Thrush: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
Thrush is a disease caused by yeast–like fungi of the genus Candida; hence another name for this disease – candidiasis.
Candida mushrooms are part of the natural microflora peculiar to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, intestines and vagina. Normally, their activity is balanced by the activity of other microorganisms. But if this balance is disturbed, the mushrooms begin to multiply in an amount significantly exceeding the norm.
Thrush is most often found in women and affects the vaginal mucosa and its vestibules. This localization of the disease is called vaginal candidiasis.
Causes of thrush
The development of thrush contributes to everything that leads to a violation of the normal microflora of the vagina. These can be:
- treatment with antibiotics. These drugs affect the entire microflora of the vagina, not just pathogenic bacteria. Antibiotics also kill those microorganisms that inhibit the reproduction of Candida fungi. Therefore, in order to avoid the activation of fungal flora, antifungal drugs are usually prescribed along with antibiotics;
- hormonal changes. Such changes may have a pathological nature, that is, they may be caused by diseases of the endocrine system, or they may be associated with age or pregnancy. Thrush during pregnancy occurs in 30% of cases. Taking hormonal drugs (primarily contraceptives) can also lead to vaginal candidiasis. The development of thrush is promoted by such endocrine diseases as hypothyroidism, obesity, diabetes mellitus;
- chronic infectious diseases of the genitals, primarily sexually transmitted diseases (STDs);
- chronic diseases of the organs responsible for the removal of toxins and toxins from the body – kidneys and liver;
- improper nutrition (excess of sweets). Reducing the acidity of the environment in the vagina stimulates the development of Candida fungi;
- any decrease in immunity. Against the background of reduced immunity, even minor general or local hypothermia can cause thrush.
Symptoms of thrush
Symptoms can manifest in various combinations; only one symptom can manifest itself. The most characteristic symptoms of thrush are:
- Itching of the genitals
- Discharge from the genital tract
- Soreness of sexual intercourse
- Increased urination
Methods of treatment of thrush
Thrush is easily treatable with the help of modern antifungal drugs. However, often taking such drugs is not the final solution to the problem.
First of all, you should make sure that these funds are able to help in your case, that is, the diagnosis of “thrush” should be made by a doctor. Antifungal drugs are ineffective against other pathogenic microorganisms.
