At least three quarters of all women will experience candidiasis (thrush) at some point in their lives.
Yeast organisms are always present in all people, but are usually prevented from "overgrowth" (uncontrolled multiplication resulting in symptoms) by naturally occurring microorganisms.
The Candida albicans organism is found in the vaginas of almost all women and normally causes no problems. However, when it gets out of balance with the other "normal flora", an overgrowth and symptoms can result.
Pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and some antibiotics, and diabetes mellitus can lead to an increased incidence in yeast infections.
Most of the time the attack of thrush comes about because of a simple imbalance in the organisms in the body. Sometimes, though, an underlying reason should be looked for. - Steroids. As an example, oral candidiasis is often linked to the use of inhaled steroids in asthma medication. Patients on long term inhaled steroids should rinse their mouth after each dose of steroids.
- Candidiasis can also be the first sign of a more serious condition, such as HIV.
- Sugar assists the overgrowth of yeast; thus, the increased prevalence of yeast infections in patients with diabetes mellitus, as noted above. In the case of frequent yeast infections, sugar can be looked to as a culprit and should be avoided. Nutritionists often recommend avoidance diets, eliminating sugar and often many other foods for a period.
- Extensive antibiotic treatment is sometimes implicated, and probiotics are then recommended.
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