STAY WELL & SPARKLE  Yeast the Beast

Dr. Sam Christian
Dr. Sam Christian

A gentleman meekly presented to my office with a scary rash in a personal place. Before I could venture into unknown territory, he blurted out that he didn’t make a ‘chemin coshi.’ After his nervous laughter, I informed him I would have to examine his wife also.

“Oh no, Doc. No way!”

I placed my hand firmly on his shoulder to calm his alarm. You know, it is so gratifying when people take medical advice. He relented to the point that he brought her later that same afternoon. I was greeted with a whitish ‘cottage cheese’ discharge.  Good news! It was ‘just’ a yeast infection, not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) after all. One pill each cured them both.

And they lived happily ever after? Well, there’s a bit more to this case.

Non-medical purveyors of healing are running amok with wild and contradictory fads about the fungus among us. So let us focus today on the basic science of this common condition as we understand it. Yeast, the fungus Candida albicans, naturally exists in small amounts in the body. It lives symbiotically with the good bacteria residing in the gut. In certain situations, an overgrowth shows up as an infection, typically in warm, moist places.

In the very young, it causes thrush diagnosed by observing white spots in the mouth. It also causes diaper rash. Infants are susceptible as their immune system is not yet fully developed. Thankfully, this was more common back in the days when malnutrition and poverty were more prevalent.

The classic yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) shows up as a clumpy, whitish discharge along with serious itching, redness and soreness. Attempt at intimacy brings forth pain instead of the intended pleasure. Males develop a flat, reddish, darkish rash on their penis. The natural reaction is anger from suspected infidelity. Shame often prevents seeking of medical advice. To the experienced eye however, it is quite different from the painful pimples, painless sores or thick, ‘honey drip’ burning discharge typical of various other STI’s.

From experience, at least 10% of females taking antibiotics, on steroids or asthma inhalers know they have a history of developing concurrent a vaginal yeast infection. This often causes them more angst than the initial condition itself. Such patients tend to be well familiar with the effective over-the-counter preparations such as Monostat and Gyne-lotrimin. Notwithstanding this, whenever starting them on the above-mentioned treatments, I routinely provide a back-up prescription for Diflucan 150mg to take if necessary.

An overgrowth of yeast is very unusual in healthy people. It can also be seen in the elderly, patients on chemotherapy, those suffering from AIDS and other conditions weakening the immune system. In compromised patients, it may first show up as cracking in the corner of the lips, whitish spots along with redness in the mouth area. Chronic sore throat with difficulty swallowing therefore raises certain questions. Thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis) is treated with a mouthwash medication or a pill that dissolves in the mouth such as Mycelex troche.

Medically stressed intensive care patients may develop yeast infections which enter the bloodstream (candidemia). ICU doctors keep this in mind for patients who are not faring well even when their regular infections and medical conditions seem to have been brought under control. At this point, doctors start aggressive intra-venous treatment with antifungal medication in order to be lifesaving. Even in folks who are up and about, yeast has also been implicated to some extent in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyaligia. This therefore, is a conversation clearly worth having with your health care professional.

Whereas the typical wellness industry focuses on product sales “Try this. It’s good for that,” physicians must carefully examine and consider the individual patient’s age, medical and social history as well as the documented severity of the infection. Routine yeast infections, while easily treated, often harbour more than meets the eye. Each patient is unique and complex in his or her own way. It is very satisfying detective work, actually.  Also, you’ll want to educate yourself on the role that acidophilus, yogurt and other nutritional/herbal products can play in controlling the beast of yeast.

As we celebrate May Day, this working man with the mystery rash ended up getting a 2 for 1. We answered the question of his wife’s recurrent yeast infections by diagnosing diabetes. Indeed, we can be too sweet for our own good. No one is excluded. You see, a high sugar level feeds the fetid fungus. Fortunately, hers was at an early enough stage to control it with dietary changes (reducing sugars, soft drinks, white flour) along with close monitoring. In moderation, yeast is great in bread and pastries, but we prefer our patients unleavened, thank you. Let’s keep it that way.

 

Dr. Sam Christian runs the Urgent Care on 137 Bath Road. Click here for services provided https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie0YbgRNG8E  just as in the United States. He is Medical Officer of the Dominica Cadet Corps, Medical Adviser to the Dominica Cancer Society and author of the faith and fitness nutrition book, ‘Mannafast Miracle.’ Dr. Christian can be reached anytime at 440-9133, 615-8345 or by writing to [email protected].

 

 

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10 Comments

  1. May 8, 2014

    G.B May 7, 2014 Yeast infection does not come from mingling with men of the world or non so called christian men ,it is not a sexually transmitted infection… why can’t we read at list twice and understand what is written instead of mixing coconut and appricot? christian can have it,muslims can have it ,farmers,doctors,babies etc …

    If you had read “at least twice” you would have noticed that it was a man who went to see Doctor Christian–therefore that man had some form of discomfort–until Doctor Sam ask to see his wife. Read below at least “twice” you should notice what Doctor Christian said”

    “I was greeted with a whitish ‘cottage cheese’ discharge. Good news! It was ‘just’ a yeast infection, not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) after all. One pill each cured them both. And they lived happily ever after? Well, there’s a bit more to this case”.

    No, it is not a sexually transmitted disease, but the husband was affected by the bacteria in his wife, she who had the infection.

    People can get a cold. and many other sickness from someone else who has it–because these sicknesses are bacteria contagious–just as yeast infection.

    Part of my moms sickness was tuberculosis, brought on by the smoking of my dad–my mom had never drink and smoked for all her days in this world–she died from that sickness. Sexual contact is not the reason for all sickness.

    Once again notice that the man was infected by the infection from his wife; Doctor Christian said they will “both” be healed. Did you read “at least twice”?

    That husband could have passed on that infection to another woman–or visa versa through infinitely–please read twice before you write your comment.

  2. Francisco Telemaque
    May 7, 2014

    Medical Mycology:

    The scientific study of pathogenic fungi began in 1839 when scrapings from a skin disease known as favus were grown in pure culture on potato slices. The fungal growth was then used to inoculate the scalp of a healthy child, resulted in a second case of the disease. This procedure demonstrated the fungus Trichophyton schoenleinii to be responsible for the disease. More than a hundred (100) years of research has uncovered more than 100,000 species fungi.

    Most are nonpathogenic, saprotrophic, yeast-like, filamentous microbes found in the soil. A few evolved to be true pathogens, and are able to actively infect, cause harm, and be transmitted from one suitable, susceptible host to another. Most fungi only demonstrate clinically recognizable symptoms of infections when, by chance large numbers of spores enter, and overwhelm a host (human), or when normal, opportunistic fungal flora are not kept under control by defense mechanisms. The extensive use of antibiotics, and immunosuppressive drugs has led to a sharp increase in infections caused by fungi normally found in the human body. Infections caused by fungi are known as mycoses(in singular terms that would be mycosis). Three clinical types of mycoses have been identified: they are subcutaneous, cutaneous, and systemic. Fungi known as dermatophytes are able to cause cutaneous.

    With that shot ethology, let me concentrate a little on “Thrush” since that is part of the topic. Thrush, or black hairy tongue is similar to other candidiasis infections of mucous membranes. Infections occur in infants during the establishment of normal flora within the first three days of birth, or in older individuals after prolonged antibacterial antibiotic therapy. Fungal growth leads to the formation of white,curdy patches of pseudooomembrane on the tongue, and buccal mucosa. If the infection destroys papillae, the tongue takes on a blackened appearance. The disease also occurs in adults who experience mucosal irritation from poorly fitting dentures, or in those who fail to maintain proper oral hygiene; the infection may spread, causing chelitis; that is scattered infection on the lips, or angular stomatitis seen as pursed lips with grooves at the corners of the mouth.

    Finally; vulvovaginitis is a candidal infection that runs a course similar to thrush, however, occurs on the mucosal membranes of the vagina. Symptoms includes intense itching, irritation, and vaginal discharge. The condition is more likely to develop as the pH of vaginal secretions, becomes more alkaline. Under normal circumstanced, bacterial flora help maintain a low pH that limits the growth of C. albicans. Candida is part of the normal vaginal, and internal flora( okay doc I got it now) this is where you state it is in the human system in small amounts; I remember now); anyway most individuals contain antibodies against this microbe, and it is not considered contagious.

    Not Edited:

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  3. May 7, 2014

    Yeast infection does not come from mingling with men of the world or non so called christian men ,it is not a sexually transmitted infection…
    why can’t we read at list twice and understand what is written instead of mixing coconut and appricot?
    christian can have it,muslims can have it ,farmers,doctors,babies etc …

  4. Mizz J
    May 6, 2014

    I quite enjoyed that, Thanks

  5. cool beans
    May 5, 2014

    i love this article! so informative and still entertaining…

  6. Francisco Telemaque
    May 4, 2014

    “Yeast, the fungus Candida albicans, naturally exists in small amounts in the body.”

    Life is really a learning process, and I feel sorry for the people who robbed themselves of even an high school education;, and no matter how much we believe we know, there is always something we can learn from others; regarding candida albicans, I had no idea that it exists normally in the body of individuals.

    I was taught that Candida albicans is an infectious disease. Severe Candida infection can cause maceration of the breast tissues followed by ulceration. Well defined, bright-red papular patches, usually with scaly borders; characterize the infectio which can develop in the breast folds.

    In breast-feeding women cracked nipples predispose them to infection; women describe the the pain, felt when the infant sucks, as a burning pain that penetrates into the chest wall.

    Note; one should not confuse the bright-red papular patches in this case to the “Bright-red nipple excoriation can extend to the areola and ulcerate. Serious or bloody nipple discharge, and extreme nipple itching may accompany ulceration; the symptoms are usually unilateral; and could most likely a symptom of Paget’s disease.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  7. Simply the Truth
    May 4, 2014

    Well doctor, there is a tendency to place this situation on all sorts of occurrences and unhealthy conditions. I have read a lot of health matters and about this type of infection and the cures for it as also eating certain foods, etc. However, casting all that aside, we know that overall “cleanliness is next to godliness.” By this you should know what I mean. Will not elaborate any more.

  8. Takecare
    May 4, 2014

    Thanks Doc. Get yourself checked out people.

  9. May 3, 2014

    I was greeted with a whitish ‘cottage cheese’ discharge. News article

    Doctor, the minute I read that part, my stomach went upside down–perhaps you know what I mean. But I was quickly relieved to think that I do not eat cottage, actually I eat very little for matter.

    But then you ended with this one here “yeast is great in bread and pastries”

    Yes indeed! That is a fact, but when it referred to as the affliction of the body–my stomach reaction prompts me to think I won’t eat bread again in my life you see!

    But I am hoping for quick stomach recovery from that “comparison” here; perhaps even by tomorrow–but better yet I do not eat bread to often either–so I have some time to recover.

    Anyway, as a woman I have suffered from “yeast infection” but that was years and years ago, when I mingled with the men of the world–and yes it is a very uncomfortable health conflict.

    But today my body is the Temple of God. By faith I am healed by His stripes, through the Son. I free praise God, free at last.

    • May 3, 2014

      Correction: ‘actually I eat very little for that matter’

      should read: “actually I eat very little cheese for that matter”

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