Yeast infections affect the mouth, throat, skin, rectum, lungs, urinary tract and bloodstream and can cause meningitis. Yeast is a type of fungus that naturally grows on and within the body. Some yeast species are opportunistic and proliferate rapidly when the immune system is depleted or if the right environment is established, according to Brown University.
Cause
Of the 11 species of candida, the type that most commonly causes a yeast infection is candida albicans. Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus that can proliferate in the vagina, mouth and throat or on the skin. Cryptococcus neoformans is another type of yeast that causes meningitis in those with HIV and AIDS; it can also cause throat and lung infections. Yeast species naturally grow within the body, but with a depleted immune system or exposure to certain medications, the body cannot fight the infection and the yeast grows rapidly, according to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the incidence of yeast infections include oral contraceptives, sexual intercourse, stress, antibiotic use, compromised immune system, high sugar diet, pregnancy, diabetes, unventilated clothing and perfumed soaps, according to Brown University.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms vary according to the location of the yeast infection. Vaginal infections present with itching, soreness, burning, painful urination and a thick, cottage-cheese-like discharge. Yeast infections of the skin will cause a red, spreading rash with small blisters. A yeast infection of the mouth, called oral thrush, causes white lesions on the tongue and within the mouth, and the skin under the lesions is red and can bleed, according to Brown University and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the location of the yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections are treated with an over-the-counter antifungal suppository or cream. Oral antibiotics are also available to treat a yeast infection systemically. Skin yeast infections are treated with adequate hygiene, keeping the skin dry and applying an antifungal ointment. Oral thrush is treated with oral antibiotics, antifungal lozenges or mouthwash, says Brown University and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Prevention
A natural way to prevent yeast infections is to take probiotics. Probiotics are bacteria that produce a healthy environment in the gut and can stave off the proliferation of yeast. Probiotics are found in fermented foods such a yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh, sauerkraut or in pill form, according to Penn State University.
