Digestive System Mycosis – Signs That You Have Candida Fungi In You

Mycosis of the digestive system is caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, therefore it is referred to as gastrointestinal candidiasis. The fungi can attack different parts of the digestive tract, such as the mouth, stomach and intestines. It usually affects people with reduced immunity, e.g. as a result of the use of antibiotics or who are HIV-positive. In the case of mycosis of the digestive system, it is crucial to conduct research in order to select the appropriate drugs, which will translate into effective treatment.

1. The most common symptoms of gastrointestinal candidiasis are bad breath, difficulty swallowing, red skin lesions
2. Digestive problems such as vomiting or nausea may also appear
3. Disturbing symptoms should be consulted with a doctor who will refer you to appropriate tests
4. You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page

What is mycosis of the digestive system?

Mycosis of the digestive system or gastrointestinal candidiasis is basically oral and pharyngeal mycosis, esophageal mycosis and, less frequently, mycosis of the stomach, intestines and the anus. It is caused by yeasts of the genus Candida spp.and the infection itself, although not painful, causes symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, bad breath, reddening of the skin and mucous membranes, or itching.

Treatment of mycosis of the digestive system is based on the use of antifungal drugs for general and local use. In addition, it is crucial to eliminate the cause of the yeast infection and follow the rules of hygiene.

Mycosis of the digestive system – causes

First, it should be noted that yeasts of the genus Candida and some species of bacteria live in the human body without causing any diseases or ailments. In the case of healthy people, the immune system and the bacterial flora watch over the excessive growth of yeasts. However, due to some factors, symptoms of gastrointestinal mycosis may appear.

These factors include:

1. acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS);
2. chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (e.g., oral and esophageal candidiasis);
3. use of proton pump inhibitors;
4. use of inhaled glucocorticosteroids;
5. the use of immunosuppressive drugs;
6. the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics;
7. the use of intravascular catheters;
8. plastic dentures;
9. previous organ transplant;
10. abdominal surgery;
11. diabetes;
12. deep neutropenia;
13. cancers;
14. severe burns;
15. acute pancreatitis.

Mycosis of the digestive system – symptoms

Oropharyngeal thrush – symptoms

The most common symptoms of oropharyngeal thrush is reddening of the inside of the mouth with whitish plaques and pseudomembranes on the surface of the mucous membranes of the throat, tongue and gums. These plaques can be removed to reveal the slightly bleeding mucosa beneath them. In addition, in the smear taken from the sites affected by the disease, under the microscope you can see blastospores, hyphae and pseudohyphae produced by Candida and desquamated epithelial cells, leukocytes, bacteria, keratin, necrotic masses, and food debris.

Esophageal mycosis – symptoms

The most common symptoms of esophageal mycosis are white-yellowish plaques on the reddened mucosa and seen on endoscopy. Ulceration is less common. A patient with oesophageal mycosis will experience pain when swallowing (odynophagia) and dysphagia. Sometimes the patient may also experience spontaneous retrosternal pain or epigastric pain. Oesophageal mycosis is very rarely associated with general symptoms (e.g. fever).

The lesions usually affect the middle and lower parts of the esophagus. It is worth adding that some patients have esophageal mycosis along with oral and pharyngeal mycosis.

Rare complications of oesophageal mycosis include: bleeding, perforation, formation of an oesophageal-aortic fistula or spread of infection.

Mycosis of the stomach and intestines – symptoms

Yeasts of the genus Candida they occur naturally in the digestive tract and are rarely the cause of mycosis of the stomach or intestines. The most common symptoms are ulcers, and less frequently superficial erosions, whitish plaques or pseudo-membranes. Sometimes, in the duodenum and jejunum, thickening of the mucosa folds is found. Whether the fungal lesions affect the small or the large intestine, they look similar and their incidence is comparable. Clinical symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence and abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Fungus of the skin around the anus – symptoms

Yeasts of the genus Candida are often the cause of anal itching. Infections are superficial infections and are often accompanied by intense erythema and skin maceration. The most common complications include spreading the infection within the perineal skin or anal canal.

Digestive system mycosis – diagnosis

The diagnosis of mycosis of the digestive system depends on the place of its occurrence. The key to the correct diagnosis of the disease is the collection of samples from the affected areas. In addition, an important role is played by the history of the patient’s diseases and the list of medications taken by him.

In the case of oral mycosis, it is enough for a specialist to detect hyphae and pseudohyphae in the examination of a brush swab taken from pathologically changed mucous membranes.

In the case of esophageal mycosis, the diagnosis is based on an endoscopic examination, in which the presence of white plaques on the reddened mucosa can be observed. The lesions are classified according to the four-point Kodsi scale, with grade I being the least and grade IV the most advanced.

In the case of mycosis of the esophagus of the stomach and intestines, panendoscopy is used. On the other hand, in the case of mycosis of the skin around the anus, it is crucial to inform the doctor about a recent or active fungal infection of the intimate area. If there is uncertainty, microscopic examination of a fragment of the damaged epidermis or microbiological culture is performed.

See also: Intimate and fungal and bacterial infections. How to deal with recurring intimate infections? [WE EXPLAIN]

Mycosis of the digestive system – treatment

Treatment of mycosis of the digestive system also depends on the place of occurrence and the form of the infection. The species of fungus is also important, as are the factors that predispose to infection (patients with and without neutropenia). Treatment takes into account the patient’s condition and medications.

In the case of oropharyngeal mycosis, it is very important to remove the cause (e.g. proper oral hygiene and dentures). Some preparations are non-prescription drugs, including chlorhexidine solution, gentian violet solution and iodine solution. Topical preparations available on prescription include nystatin or clotrimazole, which are available in the form of creams, gels to be used directly on fungal lesions in the oral cavity or mouth rinses. When it comes to infections of moderate to severe course, the use of fluconazole is recommended. For refractory candidiasis, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole or amphotericin B (AmB) suspensions may be used.

In the case of mycosis of the esophagus, the indication for treatment is severe general condition and immunity disorders, which could end the spread of the infection. Oral fluconazole is used in the treatment, or intravenously if the patient does not tolerate the drug well. In more difficult cases, treatment begins with echinocandin or amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmB-d). Alternatives for resistant mycosis are itraconazole, posaconazole or voriconazole.

In the case of mycosis of the stomach and intestines, the above-mentioned drugs for general use are used. If the patient does not have severe immunodeficiency, antifungal treatment may not be necessary, but use of proton pump inhibitors to treat peptic ulcer disease. Anal mycosis is treated with topical preparations of natamycin, clotrimazole or ketoconazole. Systemic drugs can also be used in more severe cases.

Mycosis of the digestive system – prophylaxis

Prophylaxis of mycosis of the digestive system is recommended only in a few strictly defined cases. Prophylaxis is used in organ transplant recipients within 7–14 days after transplantation, in patients with neutropenia induced by chemotherapy and in patients with neutropenia after stem cell transplantation. In such patients, fluconazole in a dose of 200-400 mg / day is used (alternatively: itraconazole, posaconazole or echinocandin).

In preventing the recurrence of fungal infections, it is very important to remove the risk factors (follow the rules of oral and intimate hygiene). In the case of oral mycosis, it is recommended to use chlorhexidine, especially for people with limited ability to thoroughly wash the oral cavity (e.g. due to dentures). Sick people should rinse their mouth with a chlorhexidine solution every day for a maximum of two weeks, and then take a two-week break.

In the case of the prophylaxis of mycosis of the digestive system, sometimes mention is made of a special antifungal diet, but there is no proven effectiveness for it. If you have had an oral infection, it may be helpful to follow a diet that is limited in simple sugars. In pharmacotherapy in mycosis of the digestive system, you can also use herbs (extracts of celandine, defenseless lawsonia, turmeric, ginger) for rinsing the mouth.

Mycosis of the digestive system – Candida hypersensitivity syndrome

“Candida hypersensitivity syndrome, Candida-related complex, chronic candidiasis” is a supposed condition responsible for many common disorders and non-specific symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dizziness, muscle and joint pain, asthma, etc. The main factors of excessive fungal colonization are the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, oral contraceptives, consumption of foods rich in yeast and / or simple sugars, and pregnancy. However, there is no specific number of symptoms necessary to diagnose the syndrome. The lack of data confirming the relationship between these symptoms and excessive fungal colonization is emphasized.

Most often, treatment is recommended through a proper diet (elimination of simple sugars, yeast and fungal antigens) and the use of antifungal drugs (most often nystatin). However, there are no official guidelines for the management of patients with suspected Candida Hypersensitivity Syndrome. Many specialists doubt the existence of this syndrome because there are not enough large controlled clinical trials evaluating individual diagnosis and treatment strategies. Moreover, the results of the studies already carried out are unambiguous, or the method of these studies is questionable.