Chronic Yeast Infections
Chronic yeast infections that affect multiple regions of the body are routinely overlooked when doctors approach patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia. These infections typically occur when one’s immune system is compromised by this disease state and routinely caused by overuse of antibiotics and prednisone (steroids) to treat various inflammatory conditions. The yeast normally suppressed by one’s immune system and beneficial bacteria that may have been killed off by too much antibiotic use now have an opportunity to grow. Common symptoms of this condition include fatigue, muscle tenderness, diarrhea along with irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, and loss of sexual desire to name but a few. Lab tests to help doctors diagnose this condition are routinely inaccurate. Physicians most successful at making this diagnosis are by history and clinical exam.
Managing yeast involves dietary changes including avoiding free, refined sugar-containing products, breads, cheese, pasta, and potatoes. In addition, many times treatment with prescription antifungals is needed along with utilizing natural therapies such as oregano, uva ursi, and grapefruit and olive leaf extracts. The length of treatment will vary depending on the patient’s response but the usual duration is about 3 months.
August 25th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
I have been diagnosed with FMS and am having a terrible time with diarrhea. Prior to the diagnosis of FMS I was diagnosed with everything under the sun from Crohn’s disease to irritable bowel syndrome. I was treated with prednisone in high doses for approximately 1-1/2 years. I am now about 1 year out from my taper, but is it possible that I could have an overgrowth of yeast in my colon after this period of time as I still have persistent diarrhea.
Thank you in advance for your response.