Candidiasis after taking antibiotics: signs, how and what to treat?

Thrush after antibiotics is quite common, since antibiotics promote the development of dysbacteriosis. They completely or partially kill normal microflora.

Can you get thrush after antibiotics?

Despite the fact that antibiotics are quite effective drugs that stop the infectious process by killing pathogenic microorganisms or suppressing their growth and activity, they are not without drawbacks. Thus, one of the significant drawbacks is that they suppress the growth of not only pathogenic microorganisms, but also kill the normocenosis.

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Epidemiology

According to statistics, every second person, at least once in their life, after taking antibiotics, developed signs of the disease in question. Most often, thrush develops in the urogenital tract. The female genitourinary tract is most sensitive to changes in microflora, and also contributes to the development and rapid progression of infection. It should be noted that thrush occurs in men approximately 4 times less often than in women. In second place in terms of frequency of occurrence is oral thrush, which occurs mainly in children under 3 years of age, as well as in newborns. Thrush can be contracted.

This happens in 67% of cases and is observed only with reduced immunity or after taking antibiotics, since normally colonization resistance does not allow the development of pathogens and fungi.

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Causes thrush after antibiotics

The cause is the development of dysbacteriosis, in which the normal ratio of microorganisms in the urogenital tract is disrupted.

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Risk factors

The risk group includes all people taking antibiotics. These may be people who have recently had tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, people with weakened immunity, with reduced colonization resistance of microflora. Also at risk are people who periodically or regularly take medications that include antibiotics, antiseptics that affect microflora.

Those at greatest risk are the elderly and senile, children, newborns, and people after surgeries, invasive procedures, and the weakened and exhausted. This also includes people with wound infections, skin integrity disorders, and women in the postpartum period, since it is at this time that the body is most weakened and its defenses are minimal. At this time, antibiotic therapy is often prescribed, which causes changes in the microflora in the body, which is already under a heavy load.

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Pathogenesis

Also, normal microflora has colonization resistance, that is, the ability to suppress the growth of pathogens and prevent their penetration into the mucous membranes. In the absence of a normal number of such microorganisms, the basis of the biotope is colonized by pathogenic microorganisms, since they are distinguished by the ability to rapidly grow, progress, and colonize various microbiocenoses quite quickly. Also, quite often the "vacated" place is occupied by various fungi, mainly yeast-like, with the ability to continuous, colonizing growth. The main such fungi are representatives of the genus Candida, which are the main causative agents of thrush.

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Symptoms thrush after antibiotics

A feeling of discomfort appears, a white coating, which gradually develops into white discharge, often of a liquid consistency, sometimes with curdled and flaky inclusions. Gradually, the itching intensifies, discomfort appears, gradually developing into pain. The lesion may increase in size, and new foci of infection may form, which gradually spread throughout the body, forming new conglomerates.

Thrush may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor, which resembles the smell of lost fish. Sometimes the pain may affect not only the area of the excretory organs, but also the anus, rectum. Pain appears, which intensifies during urination and defecation, frequent, sometimes false urges to urinate appear. Gradually, the infection may develop and progress, as well as its spread, including to internal organs.

The earliest signs of thrush development are mild itching and discomfort in the genital area, which occurs a few days after taking antibiotics. Gradually, the symptoms increase, discharge appears, and the itching intensifies. Redness and irritation may develop.

White discharge after antibiotics

After using antibiotics, white discharge may appear after a few days. This may indicate the development of a bacterial or fungal infection. Most often, they are white or translucent, less often - thick, flaky, or curdy. They are often accompanied by itching, redness, burning, and also intensify in the evening, or after another dose of antibiotics, if the treatment is still ongoing.

An unpleasant odor may appear in the morning. All these are signs of thrush, which must be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications.

Thrush in the mouth, on the tongue after antibiotics

Sometimes the localization of thrush is not only the genitourinary tract, but also the oral cavity. This is one of the most dangerous forms, since it develops with very weak immunity. The peculiarity of this form is that the disease progresses very quickly and can spread to the throat, nasopharynx, pharynx, and even to the upper and lower respiratory tract.

In addition, the condition is characterized by a disturbed microflora in the oral cavity, and this inevitably entails disturbances of the entire digestive tract. Patients with this form of the disease most often have a generalized form of infection, in which it progresses and spreads throughout the body. For treatment, it is necessary that the treatment be comprehensive. It should be based on the restoration of normal microflora and normalization of the immune system.

Thrush in men after antibiotics

Thrush is a relatively rare occurrence in men. It is mainly a disease that is most common in women. The main cause is dysbacteriosis. Infection from external sources is rare. Unlike women, men do not require special treatment. It is enough for them to improve their immunity and normalize their microflora.

Thrush after antibiotics in women

In women, the microflora and hormone levels are more variable and much lower than in men. A woman's immunity is especially sharply reduced after an illness and after antibiotic treatment. The etiological factor is an increased amount of fungal microflora, which occurs against the background of a decrease in normal flora.

These microorganisms ensure the normal condition of the mucous membrane, provide a high degree of colonization resistance of the mucous membranes. They account for up to 98%.

After taking antibiotics, this level drops sharply (on average to 60-65%). The vacated space is occupied by other, mainly pathogenic microorganisms, which leads to the development of diseases and inflammations. Fungi of the genus Candida progress predominantly.

Thrush after antibiotics during pregnancy

For many women, thrush is even a sign, an early harbinger of pregnancy, which occurs in the first months, and sometimes even before the first delay. Immunity is reduced, but if the woman is sick, immunity is reduced even more. If you had to take antibiotics, the severity and severity of thrush increases.

If the woman also abstains from sexual activity, the disturbance of the microflora worsens. This is due to the fact that during sexual intercourse a hormonal explosion occurs, accompanied by an abundant release of hormones that have a positive effect, including on the microflora. And sperm also contains biologically active components and substances that maintain the optimal ratio and normal functioning of the normal microflora.

It is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible, to conduct a gynecological examination. If the microflora is disturbed, the child's will also be disturbed. In addition, the child may have constant skin diseases.

Therefore, thrush in pregnant women must be treated, regardless of the reasons for which it arose. Even if it arose after taking antibiotics.

There are medications that are safe and are allowed to be taken even during pregnancy. For example, one of these medications is Pimafucin, which is available both in tablet and suppository form. It is better to use suppositories. Only three suppositories are required for the course of treatment. They are administered intravaginally in the evening. Tablets are prescribed for severe progression and severe course of the disease.

Candidiasis in a child after antibiotics

In the genitourinary system of children, thrush is rarely observed, but it can occur in the oral cavity. Oral thrush is especially common in infants and newborns. This is due to the insufficient formation of microflora, its variability, as well as sensitivity to antibiotics and other factors. Also, infants may be teething, which reduces immunity and can also cause disruption of the normal ratio of microorganisms in the oral cavity, and can also be associated with the fact that children pull almost everything into their mouths, taste it.

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Complications and consequences

The consequences are a violation of the microbial composition of the body, its individual biocenoses. This can lead to the development of an infection. The danger is that a fungal infection often develops. It can progress quite quickly, spreading to other biotopes. This can lead to a violation of the normal functioning of the main systems of the body.

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Diagnostics thrush after antibiotics

The only doctor who can make a correct diagnosis in this case is a gynecologist. You need to undergo a gynecological examination. If this is not enough, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate research methods, based on the results of which the appropriate treatment will be prescribed.

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Tests

Smears from the urogenital tract and cervical canal are prescribed for further examination and further bacteriological culture is performed. The presence of bacterial microflora, its quantitative and qualitative characteristics are determined. A smear is also taken for further microscopic and cytological examination, with the help of which the main characteristics of the cellular composition and microscopic characteristics are determined. Also, with the help of this method, it is possible to identify abnormal and genetically transformed cells, which later become precursors of malignant tumors.

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Instrumental diagnostics

The main method of examination is ultrasound. This method allows to determine the main pathologies of the small pelvis, abdominal region, uterus. Both vaginal (internal) and external examination methods are performed. It is possible to identify foci of inflammation, adhesions, scars, echogenicity areas from which tumors, benign and malignant neoplasms originate. Using ultrasound examination, various causes are determined that can lead to the development of thrush. The body of the uterus, its position, the presence or absence of deviations in position, size are examined.

Measurements of the main indicators are taken. The structural features of the myometrium are examined from various sides and positions. A separate study of the endometrium is conducted. Particular attention is paid to its thickness and structure, the presence of individual diffuse formations, foci, structures and inclusions is noted. The contours and cavity of the uterus are examined. The structural features and localization of the cervix are studied. Then they gradually move on to examining the right and left ovaries. The length, thickness, width, volume are determined, and structural features are noted. If there is fluid in the retro-uterine space, its nature, quantity and localization are noted.

Usually, this basic method of examination is sufficient. But sometimes, if the information is insufficient to make a diagnosis, a more detailed examination may be required. Hysteroscopy is prescribed, with the help of which a special instrument - a hysteroscope is inserted into the uterine cavity through the cervix and further examination of the structural features of the endometrium, wall and mucous membrane is carried out. Such methods as colposcopy, X-ray, CT and MRI are also used, but these methods are used extremely rarely.

Differential diagnosis

It is based on the need to differentiate different types of diseases that have similar signs and symptoms. For example, it is necessary to differentiate an inflammatory process from an infectious process, a tumor from formations and hematomas. In this case, various diagnostic methods are used, including laboratory and instrumental ones.

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Treatment thrush after antibiotics

Prescribed are mainly agents aimed at restoring normal microflora. An important condition is maintaining the normal state of the mucous membranes. The use of agents aimed at reducing the number of fungal microflora is clinically unjustified, since the microflora itself is capable of reducing the number of pathogens, provided that its composition is normal and fully restored.

Treatment of dysbacteriosis after antibiotics

Various medications are used, including probiotics and prebiotics, the main action of which is aimed at normalizing bacterial and fungal microflora, as well as maintaining the normal functioning of the mucous membranes, and relieving the inflammatory process.

Probiotics are medicinal preparations that include representatives of normal human microflora. Thus, by drinking a capsule of such medicinal preparations, microorganisms are introduced into the human body, which occupy their niche in the corresponding microbiocenosis and provide colonization resistance of the mucous membrane, preventing the development of pathogenic microflora.

Prebiotics are preparations that contain the corresponding substances that act as growth factors that stimulate the growth and development of normal microflora. Accordingly, the number of representatives of normal flora increases, which prevents the growth and development of pathogenic flora.

Medicines

You cannot treat thrush on your own, since it is a rather delicate problem that can worsen with improper treatment, progress rather quickly and even capture other biotopes. Therefore, you need to take precautions - when treating, be sure to consult a doctor and follow the prescribed treatment regimen. Otherwise, numerous side effects occur - inflammation, tumors, polyps, cysts, progression of fungal and bacterial infection, and even its spread to other biotopes.

Pimafucin is the main remedy, the drug of choice No. 1, which is prescribed in such a case. It is an antifungal drug that effectively eliminates fungal infection and normalizes the state of the microbiocenosis. It can be used even by pregnant women. It is recommended to use it in the form of suppositories, which are inserted into the vagina, as deeply as possible before bed, after an evening toilet. In this case, the course of treatment is designed for only three days, and this time is enough for the disease to completely disappear. If these funds are not enough, pimafucin is prescribed in the form of tablets.

Fluconazole is the second most frequently prescribed drug. It is prescribed for more severe and progressive infections. It is also an antifungal drug, especially effective against Candida fungi. It is recommended in the amount of 1 tablet. A single tablet is quite enough to completely eliminate the symptoms of the disease and normalize the microflora. It should be taken into account that the drug is relatively strong, and it is best to use it only if there are no other treatment options, or you know for sure that the cause is a fungal infection. If this remedy alone is not enough, and the symptoms continue to bother, you can prescribe a repeat course (of one tablet) in 3-4 days.

In third place is clotrimazole, a powerful antifungal agent that is prescribed when other agents have proven ineffective. This drug is hard on the stomach, kidneys, and liver. It is better not to use it for people with pathology of these organs. They take mainly one tablet per course.

Also, for thrush, probiotics are prescribed, which are aimed at normalizing the urogenital microflora and its further maintenance. One of the most well-known means aimed at normalizing the microflora of the urogenital tract is symbiter, developed and released by the I. I. Mechnikov Institute of Microbiology and Immunology. This is a fairly effective remedy that has already been tested on many women and children. The clinical effectiveness of the remedy has been proven in clinical and preclinical studies, and now the remedy is used on the basis of inpatient and hospital treatment.

• Diflucan

The active ingredient of this drug is fluconazole. It is an antifungal drug. Take one tablet (capsule) per day - 150 mg. In case of severe infection, the dosage can be increased to two tablets per day (300 mg). Helps eliminate the symptoms of thrush, other fungal infections. It is recommended to take only as prescribed by a doctor, as numerous side effects may occur.

• Pimafucin

It is available in the form of ointment, suppositories, cream and tablets. One of the safest medicines used in the treatment of various diseases of inflammatory and infectious genesis. This is one of the relatively safe means, which is confirmed by the fact that the drug can be used even during pregnancy.

Quite often, suppositories are prescribed, since they have a local effect, do not penetrate into the blood, quickly penetrate into the inflammation site, and localize the infection. Also, one of the advantages is that the drug in this case allows you to bypass the gastrointestinal tract, accordingly, the level of infection decreases, and the likelihood of infection development decreases. In addition, suppositories melt, and foam is formed, which covers the surface of the perineum, providing an additional therapeutic effect. Usually, a course of treatment requires 3 suppositories, designed for three days of treatment.

The cream has an additional effect on the body, enhancing the effect of the ointment and tablets. It is usually prescribed if the disease has been prolonged or is severe. It is convenient for treating thrush and fungal infections in various locations: on the nails, hands, in the oral cavity, internal organs. The cream can be used for up to a month.

The drug has a fungistatic effect, that is, it kills fungal infections. Depending on the dosage, it either partially suppresses the growth of microorganisms or kills them completely. Usually, tablets are taken for 5 to 10 days. This is quite enough to completely get rid of the symptoms of the pathology.

• Clotrimazole

The active substance is also fluconazole. Prescribed one tablet per day. The duration of treatment is from 3 to 5 days. It should be taken with caution by patients who suffer from kidney and liver diseases, since the drug creates an additional burden on these organs due to the high dosage of the active substance.

• Fluconazole

Prescribe one capsule per day. Sometimes one tablet is enough to completely eliminate the symptoms of the pathology. But often a course requires three tablets (they are taken daily for three days). People often ask the question: how to take fluconazole when taking antibiotics? There is a fairly simple scheme - if you are treated only with fluconazole, take a whole tablet for three days. If you are also taking antibiotics, or have recently undergone a course of antibiotic therapy, you will need to reduce the dosage to half a tablet per day.

• Flucostat

Prescribed one tablet per day. The duration of treatment can vary from one to seven days. The active substance is fluconazole. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor.

Candles for thrush after antibiotics

There are a large number of suppositories - fluconazole, flucostat, pimafucin, fluconazole. Suppositories for candidiasis are considered more effective. They allow you to cure any disease much faster, since they have a local effect directly on the inflammation site. There are also some suppositories, among the recipes of traditional medicine, that you can prepare yourself, but such drugs should be treated with caution.

Physiotherapy treatment

The main methods of physiotherapeutic treatment are ultrasound, microcurrents, and waves of various lengths. Sometimes gynecological massage, urogenital tract massage, perineal massage, and coccygeal massage are performed. Segmental-reflex and visceral massage may be useful.

In complex therapy, an important role is given to reflexology, vertebral impact (massage of vertebrae and intervertebral discs), visceral practices (working on internal organs through the abdominal wall). Methods of hatha yoga, qigong, therapeutic exercise, gymnastics, correct breathing, meditation, relaxation, self-regulation are also shown.

Electrophoresis is used, with the help of which medicinal preparations are introduced directly into the mucous membranes. The depth of their penetration is regulated by microcurrent. Cryoprocedures, such as cauterization with liquid nitrogen, and thermal procedures are indicated. Sometimes electrical procedures are used.

Quite an effective method is acupuncture, bloodletting, autoinjections (injections of one's own blood, purified). Also used are means of therapeutic physical training, active and passive gymnastics.

Folk remedies

• Recipe No. 1.

An ointment made from honey and hydrogen peroxide is used to lubricate the mucous membranes and walls of the vagina. To prepare the ointment, tear honey, about 3 tablespoons. Add about 50 grams of peroxide, mix thoroughly and allow to harden until a homogeneous mass is formed. Apply a thin layer for about 15-20 minutes to the affected areas, then rinse with warm water, blot with a towel and apply a thin layer of any fatty product or baby cream.

• Recipe No. 2.

For general strengthening of the body, a balm is used. It is prepared on the basis of alcohol. To prepare, take a tablespoon of barberry berries, a bunch of chokeberry, 2 tablespoons of blueberries or lingonberries, as well as 2-3 tablespoons of crushed nettle leaves, stevia, sage.

• Recipe No. 3.

To wash the affected areas, and simply for washing, use an anti-inflammatory composition: 3-4 tablespoons of chamomile and calendula herbs are poured with a liter of boiling water, covered with a lid. Infuse until the decoction becomes warm. After that, use for washing.

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Herbal treatment

Herbs have long been used to treat various infectious and inflammatory diseases. They are also widely used in gynecology. Most often, herbs are used for washing and douching, gargling, washing and instilling into the nasal cavity. In cases of severe inflammation, as well as general weakness, decreased resistance, they are used internally in the form of decoctions and infusions. Some herbs can be used as tea.

It can be used as part of a complex therapy, separately, as part of monotherapy (the so-called phytotherapy - treatment with herbs and plant materials). Various treatment regimens are used, various parts of the plant are used: roots, leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, fruits. Some plants are included in complex collections, ointments, gels, creams.

In gynecology, herbs such as sage have proven themselves to be the best - it has an anti-inflammatory effect; chamomile - antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect; calendula - relieves inflammation, restores damage, normalizes microflora. It is recommended to use these herbs as decoctions for internal use, as well as for washing. The decoction is made at the rate of 2 tablespoons of the product per glass of boiling water.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies should be used with basic precautions. Careless attitude and failure to observe precautions may lead to side effects - disruption of microflora, progression of fungal infection, spread of the inflammatory and infectious process. Basic precautions include, first of all, following all the doctor's recommendations.

• Recipe #1. Strengthening balm

To prepare, take a tablespoon of sea buckthorn berries, raspberry leaves, oak bark, pour about 500 ml of vodka or pure alcohol, then add half a teaspoon of barberry, nutmeg and cloves. All this is infused for at least 3-4 days, I drink 50 ml per day. The course of treatment is at least 28 days (a full biochemical cycle).

• Recipe #2. Restorative balm

Take equal parts of buckthorn leaves and walnut partitions (about 2-3 tablespoons each), add about 200 grams of cherries with pits, pour in 500 ml of alcohol, leave for at least 5 days, drink in small quantities twice a day for 28 days.

• Recipe #3. Anti-inflammatory ointment

This ointment can be prepared at home independently. But it is also sold ready-made, under various names, depending on the manufacturer. Thus, the company "Rescue Service 911" produces it under the name "Traumalgon". It can be applied in a thin layer to the affected areas, including the mucous membranes, the perineum area. It cannot be applied only to the mucous membrane of the oral and nasal cavity. The composition includes extract of badyagi, nettle, propolis, pepper oil, eucalyptus, arnica and camphor. Relieves inflammation, itching, burning.

• Recipe #4. Moisturizing cream

Apply a thin layer to mucous membranes. Mainly used for application after rinsing. Contains wild arctic rose oil and vitamin A, E. Apply with light massaging movements until completely absorbed.

Surgical treatment

Surgical methods are rarely used, mainly when conservative methods are ineffective. But they can be the only way to solve the problem when tumors develop. Both benign and malignant neoplasms are removed. Surgical methods can also be used in case of vascular pathology, in the presence of cysts, polyps, and growths of various types of tissue.

Prevention

Prevention is based primarily on timely diagnostics. It is important to identify the pathology at an early stage of its formation and take the necessary measures. This will prevent the progression of the disease.

Also, the most important condition for prevention is the use of probiotics or prebiotics together with antibiotics, which restore normal microflora. In case of the first signs of thrush, fungicides are used. Also, some antibiotics require the simultaneous use of fungicidal drugs.

In addition, it is important to exercise, eat right, and follow a daily routine. Clothes should be natural, should not irritate the skin and cause excessive compression and squeezing of the skin. It is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of vitamins, ensure plenty of fluids.

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Forecast

If you determine the cause in time and carry out the necessary treatment, the prognosis will be favorable. Thrush after antibiotics can be completely and completely eliminated. The main means in this case are probiotics, prebiotics. If you delay with diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis can be unpredictable.

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