YEAST INFECTION HELPLINE

Although yeast infections are seldom considered dangerous,
any severe infection is a sign that something is not right and
needs your attention. A normal yeast infection is usually easy
and inexpensive to treat.

There are always exceptions to the rules, of course. There
may be instances where a severe yeast infection could be
dangerous to the person it inhabits; however, this is a rare
occurrence.

The danger would actually be more along the lines of what
else is wrong with your system that caused you to be vulnerable
to the overgrowth of yeast. There would also be danger is the
yeast infection were actually misdiagnosed and was really
something more serious. There are other illnesses that mimic
the same symptoms.

Douching is considered an inner cleansing of a woman’s most
intimate place. It’s supposed to make the woman feel more
refreshed. However, anything done to excess or done at the
wrong time can create more of a problem. Douching actually
kills organisms that suppress yeast growth. If your body has a
low count of good bacteria, douching could actually bring on an
infection.

Women on birth control methods may be at higher risk for
obtaining yeast infection.

Taking secretions to study under a microscope is sufficient
for someone suffering a first-time yeast infection. A culture
is usually only necessary for recurring infections or those
that are resistant to the usual treatments. However, this still
does not mean there is danger. It just means a different route
needs to be followed to get the situation back to normal.

Oral therapy, a vaginal cream, or vaginal suppositories are
the usual treatments for vaginal yeast infections. These
treatments are not normally considered dangerous either.
Sometimes it depends on the personal preference of the woman
being treated. The oral therapy is not prescribed for every
situation, nor is it recommended because of the tendency to
become resistant to the medication. There are many medications
that can cause resistance if overused, such as antibiotics.
Antibiotics can cause yeast overgrowth.

You do have the right to ask your doctor if oral treatment
would be an option for your particular case. One option has not
been shown to be any more effective than another. It depends on
several things. One of which is how severe the infection is or
if it is recurrent.

Don’t allow fear to keep you from seeking a doctor’s help
for severe yeast infection. The doctor has seen his or her
share of embarrassing illnesses and yeast infection is just
another diagnosis in their day. The tests the doctor will
perform are not dangerous, either, so there’s no need to fear
the exam. It may be uncomfortable for a short period of time,
but it is worth getting a professional opinion to ease your
mind.

After you have been diagnosed, you can discuss whether the
doctor thinks it is safe for you to try the regular
over-the-counter methods for treating the infection or if there
would be any danger in trying herbal remedies. Always know the
side effects of your treatments, regardless of which you
prefer. Make the doctor aware of any other medications you may
be taking so there won’t be any danger in adding a new
medication. Severe yeast infection may just be a sign that
something more important needs attention.

Most anyone knows the importance of a balanced diet. But to
some, the balance is a bit different from that of others. For
some, foods that stimulate yeast overgrowth or yeast allergies
cause the imbalance.

Refined sugars, corn syrup, white flour products, soft
drinks, instant cereals, hydrogenated and partially
hydrogenated oils, dried fruits, mushrooms, condiments, canned
or bottled juices, leavened bread, pretzels, pastries,
crackers, pizza, alcoholic drinks, apple cider, root beer, and
any liquid, cereal, or candy containing malt products must be
eliminated for the person with yeast problems.

“So,” you may ask. “What’s left to eat?” Fresh is the word!
Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, some nuts, seeds,
unprocessed oils, yogurt containing live cultures of
lactobacillus acidophilus, flax seed, canola and olive oils,
and grain alternatives (buckwheat is one).

Even checking your vitamins may pay off. Anything you put
into your mouth should be considered when trying to control
your dietary problems. Yeast-free, sugar-free, and color-free
are the key words when choosing vitamins and herbal
supplements.

Herbal remedies have gained in popularity and deserve
consideration. Herbal oils that have strong antifungal
properties are the better choices. Herbs that boost the immune
system are good choices. Herbs that promote the growth of good
bacteria are important. Teas that soothe inflammation are
helpful.

Low-fat granola is a good breakfast choice and can help in
more ways than one.

One belief is that people who are allergic to
yeast-containing foods should place the most emphasis on
removing all yeast from their diets. But a person who has
symptoms caused by Candida albicans may not have problems
caused by other kinds of yeasts. Some yeasts may be
harmless.

The yeasts in most foods and beverages are the servicia or
saccharonyces. Peanuts and pistachios are full of molds, so
avoiding these types of nuts is best if you are allergic to
molds or yeasts.

Going fresh with your diet may seem expensive. When trying
to make a complete dietary change, it can be hard to see the
benefits at first. But the costs of making this change will pay
off in the long run by saving you on medications and doctor
visits alone! Not to mention the costs of other things
associated with your recurring yeast infections. It can also be
a challenge to have to share a household with others who don’t
have a problem with yeast containing products or with food
allergies. If looking into the refrigerator is causing you a
problem with sticking to your diet, maybe you could consider
purchasing a small refrigerator of your own to hold your
special dietary needs. Take a section of the kitchen for
yourself to help you maintain your goal.

Clear out a cabinet or a drawer to use for your own personal
food choices.

Family cooperation is a must, and your health should be
taken seriously. Loved ones should know how important and how
appreciated their cooperation would be to your recovery. Maybe
setting a goal when you can all celebrate would be welcome
motivation.

Although antibiotics do have widespread use because of their
effectiveness to treat infections, they also have their
drawbacks. Antibiotic treatment destroys harmful bacteria; it
also destroys some helpful .

The imbalance can cause irritable bowel or yeast
infection.

Yogurt is a well-known aid with during yeast infection. If
you eat the yogurt with the active cultures, it can help in
your fight to become well again. You must look for acidophilus
on the label.

Someone with a low immune system or who is known to have a
history of acquiring yeast infection is at a higher risk when
they are on medications that can contribute to it.

Steroids are being prescribed more often for treatment of
many health issues. These can create the side effect of yeast
overgrowth. It’s ironic to discover that the very same medicine
that can help a person recover from one illness can create
another in the process.

, although it is possible that the medicine is not solely
responsible. When the immune system is in a weakened state, the
body has a bigger tendency to acquire the overgrowth of yeast.
It could, of course, be entirely coincidental that one
contracts a yeast infection while on a medication. Yeast
thrives in warm, moist environments. If one is subjected to
excessive perspiration because of their job or climate,
excessive yeast growth could be encouraged.

If a yeast infection is not controlled, it can inhibit the
proper absorption of some medications and necessary nutrients.
The yeast overgrowth will interfere with your body’s digestive
system. If it causes inflammation, it could result in even
bigger problems.

Chemotherapy is an unavoidable necessity for many cancer
patients. It damages the normal cells while killing the cancer
cells. As if the vomiting and hair loss were not enough, added
to the constipation, mouth sores, and other side effects, then
throw in a yeast infection, and the patient is overwhelmed.

Yeast cells are normally an aid to vaginal cleansing, but if
they grow out of control, they become a nuisance. An already
medicated body must endure even more medication to counteract
the effects of the already stressed system.

As the medications you take for the yeast kills off the
infection, it also kills off the excess yeast cells, which can
in turn make you remain ill until your body gets rid of the
dead yeast products. In order to get better, the patient must
suffer more.

Yeast infections, even when caused by medications, are
normally not something to be overly concerned about. Although
they are a nuisance, they can usually be easily overcome with
no serious side effects left lingering. It is only a rare
occurrence that a yeast infection would become something more
serious, and this is from the effects it would cause and not
from the actual infection itself. That may sound contradictory,
but the medical world often does. Most small complications are
not a serious threat when you can recognize and treat symptoms
early. As always, there will be exceptions to the rule.

Oral thrush is a form of yeast infection. The infection
thrives in the warm climate of the mouth, which is a prime area
that stays moist.

Though oral thrush is usually a mouth infection found in
babies and the elderly, it can be corrected with the proper
medication and diet control.

Diet has much to do with aiding bodily functions, including
the immune system and keeping yeast growth under control.
Besides diet, the other factors that can influence yeast
overgrowth include: dental plates, pregnancy, antibiotics,
contraceptive pills, chemotherapy, endocrine conditions, iron
deficiency, and an underlying skin disease.

Skin swabs and scrapings can help diagnose oral thrush. It
invades the tissues, causing a white filmy substance that coats
the tongue or the roof of the mouth, the throat or inside the
lips. It can sometimes be a yellow coating, but white is more
common.

Cravings for sugar, alcohol, or bread can be connected to
yeast. Although babies won’t be able to verbally state
cravings, there are other indications of an oral yeast
infection. Digestion problems and fatigue are two of the
symptoms, but these can be obvious symptoms of many other
illnesses as well. A rash might accompany the yeast infection.
There could be red, peeling patches on the palate or tongue,
extra discolored tissue, and red cracks at the corners of the
mouth.

Babies are made especially uncomfortable because of the
burning sensations in the mouth. Both babies and the elderly
can be at the disadvantage of being unable to express and
pinpoint their discomfort.

Thrush causes discomfort with babies while nursing. The
yeast can be transferred to the baby at birth from a vaginal
overgrowth, an infection under the mother’s breast, on the
nursed nipples, or inside the breast. A pet or another family
member can pass on a yeast infection as well, though there is
more chance of contracting it from the mother. Mother and baby
may need to be treated for the yeast infection at the same
time. If one is treated and the other is not, there is a higher
chance of the yeast infection being passed on again and again,
as though on a yo-yo cycle from one to the other. The more a
person has a yeast infection, the harder it could become for it
to be treated with each occurring instance.

Babies may lose interest in their food if they are
uncomfortable from the thrush. It inhibits ease of swallowing.
They may cry more and have sleep disruptions as a result of
hunger from not being able to eat properly or because of the
general unease the infection causes. If left untreated, the
baby could incur other problems because of their unhappy and
unhealthy state. If you notice a milky white surface of the
baby’s tongue or other area in the mouth that will not wipe off
with a moist cloth, have the baby checked for a possible yeast
infection as soon as possible. A healthy baby is a happier
baby; and a happy baby means a happier mom.

Itching in the places where it’s not supposed to be itchy?
Check with your doctor.

It could be yeast and you have vaginal yeast infection. Do
not worry as it is not serious. It could just be a little
uncomfortable but not serious. In fact this condition happens
to most women. Every 3 women out of 4 have experienced yeast in
one of the most sensitive parts of the body. Getting your
vagina checked for yeast is a common thing and a woman should
not feel ashamed. Once you decide to have it checked, the
doctor will examine you to see if it really is yeast infection
and recommend some treatments.

You have to be careful though as self-medication is not the
best road to take because you do not really know for sure if it
is yeast infection, not unless it is medically examined. You
have to know that it may make the problem worse especially if
it is not yeast and you treat it as such. Anyway, medicines for
yeast infection are placed inside the vagina. It can be a cream
or it can be a suppository that melts on its own. There is also
medication that can be taken orally.

Once you find out you have yeast infection, advise your
partner to have himself checked too. Just to be on the safe
side.

Having yeast infection can be uncomfortable, embarrassing
and sometimes even downright painful.

You can always do something about it by taking some steps to
prevent yeast infection from happening.

Here are some of the ways you can do to prevent yeast
infection: Let the vagina area stay as dry as possible. Let it
“breathe” by wearing cotton underwear, avoiding tight pants,
skinny jeans and leggings. It is also recommended to change the
swimsuit immediately after swimming. Plus, it was noted that
douches, feminine sprays, toilet paper and tampons can cause
yeast infection. So avoid it as much as you can. Eat a diet
rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Of course, keeping
the vaginal area clean helps in the prevention of yeast
infection. Only use mild soap and water. Last but not the
least, avoid taking antibiotics if you can. Antibiotics can
cause hormonal imbalance which can cause yeast infection. It
does not hurt to try doing all of the steps mentioned above to
prevent yeast infection.

Do you know that once you get yeast infection you are bound
to get it again. Not to worry as there is a recommended
treatment. It can either be oral or vaginal medicine. Seek your
doctor’s advise for the exact medicine to take. Self-medication
is not advised for recurring yeast infections.

Most people are familiar with vaginal yeast infections,
something that affects seventy-five percent of the world’s
women. People are less familiar with oral yeast infections.

The fungus that causes oral yeast infections is Candidia.
There are four types of oral yeast infections.

The first type of oral yeast infection is Moniliasis.
Moniliasis is characterized by a thick white or yellow phlegm
that coats the entire surface of the mouth. When this phlegm is
wiped away the underlying tissue is an angry red color.
Moniliasis is also called thrush. Erythematous is another oral
yeast infection. It’s characterized by patches of red, peeling
skin on the mouth’s palette and the tongue. When a person is
diagnosed with Angular cheilitis they will have angry red
cracks in the corners of their mouth. If there is extra tissue
in the mouth, usually discolored, the person is probably
suffering from a condition called Hyperplastic. If the
condition is left unchecked it’s possible for other tissues and
organs in the body to become infected and compromised.

People who have an oral yeast infection will sometimes crave
alcohol, sugar, bread and other foods that contain large
amounts of yeast. They’ll often feel like their mouth is
burning. Other common symptoms of an oral yeast infection
include fatigue, depression, joint/muscle pain, and digestive
problems.

Oral yeast infections seem to be most common in the young or
elderly. It is unusual (but not unheard of) for a healthy
person in the prime of their life to have an oral yeast
infection. Some people will develop an oral yeast infection
when they are on chemotherapy. Sometimes the stress of an organ
transplant will trigger an oral yeast infection. Because AIDS
and HIV already suppress the immune system it is not unusual
for someone dealing with these illnesses to have oral yeast
infections. If you suffer from chronic health problems you are
more likely to develop an oral yeast infection then if you are
a healthy person. Changes in their blood sugar make diabetics
prone to oral yeast infections.

Steroids and antibiotics make a body more susceptible to an
oral yeast infection, because they suppress the bodies immune
system. It isn’t unheard of for a woman’s birth control to lead
to an oral yeast infection. Iron deficiencies can cause an oral
yeast infection, it is believed that a low iron level in the
bloodstream lowers the bodies immune system, making it more
prone to infection.

Nystatin, Triazoles, Amphotericin B, Candicidin, and
Ketoconazole are drugs that are frequently used to treat oral
yeast infections. If you prefer a natural treatment you might
want to consider capricin tea, artemisia, grapefruit seed
extract, gentian, grape seed oil, or homeopathic Cadida
silicea.

Because infants are particularly susceptible to oral yeast
infections parents need to frequently examine their child’s
mouth. They should pay particular attention to any lesions that
make it difficult for their child to eat. If they notice lesion
in the infants mouth they should immediately bring the child to
the pediatrician. Sterilizing your child’s pacifiers will help
prevent an oral yeast infection.

If you experience chronic oral yeast infections (of they
happen frequently) you will want to discuss preventative
measures with your physician. They will be able to recommend an
antibiotic that might help prevent future oral yeast
infections.

Seventy-five percent of the world’s female population will
develop a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime. These
women quickly learn that the condition, although relatively
harmless, is painful and irritating.

The good news is that there are ways to, if not prevent a
vaginal yeast infection, .

Experts believe that the clothing you wear plays a huge role
in your vaginal health. Avoid the trend of wearing tight
fitting clothing. Clothing that fits tightly through the crotch
area encourages sweating, which in turn encourages the growth
of fungus. Get rid of any underwear that is made out of spandex
and Lycra, exchanging it for simple cotton panties. Your new
panties should be white, free of dyes and patterns. Before you
put it on, make sure your underwear is clean and dry. Changing
your underwear at least once a day can help prevent future
yeast infections. At night consider shedding your panties when
you go to bed. This will give your vaginal area time to dry and
help discourage the growth of yeast. If you are more
comfortable sleeping in a pair of pajama bottoms, try to wear a
pair that is loose fitting.

Choose your toilet paper with care. Avoid brands that have
patterns painted on them. Look for toilet paper that doesn’t
tare or shred. Wiping from front to back will help prevent any
fungus that is living in the intestinal tract from moving into
the vagina. Don’t use perfumed toilet paper, powders, and
lubricants.

Wearing wet clothing can encourage the growth of fungus.
Don’t lounge around the pool in your we bathing suit. Change
into something clean and dry. Taking a shower after you swim
will also help prevent a yeast infection.

When purchasing pantyhose consider purchasing a pair of
thigh high stockings instead of full pantyhose. If you do wear
a full pair of pantyhose make sure you wear a pair of white
cotton underwear underneath them. Remove your pantyhose as soon
as possible.

Try to avoid using products that have petroleum from coming
in contact with your vagina. Petroleum jelly provides the type
of moisture that fungus thrives in. Use lubricants that are
water-based. You should also be aware that some women claim
that some spermicides trigger yeast infections.

Avoid douches. The vagina has a mucus that is designed to
protect it, douches wash this mucus away leaving the vagina
prone to yeast infections and other bacterial infections.

In some situations yeast infections can be sexually
transmitted. If your partner is dealing with a yeast infection,
you should abstain until the situation has been taken care
of.

The fluctuating blood sugar levels of diabetics seems to
trigger outbreaks of yeast infections. Diabetic women will be
more comfortable if they keep their blood sugar as consistent
as possible. Many women and physicians claim that eating one
cup of yogurt everyday will help prevent a yeast infection from
starting.

During your menstrual cycle make sure you change your tampon
and sanitary pad often.

One of the simplest ways of preventing a yeast infection is
to keep your genital area clean and dry.

There are several over the counter medicine used to treat
yeast infections, some women are more comfortable going to the
doctors office and getting a prescription to treat the
uncomfortable condition.

Doctors especially like to prescribe this drug for women who
are breastfeeding an infant.

One of the medications a doctor might prescribe is a drug
called Fluconazole. Fluconazole is a synthetic anti-fungal
medication that has been very successful at treating yeast
infections in women and men. Fluconazole is taken orally, but
in some situations it can be administered intravenously.
Fluconazole works by preventing the fungus from reproducing,
but it does not kill the fungus, the down side is that it takes
a little while to work but it doesn’t kill the fungus that the
body needs to function.

Most people are able to take Fluconazole without being
bothered by side affects, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t
any side affects. Common side affects to Fluconazole include
headaches, food tasteinf differently, dizziness, heartburn,
diarrhea, and stomach pains. Severe side affects are extreme
fatigue, difficulty breathing, unusual bruising and bleeding,
itching, appetite loss, hives, pain, rash, flu symptoms, dark
urine, and seizures. There has been no indication that a
nursing infant will be dosed with Fluconazole through breast
milk. A two week prescriptions of Fluconazole can cost as much
as three hundred and fifty dollars.

Another medicine that can be dosed either orally or
intravenously is Itraconazole. Itraconazole is typically taken
orally for three months. When taken orally it is administered
in the form of a small blue capsule that measures 22mm, each
capsule equals 100mgs. A moderate dose of Itraconazole is two
hundred mg’s a day, but for severe infections doctors will
recommend taking as much as four hundred mg’s. Itraconazole’s
brand name is Sporanox, there is not a generic form of
Itraconazole available on the market. People with severe
infections can spend as much as one thousand dollars on their
Itraconazole prescription. If you are taking Itraconazole you
should store the drug in an air tight container at room
temperature. Mothers who are breast feeding should avoid using
Itraconazole. Side affects that are commonly experienced by
people who are taking Itraconazole include fatigue, rashes,
vomiting, diarrhea, and edema. More severe side affects include
hepatitis, elevated blood pressure, and liver enzyme
elevation.

Another anti-fungal drug the requires a doctors prescription
is . Keroconazole should not be taken by women who are
breastfeeding or by women who are pregnant. Children should not
take Keronconazole. The medication that uses the drug
Keroconazole as its active ingredient is Nizoral. Patients can
take Keroconazole with or without eating first. Keronconazole
is available in caplets, shampoo, and a cream. If you are
taking anti-acids at the same time you are on Keronconazole
make sure you don’t mix the two, take your anti-acid at least
two hours after taking the Keronconazole. Side affects of
Ketoconazole can include abdominal pain, headaches, rash,
itching, nausea/vomiting, abnormal blood count, severe
depression, shock, low blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue, and
impotence.

Before your doctor prescribes medicine to treat your yeast
infection tell them about any medications you are already
taking. If you start taking a medication and experince severe
side effects contact your doctor immediatly.

There are several home remedies, and over-the-counter cures
that have been successfully used to treat and cure yeast
infections.

These remedies include changes in diet, drinking a variety
of fruit juices, and a variety of cleaning solutions, all that
can be made from ingredients found in your refrigerator.

One home remedy people have successfully used to treat their
yeast infections is white vinegar (some people prefer using
apple cider vinegar). They take a little white vinegar, dilute
it with water, and apply it to the infected area. The upside is
that this treatment is cheap. The down side is that while its
not harmful, when applied to the skin, especially tender or
injured skin, white vinegar stings, this is especially true if
the white vinegar hasn’t been properly diluted. If the idea of
dousing yourself with white vinegar isn’t your idea of a
successful way of treating a yeast infection, you can try
bathing yourself with tea tree oil

Another simple home remedy is yogurt. Fans of this treatment
claim that ingesting one cup of yogurt each day not only helps
cure an existing yeast infection but it also helps prevent
future infections. Even if eating one cup of yogurt each day
doesn’t cure or prevent yeast infections it will provide your
body with calcium and protein.

There are several foods and natural supplements that you can
eat and take that will help treat and prevent yeast infections.
Garlic will help with an outbreak. Avoid eating foods that have
a high amount of starch, like pasta, potato’s, and breads.
Drinking cranberry juice will help clean out your urinary
tract, keep it healthy, and potentially help cure an existing
yeast infection as well as helping to prevent future
outbreaks.

If you aren’t sure that a home remedy is the way you want to
go about treating your yeast infection there are several over
the counter treatments you can use. Vagisal, Monistat.
Mycostatin, Femstat, and Gyne-Lotrimin are all popular brands
of over-the-counter vaginal yeast infection treatments.

Things that wont cure a yeast infection, but will make you
feel better include placing an icepack wrapped in a towel
against the infected area. This will also help with any
swelling you might be experiencing. Another thing that will go
along way in making you feel better is soaking in baking soda
bath.

Taking precautions to prevent a yeast infection will mean
that you won’t have to worry about treating it. Wear loose
fitting clothes that don’t pull tightly across the groin area.
Purchase tampons and toilet paper that isn’t perfumed. Change
your tampon and sanitary napkin often. Don’t sit around in a
wet bathing suit. Wipe from front to back. Wear white cotton
underwear. Some women find that they are taking an oral
contraceptive that is triggering yeast infections. Women who
suffer from chronic yeast infections might want to consider
abstaining from their long, perfumed, bubble baths.

If you have been treating a vaginal yeast infection for
several days and have not noticed any change, consult your
doctor and make sure you are really dealing with a yeast
infection and not something different.