Why do mushrooms begin to multiply?
Candida is an opportunistic microorganism. It is restrained by normal microflora, stomach acidity, mucosal integrity and immune cells. When this balance is disturbed, fungi begin to actively grow and penetrate the mucous membrane. A course of antibiotics suppresses competing bacteria, glucocorticoids and chemotherapy weaken the immune response, and high glucose levels in diabetes create a nutrient-rich environment. A separate and important reason is inhaled hormones in asthma, if you do not rinse your mouth after inhalation.
- Taking broad spectrum antibiotics
- Inhaled glucocorticoids without mouth rinse
- Systemic hormones and immunosuppressive therapy
- Diabetes mellitus with high glucose levels
- HIV infection and cancer
- Long-term suppression of stomach acidity
- Old age, dentures, dry mouth
Symptoms
The main complaint is pain and burning when swallowing, a feeling that food is scratching the esophagus. The pain can be constant and behind the sternum, sometimes radiating to the back. A white cheesy coating is often visible on the tongue, cheeks and palate, but its absence does not exclude damage to the esophagus. Pain causes a person to eat less and lose weight. With intestinal candidiasis, bloating, unstable stools and abdominal discomfort are a concern, but these complaints are nonspecific, and such a diagnosis cannot be made only by stool analysis.
- Pain and burning when swallowing
- A scratching sensation behind the sternum
- White cheesy coating in the mouth
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Nausea, abdominal discomfort
- Bloating and unstable stool due to intestinal damage
Diagnostics
Examination of the oral cavity gives the first suspicion, but damage to the esophagus can only be confirmed with endoscopy. The doctor sees white plaques that are difficult to remove and leave a red, bleeding surface, and takes material for microscopy and culture. This is important to distinguish fungal infection from herpetic and cytomegalovirus esophagitis, which are treated differently. Be sure to look for the underlying cause: check glucose and glycated hemoglobin, complete blood count, and in the absence of obvious risk factors, recommend testing for HIV.
- Examination of the oral cavity and pharynx
- Endoscopy of the esophagus with biopsy
- Microscopy and culture of material
- Glycated hemoglobin and blood glucose
- General blood test
- HIV testing according to indications
Treatment
Esophageal candidiasis is treated with systemic antifungal drugs orally, and not with local agents: lozenges and solutions practically do not reach the esophageal mucosa. The course usually lasts two to three weeks and should not be interrupted at the first improvement. At the same time, the cause is eliminated: diabetes is compensated, the need for hormones is reviewed, and the correct technique of inhalation and mouth rinsing is taught. In severe cases and inability to swallow, treatment is carried out in a hospital. All medications are prescribed by a doctor; self-medication with antifungal agents is dangerous.
- Systemic antifungal drugs by mouth
- Full duration course without self-cancellation
- Rinsing your mouth after inhaling hormones
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Reconsidering antibiotics and immunosuppressive therapy
- Inpatient treatment for severe forms
Prevention and what doesn't work
Simple measures can help reduce the risk: rinse your mouth after each inhalation of a hormonal drug, take care of your mouth and dentures, take antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor, and keep diabetes under control. It is important to understand that no antifungal diet or avoidance of sugar alone will cure candidiasis. The so-called “systemic fungal intoxication”, which explains fatigue and bloating, is not a recognized diagnosis, and there is no need to treat it with dietary supplements. The diagnosis of candidiasis requires confirmation by research.
- Mouth rinse after inhalation
- Oral hygiene and denture care
- Antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor
- Diabetes control
- Avoiding self-medication with antifungal drugs
- Diagnosis - only by endoscopy and examination of material