The hidden epidemic: Candida overgrowth (Photos)
Rarely diagnosed
As you can see from the list of symptoms above why a physician might easily overlook this condition, especially if only few of the symptoms are present. This helps to explain why some have estimated that as much as 80 percent of Americans have some form of Candida overgrowth. This is largely due to the widespread use of antibiotics in treating infection, and as a prophylaxis. With the exception oral and vaginal candidiasis (a Candida infection), which can be visually diagnosed, most forms Candida overgrowth go undiagnosed. This helps to explain why a severe form of Candida overgrowth known as invasive candidiasis can be life threatening if it left undiagnosed and untreated.
What is Candida albicans?
Candida albicans is a ubiquitous fungus commonly found in the mucus membranes of the digestive tract, mouth, and genital region. Normally Candida plays a commensal role in the flora of the digestive tract where it is balanced by beneficial bacteria. However, if this delicate balance is upset in anyway, e.g., the use of antibiotics or a compromised immune system, Candida can thrive and overwhelm the system. If the Candida is not brought back into balance in the GI tract it can penetrate the mucosal wall and enter the bloodstream where it can wreak havoc on any number of vital organs and anatomical structures, including the heart, brain kidneys, prostate and liver. Candida albicans is also one of the principle agents responsible for decomposition of the body after death.
A delicate balance
In its normal yeast state Candida albicans takes on a harmless oval shape. While in this form it serves a very beneficial role in the digestive tract aiding in the decomposition of food. To help keep Candida in balance the intestinal flora also contains acidophilus and bifidophilus bacteria that secrete substances that inhibit the overgrowth of Candida. Before the 1940s Candida infections were a rare occurrence. Suddenly, however, with the advent and widespread use of antibiotics in the early 1950s there appeared a tidal wave of women's yeast infections. “Well, first, obviously, the introduction of antibiotics paralleled the rise in yeast infections. In fact initially a prescription for antibiotics directly preceded almost all yeast infections. Yeast infections followed a course of antibiotics by a few weeks,” cautions Dr. Jerry Glenn Knox BA, DC.
Today the epidemic continues as more and more cases of invasive candidiasis and candidemia plague hospitals. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), “Hospital-associated infections such as candidemia are a leading cause of bloodstream infections in the United States. Advancements and changes in healthcare practices can provide opportunities for new and drug-resistant fungi to emerge in hospital settings.”
Antibotics and Candida
Broad spectrum antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, Ampicillin or Levofloxacin can have diarrhea as a possible side effect. The reason for this is simple; in addition to killing off the unwanted microorganism attacking your body, antibiotics also target the beneficial bacteria in your gut which can result in a bout of diarrhea. The diarrhea is an indication that your intestinal flora is out of balance and unable to process food properly. Usually the diarrhea generally abates after completing the course of antibiotics. However, this can become problematic in cases where antibiotics are prescribed for an extended period of time—three weeks or more.
This was the case with a 57-year-old gentleman in 2004. After undergoing an ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy of his prostate to investigate an elevated PSA, he was placed on fluoroquinolone (an antibiotic) to minimize risk of infection following the procedure. His biopsy tested negative for malignant cells. One week following the procedure he developed urinary retention and was catheterized and placed on Tamsulosin with positive results. About three months later while on a business trip he experienced painful urination and was prescribed antibiotics. Unfortunately, the symptoms continued so he reported back to his urologist. A urinalysis was performed but cultures were negative. He was instructed to continue his antibiotics. After one week he again experience urinary retention and underwent catheterization. Additonally, his Tamsulosin was increased and antibiotic regimen continued. A second urine culture, without urinalysis, was taken three days later and returned negative findings. Though the symptoms never completely resolved, the patient never experienced systemic indicators like fevers or chills.
After one month of antibiotics, his dysuria progressed to perineal discomfort and burning upon urination. Further examination by the urologist revealed a slightly boggy prostate along with mild tenderness. Results from urine, prostate secretion and ejaculate cultures at this time all grew Candida albicans. Based on these new findings, the patient was diagnosed with Candida prostatitis and was started on an antifungal medication (Fluconazole) daily for 6 weeks. The patient saw resolution of symptoms after the first week of therapy. He remained symptom-free over a year later, and follow-up urinalysis following treatment has returned to normal.
Hard to find
Doctors routinely prescribe antibiotics to treat infectious disease. There are a variety of antibiotics on the market designed to treat specific types of infectious microorganisms and they are best prescribed when the specific infection-causing pathogen can be identified. Unfortunately the lab work necessary to properly indentify a specific causative pathogen before prescribing an appropriate antibiotic treatment is time consuming; yeast cultures may take up to 30 days to yield results. Since immediate palliative patient care is a doctor’s primary role, broad spectrum antibiotics are routinely administered to treat infectious disease. Unfortunately, these treatments also target the “friendly bacteria” in the gut which creates a favorable environment in which Candida can thrive. Left unchecked, Candida can penetrate the intestinal mucosa and enter the bloodstream and wreck havoc on the body, especially immunocompromised individuals with HIV.
Battling Candida overgrowth
The key to waging any successful military campaign is knowing your enemy’s strengths, weaknesses, allies and enemies. This same principle applies to battling Candida overgrowth. In our next article we will examine each of these four factors to help equip you to wage a successful four-prong campaign against Candida overgrowth.
The mission
There is a literal tsunami of information about Candida albicans on the internet and it is easy to find yourself buried under it. The goal here was to provide a fundamental understanding about Candida albicans which will be supplemented by future articles. My mission is to distill and decipher the latest news and information about the treatment of Candida-related ailments into a readily digestible format that is easy to process and utilize for your own well being.
This information is not intended as professional medical advice or is it an alternative to a doctor’s care. Caution should be exercised in using any self-help remedies to treat Candida overgrowth without a thorough understanding of the benefits and potential side effects. In either case, seek prompt medical care if you note any usual changes in your health and bodily functions.
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