Our body naturally contains a certain number of microorganisms. These fungi and bacteria remain in the body and help our digestive system, immune system, and bodily functions. The good bacteria in our body helps in maintaining our biological ecosystem by regulating the number of fungi and harmful bacteria.

However, hormonal imbalances, blood sugar levels, stress, and other factors can affect the healthy balance of microorganisms in our bodies. Sometimes taking a lot of antibiotics kills both good and bad bacteria, disrupting our biological ecosystem.

This can lead to an overgrowth of fungi resulting in yeast infection. Most fungal overgrowths are caused by Candida, especially its most common variant called Candida Albicans.

The yeast grows on moist and warm areas of the body and can lead to infection of various kinds. Let us discuss different types of yeast infections and how you can treat them.

1. Vaginal yeast infection

This is the most common type of yeast infection and affects three out of four women. Itching, discomfort, and abnormal vaginal discharge are some of the telltale signs of vaginal yeast infection.

Most vaginal infections are mild and can be treated with an over-the-counter pill for yeast infections. You can buy an antifungal medication from your local medicine shop or even online. A single dose of fluconazole can clear up the signs of infection and provide relief.

However, in some cases, the issue can become severe, resulting in swelling, redness, and cracks on the wall of your vagina. Also, you can experience recurring episodes of infection. In such a case, you need a prolonged treatment with fluconazole, or topical medications to apply inside the vagina.

For chronic and recurring issues, you can also use a boric acid suppository that can help in treating vaginal yeast infections. If you experience severe discomfort or pain, you must consult your health care provider, who can suggest a suitable course of treatment.

2. Oral Thrush

Yeast infection in the mouth and throat is called oral thrush. If you have white patches on your tongue, throat, inner cheeks, and roof of the mouth, chances are you have a yeast infection. You can also experience redness, soreness, loss of taste, and pain in eating or swallowing.

Oral thrush can be treated with a topical antifungal medicine applied to the inside of the mouth for a couple of weeks. If you experience severe symptoms, you should consult your health care provider, who can suggest an oral antifungal pill or an intravenous medication.

If you have a yeast infection in your esophagus, taking fluconazole can be beneficial. However, your doctor may also suggest other prescription medicine.

3. Invasive candidiasis

When Candida spreads to the bloodstream or organs, it is known as invasive candidiasis. It is the most severe form of yeast infection that can affect the heart, eyes, brain, bones, blood, joints, and other body parts.

Hospitalized patients, infants in neonatal units, and people with weak immunity are more susceptible to the disease. As invasive candidiasis affects people who are already sick, it is difficult to distinguish the specific symptoms of infection.

However, most patients experience fever and chills that do not go away with antibiotics. The disease has a high mortality rate and needs immediate attention.

Your health care provider will choose a suitable treatment based on your age, immune system, and severity of infection. Your doctor may suggest an intravenous echinocandin. However, for some patients, fluconazole and other antifungal medications can also be helpful.

4. Small intestine fungal overgrowth

A small intestine fungal overgrowth can result in gastrointestinal symptoms like indigestion, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and other discomforts. To ascertain that you are suffering from SIFO, your doctor may take a fluid sample from your small intestine via an endoscope.

The treatment usually consists of antifungal medication for 15-20 days.

These are some of the common types of yeast infections and their treatment methods. Most yeast infections are treatable with over-the-counter oral pills. However, you need to consult a doctor if you experience severe discomfort.