What is a yeast infection?
An infection with a yeast fungus is a clinical picture which is caused by yeasts. The shoot fungi can generally be assigned to the fungi. The fungi, in turn, form a parent group of microbiology alongside bacteria, viruses, protozoa and algae.
To the yeast fungi (shoot fungi) belong, as the most important species, the non-pathogenic (apathogenic) Saccharomyces or baker or wine yeast fungus. Furthermore, the facultative pathogenic species Candida, as well as Trichosporon and Cryptococcus can be distinguished. In medicine, facultatively pathogenic pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms that can cause an acute clinical picture, but do not do so in all cases. This in turn means that an infection with a yeast fungus does not automatically lead to acute symptoms, but an asymptomatic offence is also possible.
How does a yeast infection become noticeable?
A yeast infection can be accompanied by certain symptoms, which are included in the differential diagnostic procedure. When the pathogens manifest themselves on the skin, redness, scaling, inflammation, itching and weeping may occur. If the mucous membrane is affected, such as in the mouth and throat area, the image of a thrush is visible.
Here, the examining doctor notices raised, swollen and reddened areas of the mucous membrane, which are often covered with whitish coatings. Often the yeast fungus also infects the vagina, where it finds an ideal environment (vaginal fungus). This local manifestation is mainly noticeable by strong burning and itching.
Also a creamy discharge and a conspicuous odor in the vaginal genital area are not uncommon. Through sexual intercourse, the vaginal mycosis can of course also be transmitted to the male sex. Cardinal symptoms are an inflammatory reaction of the foreskin and the glans.
A genital fungus can cause severe pain during urination and sexual intercourse. Gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhoea or abdominal pain, flatulence and heartburn can be indications of an intestinal fungus infection. The yeast fungus pathogens are therefore often absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract with the mouth as the primary site and through the genital tract.
Another typical site for an infestation with yeast fungi is the nails. A manifestation on the skin and mucous membrane in connection with the symptoms described above in the area of the body cavity openings should at least make the physician think of a possible yeast fungus infection. Other unspecific signs of an infectious event can also be general decrease in performance, tiredness and headaches.
