Yeast Infections after Antibiotic Therapy

Yeast infections which are caused by an overgrowth of fungal organisms normally found in the vaginal area are very widespread. There are several reasons leading to the occurrence of overgrowth of yeast. And one of these is a common side effect of antibiotic treatment.

Why does antibiotic treatment cause yeast infection

Taking antibiotics can have several adverse effects including the development of yeast infections. When you take an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, the drug may not only kill the target disease-causing bacteria but also the useful normal flora in your vagina. The decreased number of this normally thriving bacterial population can lead to an increase in the yeast population. Thus, yeast infection occurs.

The prevalent use of antibiotics nowadays has greatly contributed to the spread of yeast infections. Whereas any antibiotic may lead to vaginal yeast overgrowth, potent broad-spectrum antibiotics (like tetracycline) that kill both gram positive and gram negative bacteria are considered the worst adversary of normal bacterial population. Also, the longer you are on an antibiotic medication, the higher your risk is of contracting a yeast infection.

How do bacteria protect you from developing a yeast infection?

Studies have suggested that the normal bacterial flora in your vaginal area help protect you from yeast infections. How is that possible? These bacteria, most particularly the lactobacilli group, serve to provide an efficient blockage against the potential of yeast to overgrow and invade the walls of your vaginal canal. Once the yeast population overgrows and assumes the infectious hyphal form which attaches to the vaginal walls, the outcome is yeast infection.

Determining the cause of your recurrent yeast infections

Many women these days are expected to suffer from a yeast infection at least once in their lifetimes. And most of these women are also estimated to contract this infection repeatedly throughout their lives.

So if you’re a woman who has suffered from recurrent yeast infections, it is quite important that you trace the history of your condition to find a possible link to its cause. If possible, look back to the times you suffered from yeast infection and try to recall if you had been taking antibiotics previously.

If you can establish a link in at least two yeast infection incidents, then try to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment whenever possible. If you have colds, don’t take antibiotics since it is viral in origin. Only take antibiotics when you’re diagnosed to have a secondary bacterial infection.

You should also discuss with your doctor other possible causes of your recurrent yeast infection so you can find means of preventing it.
Susan Driscal is dedicated to helping people find solutions for all health related problems. To learn more about her solutions for yeast infections, thrush and candida visit::
Remedy For A Yeast Infection

Yeast Infections Affecting the Body

Yeast infections that affect the body are called systemic yeast infections. The problems and diseases associated with this type of yeast infection are quite extensive and may pose some fatal risks. This is because there are numerous species of fungi that you can possibly obtain from your diet and your surroundings. And the common cause, the overgrowth of the Candida species inside your body plays a factor too.
These fungal species release more than a hundred known toxic substances called mycotoxins, into your body. These mycotoxins can have various effects on your different body systems in apparently unrelated ways. For instance, you may develop acne, your friend may have arthritis, and a colleague may have dandruff. These fungi and their respective mycotoxins can be the culprits that lead to these diseases.
Causes of systemic yeast infections
The most prevalent cause of systemic yeast infections is the overgrowth of the species Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis in the digestive tract, although several other species may ape the symptoms associated with yeast infections due to these species.
You can also get infected when exposed to airborne spores of the fungus Aspergillus. These airborne fungal spores frequently cause a number of respiratory infections and common allergies throughout the year in many people.
Systemic yeast infection and the immune system
The immune system is the body’s major defense against infection. A person whose immune system is functioning normally can readily ward off the invading pathogen. But when an immuno-compromised individual gets infected, his immune system is not efficient enough to contain the infection and protect the body. Thus the infection worsens and spreads.
Once the infection has spread, it would be extremely difficult to eradicate unless your immune system’s normal function is restored. Since your immune system has become compromised and worn down, it cannot effectively combat the pathogen and its associated problems. The key therefore in conquering a systemic yeast infection is to re-establish the full potential of your immune system.
Common diseases resulting from a systemic yeast infection:
A systemic yeast infection may result in conditions affecting various parts of the body. These conditions can include:
Arthritis and gout
chronic fatigue syndrome
fibromyalgia
heart problems and elevated cholesterol
Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome
asthma and other allergies
acid reflux
arteriosclerosis
skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema, acne and hives
dandruff
depressive disorders and mood swings
Susan Driscal is dedicated to helping people find solutions for all health related problems. To learn more about her solutions for yeast infections, thrush and candida visit::
Remedy For A Yeast Infection