Fungal infections (mycoses) – symptoms, causes and treatment

  • On our skin, many fungi and bacteria that we do not notice normally life.
  • A pathological fungal infestation, however, the so-called mycosis, caused a variety of complaints and should be investigated and treated.
  • There are superficial mycoses (for example, nail fungus) and systemic mycoses (internal attack).

Table of contents

Causes

The intact immune system and a healthy populated gut flora manage it without difficulties, the invading fungal cells to reduce or to prevent Overgrowth by (already) in the body of existing populations. Is weakened the immune system, however, by, for example, lack of nutrition (Acidosis), pre-existing medical conditions, Stress, hormonal changes or due to frequent use of medication (especially antibiotics), can spread the fungi without hindrance.

Symptoms

Naturopathy is a increased incidence of Yeast in the intestines is also discussed as a protective reaction of the body to a heavy metal burden. The fungi and a pathogenic, i.e. illness-causing, shape and causes the fungal infection to a disease, it is called a mycosis. There are three groups of fungi that colonize various areas of the body and as a result, certain fungal infections cause.

Skin fungi

Dermatophytes (especially Trichophyton species) cause weeping inflammation in light – and air-poor zones of the body. They are found mainly between the toes and fingers, in the armpits, in the groin area and the female breast. It can form scaly, reddish patches that are accompanied by more or less severe itching. We speak of foot fungus, skin fungus, hair fungus. To prevent the Wearing of flip-flops are recommended in public swimming pools, and clothing made of natural fibers. Also important is a proper diet or a change in Diet (base excess diet).

Yeast fungi love to mucous membranes

Yeast-like fungi (especially Candida species) colonize preferably, the moist mucous membranes of the digestive and genital tract, namely the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract and the vaginal mucosa. In the case of fungal infestations of the digestive tract with Yeast (candidiasis), and in particular in the case of intestinal fungi can cause digestive disturbances with diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and the typical cravings for Sweet or anal itching. Often non-specific complaints, however, appear to be taken late with the mycosis.

In the mouth the infection is called thrush and shows up as a whitish coating on the buccal mucosa and on the tongue. In part, the Affected also complain of a burning sensation. Vaginal fungus by Burning and itching, redness, swelling, whitish coating of the mucous membranes and discomfort when urinating (Strangurie). Positive, yogurt, vitamin-rich food and the absence of sugar and white flour. Other home remedies for Candida promise of relief.

Mold is usually inhaled

The spores of mold fungi (particularly Aspergillus species) tend to be through breathing in the lungs. It may be spaces in existing lung cavity, under certain circumstances, to an Aspergilloma, which is a Form of aspergillosis. Often there are no symptoms at the beginning, and later coughing and shortness of breath can occur. In the case of people with pronounced immune can come in weakness, to Aspergillus pneumonia, which resembles with the symptoms of fever and cough of bacterial pneumonia. Mold fungi colonize but also the Central nervous system and the entire digestive tract, which is why they are sometimes found in stool samples.

But also heart, liver, skin, thyroid gland, and (rarely) the spleen can be affected by aspergillosis. The metabolic products of mould fungi are today proven to as sick making, and even carcinogenic, once in animal studies of liver cancer in rats was provoked.

We increase the risk of fungal infections, by way of you through our life unintentionally good settlement create opportunities, for example through the Wearing of synthetic clothing, an unbalanced diet with high sugar intake, re-intake of antibiotics, as well as the close brought to live together with the house animals, which are a frequent source of Infection. Houseplants, uncovered trash cans and non-ventilated living spaces to offer, especially mould fungi, a preferred habitat.

Diagnosis

Since a fungal infection caused symptoms are inconsistent and also other disease may underlie, it should never be the diagnosis of “fungal infection” on the basis of symptoms alone. Due to the complaints of the suspected fungal infection, and is confirmed in this aim by further diagnostic procedures (for example, dark-field microscopy), it is usually in addition to a specified laboratory detection.

The majority of naturopaths work with special laboratories that offer an extensive diagnostics for the detection of various fungal infections. The skin, nail, hair, or stool samples for the presence of fungi examined and it is determined the genus. Subsequently, the suitable, natural healing can be history-oriented therapy.

Treatment of fungal infection

School medical fungal infections are treated with antifungal drugs such as Nystatin. The bacteria-derived drug acts locally against fungi of the Candida genus and can be applied both externally (in the Form of ointments), as well as be taken. It adheres to the membrane of the fungus cells and interferes with their metabolism, so that they die off. Nystatin may not even be used by Pregnant taken, since the intestinal wall (or the skin) absorbed the drug and it thus has the effect of selectively and locally.

In the case of the systemic mycoses may be prescribed medications, which also act internally (for example, fluconazole). The against a broad spectrum of fungal species internal as external type-acting anti-fungal, and can be taken by adults and children. A report by the FDA, it’s supposed to be in the long-term ingestion of higher doses during pregnancy, a relationship to malformations in children.

Natural medicine for fungal infections

Since the Emergence of a fungal infection is often a wrong diet is based on the naturopathic treatment of this, a great deal of attention. Preventive as well as therapeutically, for example, is recommended, to sugar and knows how to do without flour as much as possible. As a positive-acting, for example, coconut oil, oregano oil, garlic, horseradish and Watercress.

Prevention

A basic and well-balanced diet is the Foundation for a healthy immune system. Conscious body hygiene (no harsh detergent, not too long and hot showers), breezy and loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers and simple powder between the toes can prevent the formation of skin fungus. Strengthen your immune system with regular exercise and pay attention to a sufficient liquid supply. Stress is hard on known the immune system, relaxation exercises can help such as Yoga or Meditation. (jvs, mb; updated 22.11.2018)