How is a yeast infection treated?
Several principles can also be followed in the therapeutic approach to yeast infections. First, an experiment with a specific antimycotic can be initiated. Antimycotics (anti=against, mycotic=fungus) intervene in different metabolic processes of the fungi and consequently inhibit them.
This group of drugs can be administered either locally or systemically. Locally, antimycotic creams and ointments are used as part of a conservative therapy. If these show no desired effects, a change to a more intensive systemic form of therapy should be made.
Antimycotics are also differentiated according to their mechanism of action. On the one hand, they can form pores at specific sites on the plasma membrane of fungi. Examples of this include Nystatin and Amphotericin B.
Others (for example clotrimazole, itraconazole) inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol. The cell wall or RNA synthesis can also be inhibited. When choosing the right antimycotic, circumstances such as the localization and the strength of the infection play a role.
On the side of the drug is decided on the basis of the above mentioned mechanisms of action and the possible side effects. Side effects may include fever and headache, nausea and vomiting, stomach and intestinal problems. Contraindicated for a therapy with systemically effective antimycotics is an existing pregnancy or the presence of a serious liver disease.
Duration and prognosis of a yeast infection
Depending on the localization, the prognosis and duration of the disease and treatment varies. A vaginal mycosis is usually a prognostically favorable clinical picture.However, for various reasons there are protracted courses with persistent symptoms. The antimycotic therapy should not be stopped early and should be carried out continuously.
Also a renouncement of sexual intercourse or protected sexual intercourse (with condoms) have a preventive effect. About 5-10% of all vaginal mycoses develop into protracted and persistent disease patterns. If the sexual partner also suffers from a genital fungus (fungus on the penis), he or she must inevitably be treated with antifungal medication.
In the extreme case of a severe immune deficiency, a vaginal fungus can also spread systemically into the organ systems and cause persistent infections. Intestinal mycosis also represents a disease pattern that is generally well treatable and has a favorable prognosis. With a productive use of antimycotic therapy, an intestinal mycosis can be controlled within a few days or weeks.
As with all other manifestations of fungal infections, the success of the healing process depends on the current performance of the immune system. Especially in the case of an intestinal fungal infection, a diet is used in addition to systemic drug therapy. For about 4 weeks, foods containing sugar, wheat flour and alcohol should be avoided.
The consumption of vegetables and wholemeal products is intensified within the framework of this therapeutic principle. In some cases, this combination leads to rapid relief of symptoms. Above all, a few principles play a decisive role in prevention.
Pronounced hygiene, the balanced dietary principle and the avoidance of a nutrient deficiency (especially zinc) have shown a preventive value. If the infection with a yeast fungus affects the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat area, this is called oral thrush. This manifests itself on the lips, tongue or palate.
Here, too, a good prognostic outcome of the disease has been shown. However, a consistent therapy is also essential for the treatment of this disease. A whole range of measures can help to prevent oral thrush.
In children, soothers, teats and toys should be cleaned regularly. Pronounced dental hygiene should also be carried out. In older immunocompromised patients, a prophylactic administration of antimycotics can be aimed for.
Dentures or any other foreign substances in the oral area should also be maintained with pronounced hygiene. As in women, yeast infections in men (penis fungus with Candida balanitis) have a good response to antifungal therapy. In women and men, the pathogens are usually the same, which is why they can be treated identically. Even if the clinical picture is very unpleasant, the penis fungus heals within a few days if the therapy is early and consistent. In principle, all manifestations of the fungal infection can lead to recurrences, which should be treated with a new antimycotic therapy as soon as possible.
