Candidiasis is an infection caused by Candida, a type of yeast that naturally lives inside our body. However, sometimes it can overgrow and cause an infection, leading to various symptoms.

Candidiasis can affect different parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, genital area, skin, and bloodstream. Symptoms vary depending on the affected area but often include:.

Oral candidiasis symptoms

If Candida overgrows in the mouth, it can cause oral candidiasis or thrush. Symptoms may include:.

White or yellow patches on the tongue, gums, and cheeks
Redness and soreness in the mouth or throat
Pain while eating or swallowing
A cottony feeling in the mouth
Loss of taste

Genital candidiasis symptoms

Candida overgrowth in the genital area can cause genital candidiasis. Symptoms may include:.

A thick, white, odorless discharge from the vagina
Redness, itching, and swelling in the vagina or vulva
Pain or discomfort during sex or urination

Skin candidiasis symptoms

Candidiasis can also affect the skin, especially in warm and moist areas, such as the armpits and groin. Symptoms may include:.

A red, itchy, and sometimes painful rash
Patches that ooze or crust over
A sharp border between the affected and healthy skin
Blisters
A scaling or peeling area

Candidemia symptoms

In rare cases, Candida overgrowth can enter the bloodstream and cause a potentially life-threatening condition called candidemia. Symptoms may include:.

Fever and chills
Rapid heartbeat and breathing
Low blood pressure
Confusion and hallucinations
Reduced urine output
Skin rashes and bumps

If you are experiencing any of these candidiasis symptoms, you may want to take a test to check if you have a candida overgrowth. The following test may help you identify whether candidiasis is a concern for you.

Candida overgrowth test

This is a simple test that you can take at home to get an idea of whether you may have candida overgrowth.

Take a glass of water and spit into it.
Wait for 15 minutes and check the water for any changes.

If within 15 minutes, you notice:.

Strings or cloudiness coming down from the saliva on top
Floaties on the top
Cloudiness in the water that sinks to the bottom

It may suggest that yeast is present in your body. If you notice none of the above symptoms, then there may be less chance of candida overgrowth.

However, remember that this test isn’t a medical diagnosis, and you should always seek professional help if you have concerns about your health.

Preventing candidiasis

Preventing candidiasis requires keeping the Candida yeast under control. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria:.

Eat a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients and low in sugar and processed foods.
Avoid antibiotics unless they are necessary. Antibiotics can kill good bacteria along with bad, allowing yeast to overgrow.
Manage stress through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
Get enough sleep to support overall health and immunity.
Maintain good hygiene, especially in warm and moist areas where yeast can thrive.
Avoid douching or using vaginal sprays, scented soaps, and bubble baths that can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina.

If you suspect that you have candidiasis, seek professional medical advice. Your doctor can recommend appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and the severity of the infection.

Treatment may include antifungal medications, topical creams, or probiotics to restore the natural balance of good bacteria.