The cause of yeast infection also known as Candidiasis and is caused by microscopic fungus called Candida albicans.
Yeasts
live all over the body especially favoring dark and
moist areas. Most commonly, yeast infections occur in
the genital area. Folds of skin and mouth, nails are
other areas where a yeast infection is likely to
occur.
Candida is part of the normal flora of the skin,
gastrointestinal tract, oropharynx, genitourinary tract,
mucus membranes and the respiratory tract. But
competition from friendly bacteria and the cleansing
action of the immune system keeps the number of Candida
under control. When the immune system is compromised,
the Candida gains an upper hand and reproduces rapidly
resulting in a yeast infection.
Yeast
infections, if left untreated, can cause potentially
life-threatening problems especially when the spores
enter the bloodstream and infect vital organs like the
heart, brain, kidneys and eyes as well as liver, spleen
and lungs. This type of infection is known as invasive
Candidiasis.
Candidiasis
or yeast infection is an extremely complex condition
caused due to combination of various factors. Some
factors which lead to proliferation of this fungus
are:
- Poor
dietary choices leading to acid-alkali imbalance.
Eating lot of white sugar, meat products, and
processed foods. They alter the pH balance of the
body.
- Weakened
immune system due to conditions like diabetes
mellitus, Lyme disease or HIV
infection.
- Breakdown
of normal skin and mucosal barriers caused by
indwelling intravascular devices such as urinary
catheters and IV ports.
- Recent
surgery, trauma or tissue damage caused by
radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
- Accumulation
of toxins.
- Reduction
in friendly bacteria due to indiscriminate use of
antibiotics, therefore, allowing the yeast to take
over.
- Imbalance
of hormones such as during pregnancy, menstruation or
menopause.
- Intake
of steroids, birth control pills and other
medications.
- Poor
hygiene and poor toilet habits.
- Certain
chemicals in dyes and perfumes may trigger an allergic
reaction leading to yeast
infection.
- Injury
to vaginal or vulvar membranes may cause yeast
infection.
- Candidiasis
may also be sexually
transmitted.
- Lifestyle
factors such as types of clothes, stress
etc.
Symptoms of yeast infection include soreness, itching, white clumpy discharge and foul odour. Though most common in women, yeast infections also occur in men and children as oral thrush or in babies as diaper rash. To effectively prevent yeast infection it is important to know what causes it. The yeast infection may be triggered by one of the above causes or a combination of these. Since they are so varied, a holistic approach to treatment works best for curing yeast infections permanently, safely, and effectively.
