How to Diagnose Candida
Candida is a genus of yeast commonly found in humans. An infection of Candida is generally known as candidiasis, and is usually caused by the species Candida albicans. A diagnosis of candidiasis is normally made clinically and is therefore dependent on the specific area of the body that's affected. Candidiasis most often infects the mouth, and this form is known specifically as Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC).
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Instructions
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Candida colonies can be found in up to half of the healthy population, so a growing a Candida culture is largely useless for diagnosis. Candida colonization is only considered to be an infection when it produces symptoms.
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Observe symptoms such as a dry tongue, burning sensation and changes in the way food tastes to diagnose pseudomembranous OPC. An examination of the mouth may show white elevated patches that bleed when they're removed. Pain while swallowing may indicate that the OPC has spread to the esophagus.
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Look for unusual redness on the tongue or palate to diagnose erythematous OPC. These patients may notice a metallic taste or a burning sensation, but it's not unusual for patients with this form of OPC to have no complaints at all.
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Identify denture-induced stomatitis in patients with dentures. This form of erythematous OPC occurs when the presence of dentures cause the Candida colony to exceed its normal size. There are also many other environmental changes in the mouth that can cause a Candida colony to experience overgrowth.
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Detect angular chellitis. This form of OPC is characterized by an inflammation in the corners of the mouth. These patients normally experience burning, soreness and tenderness in the mouth. More severe cases of angular chellitis may cause fissures at the corners of the mouth.
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