Yeast infections may relapse due to incomplete treatment, such as stopping medications prematurely. Also, getting infected with a more resistant strain of the Candida fungus can increase the possibility of recurring yeast infection.

Yeast infection is a common condition, but it can result to lethal blood infection (sepsis) if the symptoms are ignored.

People who have weak or compromised immune systems, especially those with AIDS, have high chances of developing yeast infection in other parts of their bodies like the esophagus (esophageal candidiasis) and the skin (cutaneous candidiasis). Such medical condition is called systemic candidiasis.

When the Candida fungus reaches the digestive tract, it allows its roots (rhizoids) to hook into the intestinal walls. This causes the intestines to puncture; toxins and small food particles will then leak into the blood stream, thus poisoning the internal organs including the liver and the brain.

Systemic candidiasis may lead to a life-threatening condition if left untreated. More than 80% of those who suffer from systemic candidiasis die because of multiple organ failure.   When infected the entire immune system comes into play to eradicate the infection from the body if it is functioning normally. At first the systemic yeast infection can become infected, like a cut on the hand, and later becomes inflamed as it spreads. In an immune system compromised host the person usually becomes infected and inflamed, then the infected area will produce fluid as the infection worsens. The immune system being unable to contain the systemic yeast infection allows the infection to spread.   Once the infection has taken control it is almost impossible to get rid of until you restore the immune system to normal function.

People who suffer from diabetes also have the high risk of developing severe yeast infection. The high sugar level in the blood of a diabetic person makes it easier for the Candida fungus to replicate.

For those who have not been diagnosed of diabetes, recurring and stubborn yeast infection might already be a sign of an elevated sugar level. In such case, you need to have a doctor examine you to confirm any possibility of diabetes.

Tags: complications, Infections, Yeast

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 8:05 pm and is filed under Candidiasis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.