Symptoms of Candida
by Sarah
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I believe a discussion of the symptoms of Candida is necessary when discussing gluten intolerance. Candida symptoms often dovetail with gluten intolerance symptoms. In some cases people in the past may have been diagnosed with Candida when they should have been diagnosed with celiac disease and in some cases people who believe they’re suffering from some form of gluten sensitivity may actually be suffering from symptoms of Candida.
What is Candida?
Candida is a fungus variety that occurs naturally in humans, usually in small quantities in the mouth, intestines, vagina, and on the skin. As a rule, Candida does not cause any problems, unless it starts to grow out of control. There are different situations that can cause an overgrowth of this bacterial strain. A weakened immune system or prescribed antibiotics are contributing factors. Gluten intolerance may exacerbate the overgrowth of the fungus.
Symptoms of Candida
Often, Candida and celiac disease are treated as separate medical phenomenon. While they technically are completely different, you will often find one when you see the other. However, it is important not to misdiagnose one as the other. At the very least, sometimes Candida is one of the primary gluten allergy symptoms.
Candida Symptoms Vary by Location
The symptoms of Candida appear differently depending on where it is growing. For example, if it appears in the mouth, also known as thrush, the symptoms can include white patches on the inside of the mouth. The area of the mouth where these patches occur can vary according to the individual, but could include the tongue, roof of the mouth, the inside walls of the cheeks, or on the gums or lips if it spreads. These patches can often look quite alarming, but many times, there is not a lot of pain involved. Thrush is more common in infants than adults.
If an overgrowth of Candida forms in the vagina, it is often referred to as vaginitis or a vaginal yeast infection. These symptoms can include irritation, burning, redness and itching. If the infection becomes particularly severe, it could even cause the vulva to swell. Painful or frequent urination is also a common symptom, along with a vaginal discharge that can be thick and excessive, with the appearance of cottage cheese. There could also be pain during sex.
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Candida can also cause problems on the skin, such as under the breasts, in the groin area, or in skin creases where moisture tends to accumulate. This is generally referred to as cutaneous Candidasis, with symptoms that include a rash, itching, or skin lesions.
Severe Forms of Candida
A Candida infection can also form in a person’s internal organs or bloodstream, which can be a serious medical emergency. Although these infections are rare, they can quickly develop into a fatal situation if not treated. This severe version can sometimes develop in patients who are in intensive care or who have recently undergone an organ transplant.
List of Common Symptoms of Candida
There are many symptoms of candida, but here is a quick list of candida symptoms for you to glance over:
- Joint and muscle pains
- Numbness of the hands and feet
- Bloating
- Irritation and noticeable changes in mood
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Eczema
- Bladder infections
- Lethargy
- Constant headaches
- Exhaustion
- Whitish vaginal discharge as well as burning sensation during intercourse and urination (for women)
Regardless of the form the fungus takes, it is important to treat it promptly and thoroughly when the symptoms of Candida appear. This generally involves various anti-fungal medications, which can be taken orally or applied topically depending on the location of the fungal growth.
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