Vaginal Cream: Uses, Types, and How to Apply
What To Know About Candida Die-off
Candida die-off occurs when a person experiences new or worsening symptoms after receiving treatment for a candidiasis, or yeast, infection. Symptoms can include fever, headaches, and muscle pain.
Candida die-off may cause symptoms of a yeast infection to temporarily worsen, or it may even cause new symptoms, such as a fever or stomach pain. Various types of Candida fungus can cause these infections.
Treatment of viruses, bacteria, and fungi such as candida can cause temporary inflammation in the body. Doctors call this the Jarisch-Herxheimer phenomenon, or a Herx reaction. Candida die-off is a type of Herx reaction.
People who think they may have Candida die-off syndrome should be aware that other infections can mimic a yeast infection. What appears to be Candida die-off may actually be a different infection getting worse.
Keep reading to learn more about Candida die-off, including the causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor.
Infections with various Candida fungi can cause yeast to grow in the body. One of the most common types of Candida is Candida albicans. This can lead to candidiasis, or a yeast infection, of the mouth, gums, vagina, or organs.
Candida die-off symptoms typically start shortly after beginning treatment for the infection, usually within 1–2 hours. The symptoms may get steadily worse over a few days, then resolve on their own. Candida die-off is not a chronic illness or a new infection. It is a temporary syndrome.
Doctors do not fully understand what causes Candida die-off or other forms of the Herx reaction. Some research suggests that as infections die, they release harmful substances that temporarily make the symptoms worse.
Researchers have extensively documented Herx reactions associated with some conditions, especially syphilis and Lyme disease. However, little research has specifically looked at die-off reactions related to Candida or yeast infections.
The symptoms of a Herx reaction vary from person to person. Many people report flu-like symptoms or a fever. Pregnant women may experience contractions or even preterm labor.
Some other symptoms might include:
Doctors do not know for sure what causes Candida die-off syndrome, or any other type of Herx reaction. There are a number of theories, however.
One theory is that substances inside yeast cause inflammation. When Candida lives in the body, the substances in the cells of the yeast remain inside it. Treating Candida, however, causes its cells to die. As the cells die, they may release various substances, such as endotoxins and proteins.
The release of these harmful substances causes the body to release cytokines. Cytokines are immune system cells that help fight infection and cause inflammation. This inflammation can cause symptoms very similar to those of an infection, such as swollen lymph nodes.
Candida die-off may also be a type of delayed hypersensitivity to the Candida infection. Some doctors argue that it may be a result of the body's attempts to fight Candida or remove dead Candida cells.
It is also possible that a combination of factors cause this syndrome.
Candida die-off syndrome is not the only explanation for new and worsening symptoms following Candida treatment. Sometimes, new symptoms indicate that the treatment is not working, allowing the infection to get worse.
Symptoms such as difficulty breathing or a rash may also indicate an allergic reaction to the treatment.
No specific treatment can cure Candida die-off syndrome. In most people, it is self-limiting. This means that the symptoms will go away on their own within a few days.
Most cases of Candida die-off are uncomfortable, but not severe. However, in people with weak immune systems, organ failure, or other serious health problems, a Herx reaction may be dangerous.
Treatment tends to focus on the management of symptoms. Some treatment options include:
It is important not to assume that new or worsening symptoms indicate Candida die-off. Only a doctor or other healthcare provider can correctly diagnose the cause of these symptoms.
A person should see a doctor if:
Sometimes, a more serious condition — such as a life threatening allergic reaction — can mimic the symptoms of Candida die-off.
A person needs immediate medical attention if they:
Candida die-off can be painful and uncomfortable, but it is not usually dangerous.
It typically indicates that treatment is successfully killing the infection, though doctors do not yet understand the exact cause. There may be numerous causes.
Anyone concerned about Candida die-off should discuss treatment options with a healthcare professional. They will be able to confirm whether the person is experiencing a Herx reaction or something else.
Yeast Infection Directory
Yeast is a fungus that normally lives in the vagina in small numbers. A vaginal yeast infection means that too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina. These infections are very common. Although they can be bothersome, vaginal yeast infections are not usually serious, and treatment is simple. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about vaginal yeast infection, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference View All Features Video Quizzes Health Tools News Archive View AllHow Your Underwear Can Increase Your Risk Of Nasty Infection In The Heatwave
WEARING a thong could increase your risk of thrush in the hot weather, doctors say.
Tight underwear boosts the chances of yeast infections, which are already more likely when temperatures are high.
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Wearing tight-fitting underwear could increase your risk of thrush in the hot weather, doctors sayCredit: GettyThe mercury topped 32C yesterday and is set to remain above 30C in parts of Britain throughout the rest of the week.
Experts say your choice of undies could determine how likely you are to get an infection.
Dr Anne Henderson, a consultant gynaecologist working with Canesten, said you should try wearing loose fitting knickers to lessen your risk.
She said: "There is some evidence that tighter underwear, such as thong-style pants, can increase the risk of localised irritation, as well as infections such as thrush and cystitis.
"However, this is obviously dependent on the exact style of pant and fabric used.
"Looser styles, such as French knickers, may be beneficial for women with recurrent vulval-vaginal problems, but again, personal choice also plays a role.
"I would always recommend that women do not wear underwear at night unless there is a specific need, such as when menstruating, when it may be more comfortable to wear underwear whilst using sanitary products."
Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by Candida funguses, which are usually present in the vagina but kept under control by normal bacteria.
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Key to having good sex revealed - and it's surprisingly simpleChanges to the balance of bacteria, which can be caused by stress, pregnancy or antibiotics, can lead to the fungus growing.
This may lead to white discharge, itchiness, soreness during sex or when peeing and redness in women, according to the NHS.
Men can also experience an unpleasant smell and difficulty pulling back the foreskin.
Infections are usually treated with anti-fungal medicines, but repeated bouts of yeast could mean you need to see your GP.
Dr Henderson said you can help protect against infections by wearing underwear made from natural fibres, like cotton.
She said: "This is preferable as they have the ability to 'breathe', whereas many synthetic fibres do not."
You should also make sure you are regularly swapping your old undercrackers for new ones, and showering enough.
Dr Henderson said: "The frequency of changing your underwear during the day is partly based on personal choice, however I would advise most women to change theirs at least once every 24 hours to avoid the growth of organisms such as yeast or candida.
"If you feel you should change your underwear more often than that, consider your activity levels throughout the day.
"If you're working out a lot in the morning, it may be best to change into a new pair of underwear after showering - as inevitably exercising will increase sweat production from the groin area."
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