Yeast Infection Causes

Candidiasis, which is commonly known as yeast infection is caused by a group of fungi named Candida albicans. They multiply in warm and moist areas and eventually lead to infection which is sometimes serious enough to be life threatening. However, in most cases it can be treated with medical attention. There are a number of causes of yeast infection. Despite the human immune system being capable of resisting most yeast infections, cuts or breakage of the skin allows the fungi to penetrate the skin and multiply. Read all about our top rated yeast infection treatment.

Internal disturbances consisting of hormonal or physiological changes have been found to be one of the causes of yeast infection. The external use of detergents or other irritants can also lead to the infection. The normal environment of the human body is disturbed due to these elements and ultimately there is an overgrowth of yeast. Apart from these, there are other factors such as pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, having diabetes mellitus and the use of antibiotics, which can all lead to an increased occurrence of yeast infections.

Sometimes, infertility treatments and hormone replacement therapy has been found to be the causal factors of yeast infections. Metabolic illnesses like diabetes can be one of the causal factors. An underdeveloped or weakened immune system can also lead to Candidiasis. Cancer treatments, the use of steroids or other diseases such as AIDS can make the immune system weak and in such people, the infection can spread to the entire body. The infection becomes life threatening as it affects the blood, brain, kidney, heart and other body parts. The liver, lungs and spleen can also be affected by the fungus.

People with a weakened immune system are more prone to yeast infection. The fungi enter the bloodstream through breaks in the mucous membrane or skin. Sometimes, the use of strong antibiotics which cure other diseases affecting a human being might kill the bacteria which prevent the growth of yeasts. This weakens the body’s immune system and makes it more prone to Candidiasis. Use of steroids and antibiotics, therefore has been found to be a common reason for overgrowth of the fungi.

Systemic illnesses or life threatening yeast infections caused by Candida affect about 15% of people with weak immune systems. Yeast can also enter the body through devices which are implanted in the skin. Urinary catheters and IV ports sometimes allow yeast to enter the body without any obstruction. The yeast may find direct access to the bloodstream or deep tissues when drug addicts inject themselves with dirty needles. Therefore, a number of reasons lead to yeast infection and it becomes necessary for doctors to know the right cause before administering medication. Since it is often related to other diseases, the medication needs to be altered depending on the condition of the individual.

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