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What is a Systemic Yeast Infection?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

A systemic yeast infection is a potentially serious type of acute fungal infection. Species of the Candida genus normally live inside human intestines without causing health problems, but they may become active in people who take certain drugs or have weakened immune systems. A systemic yeast infection affects multiple sites in the body and can cause symptoms that range from muscle aches to skin rashes to dizziness. Antifungal medications are effective at treating most infections if they are administered in the early stages of the infection.

Candida fungi are present in almost all people. They tend to colonize moist areas in the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and female vagina. People who are in relatively good health rarely experience major body-wide yeast infections. If infection does occur, it is usually localized, such as with athlete's foot, vaginitis, or oral thrush. A systemic yeast infection is more likely to occur in very young or elderly people, or individuals who have especially weak immune systems. AIDS patients and people taking immune-system suppressing drugs such as steroids or chemotherapy medications are at an increased risk.

The very young and elderly are susceptible to developing systemic yeast infections.
The very young and elderly are susceptible to developing systemic yeast infections.

The symptoms of a systemic yeast infection can vary widely, but most patients develop high fevers, headaches, and fatigue as infection spreads throughout their bloodstreams. Joint aches and muscle pains are common, as are digestive issues such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. An infection may cause very painful ulcers in the mouth and throat that make eating, speaking, and even breathing very uncomfortable. In addition, a large area of skin may become very dry, itchy, and flaky. Dangerously high blood pressure and extreme mental confusion are possible if an infection is not discovered and treated early.

Chemotherapy patients may be susceptible to developing a systemic yeast infection.
Chemotherapy patients may be susceptible to developing a systemic yeast infection.

Most systemic yeast infections can be diagnosed through careful physical exams and blood work. Blood is collected and cultured in a laboratory to confirm the presence of fungi and determine exactly which species is responsible. An endoscope may be used to observe damage in the throat or uterus. Magnetic resonance imaging scans and other diagnostic tests might be performed as well to see if the heart, lungs, brain, or other organs are affected.

Symptoms of a systemic yeast infection may include headache and dizziness.
Symptoms of a systemic yeast infection may include headache and dizziness.

A person who has major symptoms is typically hospitalized and given intravenous drugs and fluids. Antifungal drugs such as nystatin and fluconazole are given at high doses to combat pathogens and stop them from spreading further. Anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers may be given as well, depending on symptoms. Emergency surgery may be needed in extreme cases in which the kidneys, heart, or brain are severely compromised. Following hospital care, a person can expect a long period of recovery from a systemic yeast infection consisting of bed rest and daily medication use.

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

@talentryto- I think that the best course of action that someone can take to prevent a serious systemic yeast infection is to get to the doctor immediately if symptoms are present. Otherwise, eating a healthful diet with foods such as yeast-fighting yogurt is a good idea, and might help to prevent a yeast infection in the first place.

Talentryto

Based on the information in the article, it sounds like there isn't much that can be done to prevent a systemic yeast infection in people who are at risk for developing them. Are there any preventative measures that can be taken before one occurs?

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    • The very young and elderly are susceptible to developing systemic yeast infections.
      By: Kirill Kedrinski
      The very young and elderly are susceptible to developing systemic yeast infections.
    • Chemotherapy patients may be susceptible to developing a systemic yeast infection.
      By: sframe
      Chemotherapy patients may be susceptible to developing a systemic yeast infection.
    • Symptoms of a systemic yeast infection may include headache and dizziness.
      By: olly
      Symptoms of a systemic yeast infection may include headache and dizziness.
    • Symptoms of a systemic yeast infection may include high fever.
      By: robhainer
      Symptoms of a systemic yeast infection may include high fever.
    • Symptoms of a systemic yeast infection may include muscles cramps and aches.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Symptoms of a systemic yeast infection may include muscles cramps and aches.
    • A blood test may be performed to diagnose a systemic yeast infection.
      By: angellodeco
      A blood test may be performed to diagnose a systemic yeast infection.
    • Patients with a systemic yeast infection may be hospitalized and given intravenous drugs and fluids.
      By: beerkoff
      Patients with a systemic yeast infection may be hospitalized and given intravenous drugs and fluids.
    • Stomach cramps can be a symptom of a systemic yeast infection.
      By: Julija Sapic
      Stomach cramps can be a symptom of a systemic yeast infection.
    • Most systemic yeast infections can be diagnosed through careful physical examinations.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Most systemic yeast infections can be diagnosed through careful physical examinations.
    • Imaging scans and diagnostic tests may be performed to determine whether the heart and lungs have been impacted by a systemic yeast infection.
      By: citylights
      Imaging scans and diagnostic tests may be performed to determine whether the heart and lungs have been impacted by a systemic yeast infection.