Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal Yeast infections are likely to affect three out of four women at least once in their lifetime. The most common cause for vaginal yeast infection is candida albicans - tiny organisms that live and multiply within the vagina. This vaginal infection is not sexually transmitted. Since the pH of the vagina is usually acidic, the yeast organisms do not multiply. Medications, diabetes, hormonal changes and stress can alter the acidic nature of the vagina. This can cause candidiasis - a condition where the normal balance of bacteria is altered and infection occurs.

Birth control pills, excessive consumption of alcohol and compromised immune system can make a woman more susceptible to a vaginal yeast infection. There is itching and burning in the vagina and vulva. A woman has pain during urination and sexual intercourse. Vaginal yeast infection leads to thick and sticky discharge.

Vaginal Yeast infections are usually treated with vaginal creams and suppositories that dissolve and tackle the infection. Topical creams such as clotrimazole or miconazole relieve itching and also treat the yeast infection. It is essential to rule out infections such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis and gonorrhea.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis refers to irritation in the vagina or abnormal discharge caused due to infection. Sometimes it is caused by allergy or irritation or sexual activity. In most cases, vaginitis is caused by vaginal yeast infection, trichomonas vaginitis or bacterial vaginosis. Vaginitis is not a serious disease but can be distressing and uncomfortable. It must be seen if the person is also suffering from a sexually transmitted disease.

Women suffering from vaginitis notice abnormal or increased discharge that may have a foul smell. There is itching and irritation in the vagina. There is pain on urination and sexual intercourse. There might thick vaginal discharge. It is essential to discuss the problem with your health worker so that the right treatment can be adopted. Physical examination and test of vaginal fluid can help detect vaginitis. The vaginal pH is an indication of the presence of any infection. The type and cause of vaginal infection determines the nature of treatment. The medications used are anti-fungal medicines or oral antibiotics. Vaginal gels or creams may also be prescribed. Vaginal yeast infection must be treated with antifungal creams. You can reduce your chances of contracting vaginitis with some simple measures:

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is a condition where there is inflammation and swelling of the esophagus. Esophagitis is caused by stomach acid reflux, fungal or viral infection of the esophagus, certain medications and weakened immune system. If esophagitis is left untreated, it can lead to ulcers and difficulty in swallowing. This can lead to scarring of the esophagus and a situation where food may stick in the area (dysphagia). Often Hiatus Hernia causes Esophagitis since the distension of the stomach through the diaphragm muscle hampers the draining of food and stomach acid. This results in the damage of the esophagal tissue. Candida yeast infection can develop in the esophagus and lead to esophagitis. It attacks when the immune system is weakened and is treated with anti-fungal drugs.

A person suffering from esophagitis has difficulty in swallowing and nausea and vomiting. There are mouth sores. Heartburn involves acid reflux into the esophagus as a burning sensation with a bitter-tasting liquid that may regurgitate into the mouth. A patient can reduce the symptoms of esophagitis by eating smaller meals and avoiding eating for 2 hours before going to bed. Avoid too much spices and acidic food and beverages. Take small bites and chew food thoroughly before swallowing. Place your head at an elevation while sleeping to prevent regurgitation and stomach acid reflux. Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, peppermint and fatty foods can aggravate the condition.

The physician can view the esophagus with an endoscope to look for scarring and inflammation. A biopsy can be taken for diagnosis. A Barium swallow involves use of a special dye to facilitate x-ray of the esophagus and check for abnormalities. Antacids can help in reducing stomach acid reflux. Medication to improve the strength of the LES muscle can help in treating esophagitis. Antibiotics or anti-fungal drugs may be prescribed to treat the infection. Inflammation can be reduced with the help of corticosteroid medication. Surgery is resorted to in cases where there is a hiatus hernia or to remove the damaged part of the esophagus.