Candida is a yeast-like fungus that develops in the mouth, stomach and vagina. When candida grows excessively it can cause an infection known as candidiasis. Also called simply candida or yeast infections, candidiasis is common among women and HIV/AIDS patients, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Common symptoms include skin rashes, painful cracks around the mouth and vaginal and oral discharge. Numerous factors can increase a person's risk for, or trigger, candida overgrowth.
Medications
Use of certain medications may cause candida overgrowth. Antibiotics, for example, used to treat bacterial infections reduce the amount of healthy bacteria known as lactobacillus in the vagina. According to MayoClinic.com, this reduction of lactobacillus bacteria and altered chemical balances in the vagina caused by antibiotics allow candida to multiply and grow, potentially resulting in infection. Other medications associated with candida overgrowth include corticosteroids---synthetic steroids used to treat arthritis and other conditions, and some types of birth control pills.
Pregnancy and Menstruation
Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy can also trigger candida overgrowth. According to the American Pregnancy Association, women experience more yeast infections during pregnancy, particularly during their second trimester, than any other time in their lives. Douching, high blood sugar, gestational diabetes and vaginal intercourse during pregnancy increase these risks. Menstruation can trigger similar effects, due to hormonal shifts. Women prone to yeast infections may find that menstruation triggers recurrent infections.
Excess Body Weight
Carrying excessive amounts of body weight can trigger or increase a person's risk for developing candida overgrowth. According to research published in the "American Journal of Preventive Medicine" in December 2004, obese adults experience more yeast infections than normal weight adults. In addition, the more excessive a person's weight becomes, the more likely she is to develop candida overgrowth. Since candida thrives in warm, enclosed body areas, obese individuals with excessive skin folds may develop yeast infections atop the skin in addition to other areas, such as the groin or vagina.
Weakened Immune System
A strong, healthy immune system can help prevent candida from growing excessively and becoming infected. People with diseases that damage immune system function, such as diabetes and psoriasis, are at increased risk for candidiasis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other factors associated with a weakened immune system and increased risk of yeast overgrowth include poor diet, stress, lack of sleep, viruses, allergies and certain forms of cancer.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Candidiasis Facts and Suggestions
- MayoClinic.com: Vaginal Yeast Infection Causes
- American Pregnancy Association: Infections During Pregnancy
- "American Journal of Preventive Medicine"; A Comprehensive Examination of Health Conditions Associated with Obesity in Older Adults; Ruth E. Patterson et al.; Dec. 2004
