Candida albicans is a yeast that lives in harmony in our body until something throws off the delicate balance, causing the fungus to proliferate wildly. When Candida is allowed to build up in the body, over time a wide variety of severe symptoms can occur. Without proper treatment, the yeast overgrowth can be extremely dangerous.
Many patients complain of constant, extreme fatigue, especially after meals, along with a fuzzy or foggy brain. Difficulty paying attention and confusion, with an inability to concentrate are additional cognitive symptoms. Some patients complain of feelings of unreality and disorientation and a poor memory.
The patient may initially experience one or more genitourinary issues such as burning upon urination low sexual drive, impotency, vaginal discharge, vaginal itch, infertility, and menstrual irregularities. Some patients may see worsening of PMS, increased urination, and bladder infections.
Since the gastrointestinal tract runs from the mouth to the anus, the symptoms are widely ranged. They can include oral thrush, blisters in the mouth, gas and bloating, diarrhea or constipation, mucous in the stools, bad breath, heartburn, indigestion or rectal burning and rectal itch.
Candida spreads to all organ systems, including the skin and may cause hives and rashes, eczema and psoriasis, ringworm, fingernail and toenail infections, athlete's foot, and acne.
Overgrowth of candida may also cause coughing and difficulty breathing, asthma, hives, tearing and itchy eyes, increasing sensitivity to food and other allergens, and hay fever.
A bachelor's-prepared nurse with a background in scientific research, Becky Sherrick Harks was shocked to discover that her passion lay not in the hospital but with writing. Blogging since 2004, she's won numerous awards and has appeared on Slate.com, The Happiness Project and Psychology Today.