At what point is the amount of yeast in the intestine abnormal?
There is no concrete information about the amount of yeast fungus in the intestine, which is considered normal or pathological. It depends rather on the composition of the normal skin and mucous membrane flora as well as on the interaction of the yeast fungi with the body’s own immune defence. If a person is immunocompetent, a yeast fungus colonization remains unnoticed. However, if the immune system is weakened, overgrowth of yeast fungi can occur and symptoms can appear. It is similar when the natural intestinal flora changes – this is often the case after taking antibiotics.
Duration and prognosis of a yeast infection in the intestine
Due to the unspecific symptoms, it often takes a long time before a diagnosis of a yeast infection in the intestine can be made. Often there is also no direct proof, since it is not always possible to establish a stool culture. This is due to the fact that the yeast fungi are not evenly distributed in the stool and are not always “caught” with the stool sample.
Therefore, the correct therapy is often started late anyway. In addition, this type of infection is persistent and the pathogens may still be present even after the symptoms have subsided. They sometimes disappear later or can cause the infection to flare up again. For this reason the medication should still be taken for a few days after the symptoms have subsided. Another reason for a reoccurrence may be an existing immune deficiency – in this case the temporary infection has been fought, but the basic prerequisite for this infection is still present.
What symptoms do yeast fungi cause in the intestine?
Often the colonization with yeast fungi (also called mycosis) remains unnoticed over a long period of time. And when it becomes symptomatic, the signs are often unspecific and are not primarily associated with a yeast infection of the intestine. It often leads to a bloated feeling in the abdomen, flatulence, heartburn, diarrhoea or even constipation – the symptoms can also alternate.Furthermore, it is possible that those affected suffer from headaches, complain about exhaustion, feel excessive hunger for sweet foods and have ravenous attacks or can no longer tolerate alcohol.
Repeated infections of the genital area and anus can also sometimes indicate yeast colonization of the intestines. All these symptoms can be due to yeast colonization, but do not have to be. Due to the low specificity, it is often difficult to establish a connection between the symptom and the possible presence of the disease. Can it still be another fungal species? General information and an overview of fungal diseases can be found at Fungal diseases
