of the disease occurs against the background of uncontrollable growth of fungi. The appearance of symptoms is due to the negative influence of candida waste products.

Symptoms of the disease

The main manifestation of thrush in the intestines will be severe pain, in addition to which you should pay attention to the following signs of invasion:

• bloating becomes chronic;
• patients complain of heaviness in the epigastric region (stomach);
• after eating, intestinal spasms are observed;
• impaired intestinal motor function (diarrhea);
• low-grade body temperature (from 37 to 37.5 0);
• patients complain of lack of appetite;
• impurities of blood and pus are found in the stool;
• in the anal area and stool you can find a cheesy discharge with a foul odor;
• after bowel movement there is no feeling of relief;
• pain during defecation;
• false urge to defecate;
• a rash appears on the skin.

In addition to the primary signs of pathology, fatigue, insomnia and various forms of skin diseases (acne, dermatitis, urticaria) may appear.

Regardless of the severity of the clinical picture, intestinal candidiasis can be easily determined by an experienced doctor (gastroenterologist).

As the pathological spread of fungi progresses, all symptoms intensify. Lack of treatment allows the pathology to spread to various parts, most often the disease affects the genitourinary organs and the oral cavity. In addition to spreading, candidiasis provokes an exacerbation of existing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

The transition of thrush from the intestines to the genitals in a woman has the following symptoms:

• cheesy discharge is detected on the genitals and underwear, having an unpleasant odor;
• unbearable itching of the vagina, turning into a burning sensation, can be observed at rest, during urination or sexual intercourse;
• in severe forms of the disease, menstrual function may be impaired; long-term infection can cause secondary infertility.

Symptoms in men are not very different:

• itching and burning of the penis and scrotum;
• discharge of a cheesy nature (outwardly reminiscent of cottage cheese);
• disturbance of urination; pathogenic fungi are detected in the urine (visually the urine has a cloudy whitish sediment).

Intestinal infection with candida fungus has a pronounced clinical picture

When the oral cavity is affected, inflammation of the mucous membrane, a white coating that can be easily removed with a spatula or gauze swab, and pain during eating are determined.

Advice. When identifying the first signs of intestinal candidiasis (or simply long-lasting pain), you should contact a gastroenterologist in order to find out the cause of the negative sensations and timely treatment of the infection.

Possible complications

In the absence of adequate treatment, serious complications may occur. The most dangerous to the life and health of the patient is considered to be perforation and penetration of the ulcer (breakthrough of the ulcer into the surrounding tissues with the subsequent entry of its contents into the cavity of the damaged organ).

Reasons for the development of candidiasis

Intestinal fungus does not cause problems if the immune response is good. For the development of the disease, certain conditions are necessary that favor the development of mycosis:

• decreased resistance of the body to the development of pathogenic flora under unfavorable environmental conditions (sudden change of time zone, temperature changes, high or low humidity);
• chronic infections;
• diseases of internal organs;
• immunodeficiency (congenital or acquired);
• uncontrolled treatment with antibiotics;
• suppression of immunity during the treatment of oncological processes (chemotherapy or radiation);
• imbalance in the hormonal background (the cause may be diseases of the endocrine system, hormone intake, menopause, pregnancy);
• malnutrition (favorable conditions for candidiasis are created by lovers of flour products with a rare and inconsistent diet).

Uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs is the most common cause of candidiasis.

Important. Candidiasis develops only against the background of a weakened immune response of the body. Which indicates the need for an integrated approach to the treatment of pathology. In addition to the use of antifungal agents, a necessary condition for recovery is the elimination of the root cause of the pathological growth of candida.

Diagnosis of pathology

Determination of yeast fungi in the intestines is carried out by inoculating the contents of the secretions on a nutrient medium. After identifying fungi, differentiation of the type of mycosis is carried out.

In addition to culture, sigmoidoscopy can be used as a diagnostic method, which allows one to isolate plaque on the intestinal wall and confirm the preliminary diagnosis established on the basis of the patient’s sting.

Treatment

Only a doctor can determine how to treat intestinal candidiasis. Elimination of pathology should be comprehensive and carried out in two directions:

1. stopping the growth of mycoses and destroying the already expanded network;
2. treatment of a disease that causes a decrease in immunity.

When choosing treatment tactics for the condition, the doctor takes into account the form of the disease, the severity, the risk of a complicated course, the state of the immune system and the underlying disease that gave rise to thrush.

Antimycotic treatment

To stop the development of fungus in the intestines, antimycotic drugs are prescribed (impact on the growth of candida). When choosing a remedy, preference is given to a topical drug (the most commonly used form is rectal suppositories). The most commonly used:

• Nystatin;
• Levorin;
• Pimafucin.

Pimafucin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that acts in the intestinal lumen without affecting systemic blood flow.

For severe forms of infection, systemic drugs are used: Fluconazole, Itraconazole, and others. These medications may be prescribed in the form of tablets (orally), solutions (intravenously), or suppositories (rectally). A combination of forms of local and systemic influence is possible.

Important. The choice of drug and treatment regimen is selected individually. The use of rectal suppositories should only be after a carefully carried out hygienic procedure (you should wash with baby soap without any additives).

Treatment of dysbiosis

In addition to destroying Candida fungi in the intestines, treatment of the disease is impossible without restoring healthy intestinal microflora.

When choosing prebiotics and prebiotics at the time of antifungal therapy, drug stability should be taken into account. This group helps eliminate intestinal dysbiosis, which leads to normalization of the digestive system. Drugs suitable for normalizing microflora after antimycotic therapy:

• Bifidumbacterin;
• Acylact;
• Biosporin;
• Linux.

Application of enzymes

To relieve symptoms during treatment of gastrointestinal thrush, a gastroenterologist may prescribe enzymes. The rapid breakdown of food under the influence of enzymatic action can relieve the patient of flatulence and improve intestinal motor function.

Immunity restoration

When the body's immune response decreases, immunocorrective or immunomodulatory drugs are included in fungal therapy. The choice of medications is made by an immunologist after determining the level of imbalance and identifying the cause of the pathology.

Traditional therapy methods

Treatment of intestinal candidiasis with folk remedies is auxiliary and is selected by a specialist.

Important. Self-medication of thrush with folk remedies can have irreversible consequences, especially during pregnancy and in the treatment of young children.

Sea buckthorn oil

Taking sea buckthorn oil helps against fungal infections of the intestines. In addition to the anti-inflammatory effect, this remedy stimulates the immune system (strengthens the body's resistance) and has a protective effect on the irritated walls of the digestive tract.

Sea buckthorn oil is considered one of the best traditional medicines that triggers the mechanism of tissue regeneration (healing and restoration). Take 1-2 teaspoons per day (depending on the patient’s build) for up to 10 days during meals.

Advice. To improve the absorption of sea buckthorn oil, include more raw vegetables in your diet.

Baking soda and iodine

For local treatment of thrush, baths in a soda solution with potassium permanganate are used. Washing the external genitalia when infected with fungus is also effective.

The course of treatment is at least 10 days. Even if symptoms disappear after the first procedures. This will prevent the recurrence of the disease.

Herbal decoctions

From plant materials, you can choose drugs that have anti-inflammatory, regenerating or immunocorrective properties.

The most common intake is white chamomile, sage, St. John's wort, oak bark, bird cherry, pomegranate peels, black currant leaves, etc.

Diet

In case of fungal infection of the digestive tract, normalization of nutrition will be a prerequisite for a favorable outcome of the disease in a short time.

What not to eat if you have intestinal candidiasis:

• white bread and muffins (enhances the development of yeast);
• sugar and sweets;
• semi-finished products;
• potato;
• citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit);
• spices.

To improve digestion, you should forget about overeating and establish a diet in small portions and at least 4-5 times a day.

Products of choice:

• It is better to choose low-fat and low-sugar dairy products;
• boiled or steamed meat (preference is given to low-fat varieties);
• zucchini and pumpkins;
• cauliflower;
• various greens (lettuce, spinach, dill, parsley);
• garlic and onions promote the formation of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the intestines;
• carrot juice (best taken with added oil);
• seafood (squid, shrimp) and fish.

Green apples are an indispensable product in the fight against fungal infections of the intestines.