Symptoms of Yeast Overgrowth

Yeast is an organism that lives in the body and usually causes no harm, but in certain conditions the yeast balance in the body can become upset, causing illness and discomfort. Candidiasis, or yeast overgrowth, is an illness that affects people of all ages from infants to adults and the elderly. Yeast infections can also occur in both men and women. With proper medical care and eating habits, yeast overgrowth can be treated effectively and prevented from returning.

White Patches

• A yeast overgrowth can show up in the body as thrush -- white patches on the tongue or in the mouth. These patches may also be raised and yellowish in color.

Itching or Redness

• Some yeast infections show up as itching patches of skin or red rashes with small bumps. Thrush infections can also cause redness and soreness inside of the mouth. A vaginal yeast infection or a yeast infection of the penis can also involve redness and itching.

Discharge

• A symptom of a vaginal yeast infection can sometimes be a thick white discharge. The consistency of the discharge can vary from smooth like glue to lumpy like cottage cheese.

Pain

• An oral yeast infection can be accompanied by pain when swallowing or a sore throat. A vaginal yeast overgrowth can cause pain while urinating or during intercourse.

Warning

• The symptoms of a yeast overgrowth can be similar to other illnesses, so it's best to visit a doctor to get a correct diagnosis. Repeated or lingering yeast overgrowth infections could be an indicator of a more serious illness like diabetes or HIV.

  A physician can sometimes diagnose a yeast overgrowth with a physical examination. If further confirmation is needed, the doctor can also perform a discharge test or a skin sample test by collecting skin cells from area where symptoms are evident to determine if a yeast overgrowth is present.