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Candida albicans is a type of parasitic yeastlike fungus
that inhabits the esophagus, genital tract, intestines,
mouth and throat. Under normal circumstances, this fungus
lives in a healthy balance with the other bacteria and yeasts
in the body. However some conditions which compromise the
immune system, including long term antibiotic therapy, or
repeated antibiotic use can cause the infection also known
as candidiasis.
When candida
infects the vagina, it is termed vaginitis and results in
a large amount of white, cheesy discharge and intense burning
and itching. If candida has infected the mouth, it is called
thrush and is recognized by white sores on the tongue, gums
and inside the cheeks. In babies, oral thrush may appear
as white spots similar to milk spots. Alternately, thrush
can infect a baby's backside, looking like diaper rash.
Due to
the wide variety of locations candida can grow, it can be
characterized by many symptoms such as abdominal pain, acne,
athlete's foot, bad breath, bladder and kidney infections,
canker sores, colitis, congestion, constipation, cough,
depression, diarrhea, extreme fatigue, heartburn, jock itch,
muscle and joint pain, night sweats and vaginitis.
Candida
can affect both men and women, but it is most common in
babies and in people with compromised immune systems.
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