What is Thrush?
Thrush, also known as candidiasis, is a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast-like fungus. Candida naturally resides in various parts of the body, such as the mouth, throat, and genital areas. However, when conditions favor its rapid multiplication, it can lead to an infection known as thrush.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF THRUSH
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Oral Thrush:-
White patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth. -
Soreness and redness in the affected areas. -
Difficulty swallowing in severe cases.
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Vaginal Thrush:-
Itching and soreness in the vaginal area. -
Abnormal discharge, often resembling cottage cheese. -
Redness and swelling around the vulva.
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Other Areas:-
Infections can also occur in other warm and moist areas of the body, such as the armpits, skin folds, and under the breasts.
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CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
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Candida Overgrowth:-
Thrush is primarily caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast.
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Weakened Immune System:-
Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with high-stress jobs, relationships, or just not allowing self-care time. Your immunity is a direct reflection of your genetics and lifestyle.
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Antibiotic Use:-
Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the body, paving the way for Candida overgrowth. I always advise a probiotic with S. boulardii if you have thrush with antibiotic use.
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Blood sugars-
Poorly controlled blood sugars from not eating breakfast or having coffee before breakfast can create an environment conducive to fungal infections.
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Pregnancy:-
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of vaginal thrush.
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DIAGNOSIS AND SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE
At Her Earth Medicine, we offer vaginal microbiome testing to find out the types of candida, but also the other factors influencing the terrain of your gut/vagina. Often we will find low beneficial bacteria allowing the thrush to thrive, or an imbalanced pH, or damage to the gut lining. This is the information we find by using functional medical testing.Conclusion: Understanding thrush involves recognizing its symptoms, causes, and risk factors. While it can be uncomfortable, thrush is generally treatable with appropriate medical interventions. In the upcoming topics, we'll explore specific aspects of thrush management and prevention for a comprehensive understanding. Stay tuned for our next instalment on thrush causes and triggers!