Candidiasis: From 4 Different Sources
Systemic Candida. An infection by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans.
Causes: Impaired immunity as in AIDS. High sugar diets (yeasts thrive in the presence of sugar), alcohol, broad spectrum antibiotics, iron deficiency anaemia, diabetes, steroid therapy. A common cause frequently overlooked is the reaction between yeasts and mercury from amalgam dental fillings when methyl mercury is created in the intestine. For treatments to be effective silver fillings should be removed. A favourite breeding ground for the fungus is the low bowel.
Alternatives. Teas. Balm, Chamomile, Gotu Kola, La Pacho (Pau d’arco), Rosemary, Thyme. Tablets/capsules. Aloe Vera, Caprycin, Echinacea, Garlic, Goldenseal, Poke root, Thuja. Candidiasis of stomach and intestines. Caprylic acid derived from coconut inhibits growth of Candida in the intestines and colon without upsetting the balance of the intestinal flora.
Horseradish. Success reported: (Rudat K.D. 1957. Journal Hyg. Epidem. Microbiol. Immol. Prague 1:123)
Garlic. Inhibits growth of Candida. (Tynecke Z, and Gos Z)
Formula. While a practitioner’s treatment will be prescribed according to the specific requirements of the individual, the following combination may be used for the average case:–
Tinctures: Echinacea 50ml, Poke root 15ml, Vervain 15ml, Galangal 15ml, Calendula 15ml, Clivers 20ml. Mix. Dose: one 5ml teaspoon thrice daily. (Brenda Cooke MNIMH, Mansfield, Notts)
Diet. High fibre food essential for efficient daily clearance. Low fat, low salt, gluten-free, little milk only. 2 teaspoons Olive oil thrice daily. Reject: refined foods, yeasts (no bread), mushrooms, mouldy cheese, sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol.
Supplements. Vitamin A, C, E, biotin, Calcium ascorbate, Zinc, Lacto-bacillus.
Chelation therapy. Anti-fungals.
Infection by the fungus
CANDIDA ALBICANS, also known as thrush or moniliasis. Candidiasis affects areas of mucous membrane in the body, most commonly the vagina and the inside of the mouth. In infants, it can occur in conjunction with nappy rash.
The fungus is normally present in the mouth and vagina but may multiply excessively if antibiotic drugs destroy the harmless bacteria that control its growth, or if the body’s resistance to infection is lowered.
Certain disorders, notably diabetes mellitus, and hormonal changes due to pregnancy or oral contraceptives, may also encourage its growth.
Candidiasis can be contracted by sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
The infection is far more common in women than in men.
Symptoms of vaginal infection include a thick, white discharge, genital irritation, and discomfort when passing urine.
Less commonly, the penis is infected in men, usually causing balanitis.
Oral candidiasis produces sore, creamy-yellow, raised patches in the mouth.
Candidiasis may spread to other moist areas of the body and may also affect the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in people with impaired immune systems.
Treatment for candidiasis is with topical preparations such as creams, pessaries, or lozenges, or with oral antifungal drugs.
Generally, a disorder caused by Candida (Monilia) albicans. This is a common yeast-like fungus found in the mouth. vagina. and rectum, as well as on the outside skin. It is a common cause of thrush in infants and vaginal yeast infections. In recent years much attention has been given to the increased numbers of people with candidiasis in the upper and lower intestinal tract. This condition is now known to occur as a result of extended antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatory treatment. Most antiinflammatory drugs are really immunosuppressants, and the normal, stable competition between fungus and bacteria is altered by the antibiotic use; this rather benign and common skin and mucosal fungus can then move deeply into the body. Although both therapies are of major importance in managing disease, they are often prescribed or requested trivially, and both are centerpieces to the increased reliance on procedural medicine (surgery). The drug industry is paralyzed by the cost of marketing new drugs, whereas surgical procedures need far easier peer and FDA acceptance. Procedural medicine normally needs antibiotic AND anti-inflammatory therapy.
(candidosis) n. a common *yeast infection of moist areas of the body, usually caused by *Candida albicans. It is especially common in the vagina, where it is known as thrush, but is also found in the mouth and skin folds. On the skin, the lesions are bright red with small satellite pustules, while in the mouth candidiasis appears as white patches on the tongue or inside the cheeks. In the vagina it produces itching and sometimes a thick white discharge. Candidiasis may develop in patients receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics as well as in those who are *immunocompromised. Topical, intravaginal, or oral therapy with *imidazoles is effective; oral *nystatin helps to reduce candidal infection of the bowel.
One of the IMIDAZOLES group of antifungals which includes clotrimazole and ketoconazole. Active against a wide range of fungi and yeasts, their main indications are vaginal candidiasis and dermatophyte skin infections. Miconazole is used as a cream or ointment; it may also be given orally (for oral or gastrointestinal infections), or parenterally (for systemic infections such as aspergillosis or candidiasis). (See MYCOSIS.)... miconazole
A yeast-like fungus which comprises part of the normal flora of the gut but which can cause candidiasis (which includes oral and vaginal thrush) usually as an overgrowth syndrome in diabetics, the immunologicallycompromised, or as a result of the use of broad spectrum antibiotics (e.g. tetracyclines) and the contraceptive pill.... candida
A synthetic drug used as an intravenous adjunct to amphotericin to treat severe systemic fungal infections such as candidiasis (see CANDIDA) and cryptococcosis.... flucytosine
A triazole antifungal drug taken orally for oropharyngeal and vulvovaginal CANDIDA, PITYRIASIS versicolor, and tinea corporis and pedis (see under RINGWORM). It is also used for systemic fungal infections such as ASPERGILLOSIS, candidiasis and cryptococcosis where other fungicidal drugs have not worked. Itraconazole is metabolised in the liver so should not be given to patients who have or have had liver disease. The drug can be given as maintenance treatment of AIDS (see AIDS/HIV) patients to prevent resurgence of underlying fungal disease to which they are vulnerable. (See FUNGAL AND YEAST INFECTIONS.)... itraconazole
A drug used to treat yeast and fungal infections, especially candidiasis (see antifungal drugs).... clotrimazole
An antifungal drug used as a cream for fungal skin infections (see athlete’s foot; tinea), and in cream or pessary form to treat vaginal candidiasis. Skin irritation is a rare side effect.... econazole
See candidiasis.... moniliasis
A common name for the fungal infection candidiasis.... thrush
A highly toxic, polygenic antifungal drug that must be given only under close medical supervision and for severe systemic fungal infections (see FUNGAL AND YEAST INFECTIONS). It is not absorbed from the gut so is normally given parenterally (see PARENTERAL). Oral and intestinal candidiasis (see CANDIDA) can, however, be treated with amphotericin tablets.... amphotericin
The phenomenon of killing so many infectious organisms so quickly that the amount of dead biomass itself causes liver overload, allergic reactions, or a mild foreign-body response. It can occur with antibiotic therapy, treatment of candidiasis, and even with use of some herbal antivirals. Outside of prescription antifungals, it is seldom acknowledged as a medical problem. If you use a liver stimulant, diaphoretic, and diuretic, you will increase the efficiency of transport, catabolism, and excretion, and lessen the effects of die-off.... die-off
Black nightshade (Solanum americanum; also, Solanum nigrescens).Plant Part Used: Leaf.Dominican Medicinal Uses: Leaf: decoction, orally, for allergies, vaginal infections, cysts, fibroids, cancer (early stages), blood-cleansing, childbirth and postpartum recovery.Safety: Leaf extracts in moderate amounts have shown relatively low toxicity; in excess, can cause adverse reactions; fruits contain toxic alkaloids.Clinical Data: Human clinical trials: treatment of vaginal candidiasis (plant extract).Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In vivo: immunomodulatory (leaf extract).In vitro: antidermatophytic, antifungal (plant extract); antimicrobial (leaf extract); antitrypanosomal (plant extract).* See entry for Hierba mora in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... hierba mora
A genus of gram-positive, acid-resistant bacteria in the Lactobacillaceae family. We know of lactobacillus because of its use in making yogurt and the conventional wisdom of taking it in one form or another after antibiotic therapy, but it is an integral part of the colon and mouth flora, and is the critical acidifying agent in vaginal flora. There is a growing body of rather ignored data showing the value of regular consumption of a lactobacillus-containing food in immunosuppression, slow virus, and candidiasis conditions.... lactobacillus
The general term applied to diseases due to the growth of fungi in the body. Among some of the simplest and commonest mycoses are RINGWORM, FAVUS, and thrush (CANDIDA). The MADURA FOOT of India, ACTINOMYCOSIS, and occasional cases of PNEUMONIA and suppurative ear disease are also due to the growth of moulds in the bodily tissues. Other forms of mycosis include ASPERGILLOSIS, candidiasis (see CANDIDA), CRYPTOCOCCOSIS and HISTOPLASMOSIS.... mycosis
A variety of diseases which occur in some individuals who do not have healthy immune systems. These are microorganisms which do not usually cause diseases in a healthy individual. They are seen in AIDS patients and include Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, massive or overwhelming herpes infections, atypical mycobacteria, toxoplasmosis or chronic or overwhelming candidiasis.... opportunistic infections
A yeast that produces pseudohyphae (germ tubes). Includes Canidida albicans and similar species that infect humans such as C. tropicalis and C. krusei. Fungi belonging to this genus cause candidiasis (thrush) in humans.... yeast-like fungus
(PID) Also called salpingitis, the term is applied to infections of the fallopian tubes that follow or are concurrent with uterine and cervical infections. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the most common organisms, and the infection is usually begun through sexual contact, although metabolic imbalances, subtler systemic infections like a slow virus, the local insult of herpes or candidiasis, the sequela of medication or recreational drugs, birth control pills, even an IUD...all can alter the vaginal flora and induce inflammation sufficient to allow an endogenous organism to start the infection. PID after birth, on the other hand, is usually the result of staph or strep infections infecting injured membranes.... pelvic inflammatory disease
Ringworm, or tinea, is the name given to in?ammatory rashes caused by DERMATOPHYTES of the genera microsporum, epidermophyton and trichophyton. These fungi can infect skin, hair and nails. The important clinical patterns are:
Tinea capitis Usually seen in children in Britain and caused by microsporum species of human or animal (frequently a kitten) origin. Typically, patches of ALOPECIA are seen with broken-o? hair stumps which ?uoresce bright green under an ultraviolet (Wood’s) lamp. In Asia a chronic, scarring alopecia may be caused by a speci?c trichophyton (favus).
Tinea corporis is usually due to trichophyton species and forms ringed (hence ‘ringworm’) patches of redness and scaling on the trunk or limbs.
Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) is caused by epidermophyton or trichophyton species. Its minor form manifests as itching, scaling or blistering in the lateral toe clefts. More severe forms can be extensive on the sole. Trichophyton rubrum can cause a chronic, dry, scaling in?ammation of the foot, eventually extending into the nails and on to the soles and top of the foot which may persist for years if untreated.
Tinea cruris typically causes a ‘butter?y’ rash on the upper inner thighs in young adult males. It is usually caused by spread from the feet.
Tinea unguium (onychomycosis) Affecting the nails, especially of the toes, T. rubrum is the usual cause and may persist for decades.
Tinea barbae This rash of the face and beard is rare. It may be very in?ammatory and is usually contracted from cattle by farm workers.
Treatment Tinea of the toe clefts and groin will usually respond to an antifungal cream containing terbina?ne or an azole. Tinea capitis, barbae, extensive tinea corporis and all nail infections require oral treatment with terbina?ne or itraconazole (a triazole antifungal agent taken orally and used for candidiasis of the mouth, throat and vulgovaginal area as well as for ringworm) which have largely superseded the earlier treatment with the antiobiotic griseofulvin. (See FUNGAL AND YEAST INFECTIONS.)... ringworm
An abnormal condition of early childhood where the child is unable to make contact and develop relationships with people. Scanning techniques show that blood-flow in the frontal and temporal lobes is impaired. A passive child fails to become emotionally involved with other people and isolates himself. When the even tenor of his existence is disturbed he flies into a rage or retires into anxious brooding. Diagnosis is assisted by recognising young children being socially withdrawn and teenagers developing peculiar mannerisms and gait.
A child may avoid looking a person in the face, occupying himself or herself elsewhere to avoid direct contact. Obsessional motions include erratic movements of the fingers or limbs or facial twitch or grimace. Corrective efforts by parents to educate into more civilised behaviour meet with instant hostility, even hysteria. Hyperactivity may give rise to tantrums when every degree of self-control is lost. For such times, harmless non habit-forming herbal sedatives are helpful (Skullcap, Valerian, Mistletoe).
A link has been discovered between a deficiency of magnesium and autism. Magnesium is essential for the body’s use of Vitamin B6. Nutritionists attribute the condition stemming from an inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals at pregnancy. Alcohol in the expectant mother is a common cause of such deficiencies. Personal requirements of autistic children will be higher than normal levels of Vitamin B complex (especially B6) C, E and Magnesium.
Such children grow up to be ‘temperamental’, of extreme sensibility, some with rare talents. Medicine is not required, but for crisis periods calm and poise can be restored by:–
Motherwort tea: equal parts, Motherwort, Balm and Valerian: 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 10-15 minutes; 1 cup 2-3 times daily. Honey renders it more palatable.
Alternatives:– Teas, tablets or other preparations: Hops, German Chamomile, Ginseng, Passion flower, Skullcap, Devil’s Claw, Vervain, Mistletoe, Ginkgo.
Diet. Lacto-vegetarian. 2-3 bananas (for potassium) daily.
Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin B6 50mg, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc. Aromatherapy. Inhalation of Lavender oil may act as a mood-lifter.
Note: A scientific study revealed a link with the yeast syndrome as associated with candidiasis. ... autism
Inflammation of the skin due to 2 surfaces rubbing together. Intertrigo is most common in obese people. The affected skin is red and moist and may have an odour, often with a fungal infection such as candidiasis; there may also be scales or blisters. The condition worsens with sweating. Treatment consists of weight reduction and keeping the affected areas clean and dry. A cream containing a corticosteroid and/or antifungal drug is used if candidiasis is present.... intertrigo
Cone flower, Black Sampson. Echinacea pallida, Nutt. Echinacea angustifolia (DC) Heller. Brauneria pallida, Nutt. Echinacea purpurea. Part used: rhizome and whole of the plant. Constituents: Echinacosides (in Echinacea angustifolia), alkaloids, polysaccharides, flavonoids, essential oil.
Action. Antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, tonic, detoxicant, parasiticide, antibiotic (non- toxic), vasodilator, lymphatic. Does not act directly upon a virus but exerts an antiviral effect by stimulating an immune response. Raises white blood cell count and increases the body’s inherent powers of resistance. Has power to stimulate ‘killer’ cells that resist foreign bacteria. T-cell activator. Vulnerary. Uses. Boils, acne, abscesses, sore throat: streptococcal and staphylococcal infections generally. Ulcers of tongue, mouth, gums, tonsils, throat (mouth wash and gargle). Duodenal and gastric ulcer. Systemic candida. Putrefaction and fermentation in the alimentary tract. Skin disorders: eczema. Infection of the fallopian tubes. Ill-effects of vaccination. A cleansing wash and lotion for STDs and varicose ulcers. Vaginal candidiasis.
Tonsillitis and infective sore throat: “In all cases do not forget the value of Echinacea. I rely on it to restore a poisoned system.” (I.F. Barnes MD, Beverley, Mass, USA)
Appendicitis. “Seven cases of fully diagnosed appendicitis were completely cured by 5 drops liquid extract Echinacea, in water, every 1-3 hours.” (Henry Reny MD, Biddeford, Maine, USA)
Gangrene. “Echinacea retards and prevents gangrene.” (Finlay Ellingwood MD)
Shingles. Genital herpes. Echinacea purpurea. Self-medication by “T.S., London” for neuralgic pains caused by the virus ‘moving down the nerves’ preceding appearance of a herpetic lesion. “Each time an attack has been aborted – pains subsiding within six or so hours.”
Phytokold capsules. Arkopharma.
Listeria. Complete protection against. (Dr H. Wagner, Munich University)
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Decoction. 1g dried root or rhizome to each cup water simmered 15 minutes. Dose: 1 cup.
Powder. 250mg (one 00 capsule or one-sixth teaspoon).
Liquid extract: 3-15 drops in water.
Alcoholic and aqueous extract from 360mg root. 1 tablet.
Tincture, BHC Vol 1. (1:5, 45 per cent ethanol). Dose: 2-5ml.
Formula. Tincture Echinacea 2; Tincture Goldenseal 1. Dose – 15-30 drops in water every 2 hours (acute) thrice daily (chronic).
Echinacea and Garlic tablets/capsules. Echinacea 60mg; Garlic 20mg; powders to BHP (1983) standard. Versatile combination for minor infections: colds and influenza. (Gerard House)
Historical. “Many years ago American Indians observed that by tantalising the rattlesnake it would in its wrath bite itself. The creature was seen to become immediately restless and sought to retreat. On following the snake it was observed that it went straight to a certain shrub and there became a veritable ‘sucker’. When it finished sucking the plant it would seek a hole in which to hide, but not to die. It would recover. This led to the discovery of the plant, Echinacea. It was from the medicine-men of the Mohawk and Cherokee Indians we obtained our first knowledge of this remarkable herbal remedy.” (J.H. Henley MD, Enid, Oklahoma, USA)
Often positive results may not follow because too small a dose is given. For desperate conditions, Dr L.W. Hendershott, Mill Shoals, Illinois, USA, advised frequent 1 dram (4ml) doses. (Ellingwood, Vol 10, No 4)
Echinacea has an ‘interferon’ effect by enhancing body resistance to infection. (Wagner and Proksch) GSL, schedule 1 ... echinacea
Types of fungi in which the body of the fungus comprises individual cells that occur either singly, in pairs, or in longer chains. Certain yeasts can cause infections of the skin or mucous membranes; the most important of these disease-causing yeasts is CANDIDA ALBICANS, which causes candidiasis.... yeasts
A most likely reaction to occur from a complication arising from therapeutic endeavour. A red angry irritant skin reaction which later scales off. May be due to drugs (antihistamines, aspirin, and chemical medicine). Special offenders are binders, artificial colourings and other ingredients added to medicines for cosmetic or preservation purposes. Urticaria and toxic erythema are common.
BCG innoculation may produce tuberculous ulceration; deep X-ray therapy a characteristic rash; steroids a redness of the face, thinning of the skin and easy bruising.
Sufferers from psoriasis and other chronic skin disorders experience a worsening of the condition with possible pus formation. “The Pill” has been responsible for erythema nodosum (red patches and nodules) as well as vaginal candidiasis. Some drugs cause shingles. Skin looks as if it is scalded. Internally, the mucous membranes may be seriously eroded.
As the liver is responsible for breaking down foreign substances in the body, most prescriptions contain at least one liver remedy. One for the lymphatic system is also advised. Effective antidote to drug intoxication: Nux vomica, which is given by a practitioner.
By their specific action on liver, spleen and glandular system certain plant medicines stimulate those vital organs to eliminate drug poisons. They include alteratives: Yellow Dock, Echinacea, Blue Flag. Carefully combined herbal medicine can offer something constructive before it is too late.
Alternatives. Teas. Alfalfa, Nettles, Figwort, Violet leaves, Betony, Mullein. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup of boiling water; infuse 10-15 minutes; dose, 1 cup thrice daily.
Tablets/capsules. As available: Echinacea, Blue Flag root, Dandelion, Devil’s Claw, Red Clover, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla, Burdock, Queen’s Delight, Garlic.
Formula. Goldenseal quarter; Poke root half; Echinacea 2. Doses. Powders: one-third teaspoon. Liquid extracts 30-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. In water or honey thrice daily; 2-hourly for acute cases. Topical. Evening Primrose oil, Aloe Vera gel or fresh juice, Jojoba. Ointments: Chickweed, Comfrey or Marshmallow. Use of lanolin-based ointments is discouraged.
Diet. Accept: whole grains, meat, organ meats, molasses, wheatgerm, dessicated liver, green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, broccoli, green peppers, cold-pressed vegetable oils, sweet potato. Reject: red meat, ham, pork, bacon, white sugar, alcohol, nuts.
Supplements. Vitamin A, B-complex, B2, B6, B12, Folic acid, C, D, E (500iu). ... iatrogenic disease
Tabebuia avellanedae. Ipe Roxo, Pau d’arco. LaPacho herb tea. Taheebo. 1,000 year-old Inca cancer-cure. Used for centuries by the Callawaya Tribe. Still used in Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and the Argentine. Laprachol occurs in heartwood of some trees of the genera Tecoma and Tabebuia (N.O. Bignonaiceae). Aids immune system health. Anti-tumour. Anti-microbial. Analgesic. Anodyne. Diuretic. Antidotal. Fungicidal. Anti-fever. Anti-Candida. Anti-cancer. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-haemorrhagic. Anti-leukaemic. Indian plant C.D. shows reducible activity in Walker 256 Carcinosarcoma system in rats. Exhibits significant antitumour activity with relatively little effect on body weight. Anti-cancer experiments in human patients confirm experiments made in animals bearing malignant neoplasies. Low toxicity. Adenocarcinoma (liver, breast and prostate) and epidermoid carcinoma of womb and floor of the mouth: temporary reductions of lesions and decrease of pain. (Manoel Antonio Schmidt)
Folk history: cancer remedy (anti-mitotic action), diarrhoea, boils, leprosy, chlorosis, dysentery, eneuresis, fever, pharyngitis, snakebite, syphilis, wounds. (J.A. Duke) Large doses produce nausea and anti-coagulant tendency. Strongly commended by Professor Emeritus, Walter Accorsi, University of Sao Paulo (USP) for its therapeutic value.
Oral candidiasis: good results reported.
Decoction. 15-20g bark to 500ml (1 pint) water, gently simmered 20 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily.
Tincture. 1 part to 5 parts 60 per cent alcohol; macerate 8 days; filter. Dose: 30-60 drops thrice daily. For acute cases, dose may be doubled.
Lapacho works best taken orally.
Teabags, capsules: Rio Trading Company, Brighton, England. ... lapacho tree
Nail loss. Paronychia. Clubbing. Brittle nails. Deformity (koilonychia). Spoon-shaped, as from iron-deficiency anaemia. A wide range of diseases affect the nails which, themselves, provide useful clues to underlying constitutional disturbance. Brittle and malformed nails are usually due to mineral deficiency. Ridging and grooving show altered nutrition and damage to the nail bed. Psoriasis nails are pitted.
Infections include candidiasis (monilia), ringworm, staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. Biting of fingernails reveals anxiety. Colour change and atrophy of nails may be caused by antibiotics, antimalarials, betablockers, gold and arsenic medicines, steroids, “The Pill”; requiring Eliminatives, liver, kidney and possibly Lymphatic agents.
For in-growing toenail – see entry.
Alternatives. General, internal. For antifungals, see: WHITLOW. Mineral-rich herbs for nutrition.
Teas: Alfalfa, Carragheen, Horsetail, Gotu Kola, Red Clover, Oats (for silicon salts), Plantain, Silverweed, Clivers, Dandelion.
Decoctions: Yellow Dock, Burdock, Sarsaparilla, Queen’s Delight.
Tablets or capsules: Alfalfa. Kelp. Bamboo gum.
Formula. Horsetail 2; Gotu Kola 1; Thuja quarter. Dose: Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.
Cider Vinegar, See entry. Efficacy recorded.
Topical. Alternatives:– Apply to the nail:
(1) Liquid Extract or Tincture Thuja. (Ellingwood)
(2) Blood root. (J.T Kent MD)
(3) Evening Primrose oil.
(4) Contents of a Vitamin E capsule.
(5) Tincture Myrrh.
Diet. Nails are almost wholly protein. High protein. Onions, Garlic, Soya products, Carrot juice, Cod Liver oil, Kelp.
Vitamins. A. B-complex. B6. B12. Folic acid.
Minerals. Calcium. Dolomite. Copper. Iron. Silica. Stannum, Zinc. ... nails
n. inflammation of the tongue. Causes include anaemia, candidiasis, and vitamin deficiency. See also geographical tongue.... glossitis
n. painful swallowing. This may be due to severe inflammation of the gullet (see oesophagitis) or infection as by such as cytomegalovirus, candidiasis, or herpes simplex virus in an immunocompromised patient. Other causes include neuromuscular disease, such as *achalasia, foreign bodies, such as impacted fish bones, and malignancy.... odynophagia
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, a deficiency of the immune system due to infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). In most countries, illness and death from is a growing health problem, and there is, as yet, no cure or vaccine.
does not develop in all people infected with. The interval between infection and the development of is highly variable. Without treatment, around half of those people infected will develop within 8–9 years.
is transmitted in body fluids, including semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The major methods of transmission are sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral), blood to blood (via transfusions or needle-sharing in drug users), and mother to fetus. has also been transmitted through blood products given to treat haemophilia, artificial insemination by donated semen, and kidney transplants; but improved screening has greatly reduced these risks. is not spread by everyday contact, such as hugging or sharing crockery. The virus enters the bloodstream and infects cells that have a particular receptor, known as the CD4 receptor, on their surface. These cells include a type of white blood cell (a CD4 lymphocyte) responsible for fighting infection and cells in other tissues such as the brain. The virus reproduces within the infected cells, which then die, releasing more virus particles into the blood. If the infection is left untreated, the number of CD4 lymphocytes falls, resulting in greater susceptibility to certain infections and some types of cancer.
Some people experience a short-lived illness similar to infectious mononucleosis when they are first infected with. Many individuals have no obvious symptoms; some have only vague complaints, such as weight loss, fevers, sweats, or unexplained diarrhoea, described as -related complex.
Minor features of infection include skin disorders such as seborrhoeic dermatitis. More severe features include persistent herpes simplex infections, oral candidiasis (thrush), shingles, tuberculosis, and shigellosis. may also affect the brain, causing a variety of neurological disorders, including dementia.
Certain conditions, known as AIDSdefining illnesses, are characteristic of full-blown. These include cancers (Kaposi’s sarcoma and lymphoma of the brain), and various infections (pneumocystis pneumonia, cytomegalovirus infection, toxoplasmosis, diarrhoea due to CRYPTOSPORIDIUM or ISOSPORA, candidiasis, disseminated strongyloidiasis, and cryptococcosis), many of which are described as opportunistic infections.
Confirmation of infection involves testing a blood sample for the presence of antibodies to. Diagnosis of fullblown is based on a positive test along with the presence of an AIDSdefining illness.
The risk of infection with can be reduced by practising safer sex. Intravenous drug users should not share needles. There is a small risk to health workers handling infected blood products or needles, but this risk can be minimized by safe practices.
Treatment of infection with a combination of antiviral drugs can slow the disease’s progress, and may prevent the development of full-blown. The 2 main types of antiviral drug used are protease inhibitors, such as indinavir, and reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as zidovudine. Treatment is also available for -defining illnesses.... aids
genital-tract bleeding occurring after sexual intercourse. This is an important symptom and may be caused by sexually transmitted infections, vaginal candidiasis, atrophic *vaginitis, cervical *ectropion, cervical polyp, or cervical cancer.... postcoital bleeding
An antifungal drug used in the treatment of candidiasis (thrush). Nystatin may be safely used during pregnancy. High doses taken by mouth may cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
oat cell carcinoma A form of lung cancer, also known as small cell carcinoma. obesity A condition in which excess fat has accumulated in the body. A person 20 per cent above the recommended weight for his or her height (see weight) is obese rather than overweight. About 2 in 5 people in the are overweight and a further 1 in 5 obese.
Obesity is usually caused by consuming more food than is needed for energy. Energy requirements are determined by metabolic rate (see metabolism) and level of physical activity. Family history is sometimes a factor. Obesity is associated with some hormonal disorders, but these are not generally the cause.
Obesity increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, and diabetes mellitus type 2. Coronary artery disease is more common, particularly in obese men under 40. Obesity in men is also associated with increased risk of cancer of the colon, rectum, and prostate, and, in women, of the breast, uterus, and cervix. Extra weight may aggravate osteoarthritis.
The first line of treatment is a slimming diet (see weight reduction) plus regular exercise.
Drugs such as appetite suppressants are rarely used due to their side effects.
Wiring of the jaws, stapling of the stomach, and intestinal bypass operations are attempted only if obesity is endangering a person’s health.... nystatin
n. itching. Mediated by histamine and other vasoactive chemicals, it is the predominant symptom of atopic *eczema, *lichen planus, and many other skin diseases. It also occurs in the elderly and may be a manifestation of psychological illness or infection (such as scabies). Perineal itching is common: itching of the vulva in women is termed pruritus vulvae; itching of the perianal region (pruritus ani) is more common in men. Causes of perineal itching include poor hygiene, *candidiasis, *threadworms, and itchy skin diseases (such as eczema). Pruritus also occurs as a symptom of dry skin and of certain systemic disorders, such as chronic renal failure, *cholestasis, and iron deficiency. Pruritus gravidarum is generalized itching during pregnancy that starts in the first trimester. It is associated with *obstetric cholestasis and requires monitoring of liver function and bile acids, high levels of which endanger the fetus. Other conditions marked by pregnancy-related pruritus include *polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, *prurigo of pregnancy, pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy, and *pemphigoid gestationalis; all of these are associated with a rash. Treatment of pruritus is determined by the cause.... pruritus
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