Oral thrush

Fungal Throat Infection is also referred to as oral thrush. It is an infection caused by the yeast fungus Candida albicans. In most people, the presence of Candida in the oral cavity is not uncommon. It is only when there is a change that favors the growth of candida that a fungal throat infection develops. Conditions such as diabetes, AIDS and malnutrition can trigger this change.

Persons suffering from oral thrush will notice whitish spots in the mouth. There may be burning or bleeding. It can lead to fungal infection of the throat and consequently nausea and difficulty in swallowing. A throat culture helps in identifying the micro organisms that cause the infection in the throat. It could reveal epiglottis, strep throat, pharyngitis or diphtheria. Anti fungal drugs such as nystatin, amphotericin or miconazole are used to treat oral thrush.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal Yeast infections are likely to affect three out of four women at least once in their lifetime. The most common cause for vaginal yeast infection is candida albicans - tiny organisms that live and multiply within the vagina. This vaginal infection is not sexually transmitted. Since the pH of the vagina is usually acidic, the yeast organisms do not multiply. Medications, diabetes, hormonal changes and stress can alter the acidic nature of the vagina. This can cause candidiasis - a condition where the normal balance of bacteria is altered and infection occurs.

Birth control pills, excessive consumption of alcohol and compromised immune system can make a woman more susceptible to a vaginal yeast infection. There is itching and burning in the vagina and vulva. A woman has pain during urination and sexual intercourse. Vaginal yeast infection leads to thick and sticky discharge.

Vaginal Yeast infections are usually treated with vaginal creams and suppositories that dissolve and tackle the infection. Topical creams such as clotrimazole or miconazole relieve itching and also treat the yeast infection. It is essential to rule out infections such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis and gonorrhea.

Worms

Worms are parasites that live and thrive on the human and other bodies. Intestinal Parasites feed off from hosts and can be broadly classified into 2 major groups:

Protozoans: Protozoa are single cell organisms causing many diseases like Amebiasis, Giardiasis, Trichomoniasis,Sleeping Sickness,Dysentery and Malaria.

Helminths or Parasitic Worms: This kind of parasite infects the host through contaminated food, infected uncooked food, unhygienic handling of food or by skin contact with larvae.

Threadworms or pinworms: Thin tiny pinworm thrives in the intestine. They thrive due to poor hygiene. Contact with contaminated objects passes the infection through the eggs that enter through the mouth and thrive in the gut. Contact with cat or dog feces can lead to thread worm infection. Notice them in the early morning stools.

Round Worms: These roundworms can move to eyes and lungs and cause swelling in different body organs. They cause upper abdominal discomfort, insomnia, rashes and eye pain. If left untreated, roundworm infection can lead to appendicitis, loss of appetite and peritonitis.

Tape Worms: These tapeworms are like flat ribbons and can become encrusted in the brain and skin.

Hook Worms: Hookworms burrow into the intestinal walls and feed on the blood. Typical symptoms of hookworm infection are iron deficiency, protein deficiency, stunted growth and delayed puberty.

Pin Worms: Pinworms suppress the immune system and cause problems such as irritation around the anus or vagina, digestive problems and irritability.

Symptoms of worms or parasites infection are:

• Yeast infection
  
• Candida
  
• Chronic sinus
  
• Anal itching
  
• Inability to gain weight
  
• Digestive problems such as gas, IBD, diarrhea and constipation
  
• Arthritis pain
  
• Skin ailments
  
• Liver problem
  

Anti-parasitic medications are prescribed for threadworms. Increased hygiene is of utmost importance. Washing of hands regularly; especially after using the restroom is vital. Keep fingernails short. Bathe daily and wear clean clothes. Keep the toilet seat disinfected.