Long Term Antibiotics - Yeast - Information

[Guest guest]

Greetings Group...I've been hearing about yeast infection from member posts, and

have been wondering about it. When my " specialist " reproached me for mentioning

yeast infections during my last visit, I decided to take matters into my own

hands. For some reason, my doctors like to treat my symptoms, but do not want

to correct the problem. I copied the page below - maybe it will help someone

else. The symptoms certainly describe me (although the symptoms could be from

Lyme / Ehrlichiosis) - it sounds like a simple blood test can check me for

yeast. I've been off and on antibiotics for the past (almost) 4 years, and have

never been checked for yeast. I started using acidophilus recently - on the

advice of a stranger, no doctor ever suggested it. Anyway, I called my PCP and

requested a yeast test [if you think you suffer from a yeast infection, a serum

antibody test for yeast or a serum arabitol test can be done. (Aribitol is found

to be elevated in those with proven invasive Cadidiasis.)]. One day at a

time...Tom

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/index.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/feedback.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/toc.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/search.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/asimple.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/myco%20tx%20sugg.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/putting.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/myco%20resource.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/myconews.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/registry.htm>

When taking antibiotics, one must consider the side effects, i.e.,

preventing yeast over-growth. Encouraging a healthy bowel flora becomes

extremely important when an antibiotic is taken on a long term basis.

For a list of the long term antibiotics and their recommended dosages

effective for the various species of Mycoplasma, please visit the web site of

the Institute for Molecular Medicine.<http://www.immed.org/>

Because antibiotics are very powerful, and broad spectrum, they tend to

kill the good resident bacteria in our bowel and else where, as well as the

harmful organisms. The use of long-term antibiotics is a serious endeavor. But,

if one is careful and is closely followed by a knowledgeable physician, the

complications can be identified and avoided.

YEAST

When the " good " bacteria is wiped out, then another form of organism can

flourish. The most common organism to flourish when we are treated with

long-term antibiotics is yeast (with Candida being the most frequent). Yeasts

normally reside in the gastro-intestinal system, from the mouth to the anus, and

in the vagina. But, its overgrowth is kept under control by the resident " good "

bacteria that also reside with it.

Nearly everyone on long-term antibiotic therapy will have a yeast

infection at some point in time! In addition, those with CFIDS seem to have an

immune dysregulation that hampers control of the growth of yeasts. There are two

forms of yeast, the spore-form and the mycelial-form. The spore-form only

infects the lining of the mucous membranes, but the mycelial-form will go deeper

into the tissues, and become systemic. A common treatment to control yeast

overgrowth is to limit the simple sugars and starches in our diet. But, if one

only limits simple sugars and starches in the diet in an attempt to control the

spore-form of Candida, it will become a protein-loving organism, and change into

the mycelial-form, going deeper into the tissues in search of protein.

Therefore, one should treat yeast overgrowth with medications and diet at the

same time.

An overgrowth of yeast in the mouth and throat will often cause the tongue

to become coated with a white or yellowish growth and the throat may become

sore. An overgrowth of yeast in the intestinal tract will ferment the sugars and

starches in our food, forming acids, gas, and alcohol. Symptoms include gas,

heartburn and/or pain in the stomach area, and because of the alcohol formation,

there can be headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and wooziness. Yeasts also

produce enzymes that digest proteins and fats in order to attach themselves to

the gut mucosa lining. This may cause " leaky gut syndrome " . The " leaky gut "

allows a larger molecule of food to pass through the gut membrane. Food

sensitivities and allergies can form when the immune system recognizes these

larger molecules of food as foreign and sets up a defense against them. A

vaginal yeast overgrowth may manifest itself in a white or yellowish, itchy

discharge and/or symptoms of a bladder infection (urinary frequency, urgency and

burning upon urination). If you think you suffer from a yeast infection, a serum

antibody test for yeast or a serum arabitol test can be done. (Aribitol is found

to be elevated in those with proven invasive Cadidiasis.)

Various medications for yeast infection of the mucous membrane can be

helpful, such as Nystatin, Mycelex, and Mycostatin as well as various herbal

preparations. These medications may come in the form of tablets, lozenges,

liquids (swish and swallow) and/or vaginal preparations. Flagyl, Diflucan, and

Amphotericin are reserved for the mycelial-form and circulate throughout the

body. In addition to the above medications, Natamycin and Miconazole are now

available in the United States, but only from a pharmacist who can " " compound " "

the medication (and, of course, all are available upon a physician's

prescription). In addition, a supplement called Micropreyl (a combination of

garlic, magnesium, calcium and caprylic acid) may also be helpful. You may find

that a continuous dose of an antifungal is necessary while you are taking

antibiotics. As with antibiotic therapy, expect a Herxheimer " die-off " reaction

to occur following the beginning of any antifungal therapy.

NORMAL BOWEL FLORA

The " good " bacteria, which are killed by the use of antibiotics, are

necessary in the bowel to help with absorption of nutrients from our food.

Symptoms of lack of good bacteria in the bowel include constipation and easy

bruising. Every day, while on antibiotics, replenish the bowel with a product

that contains " good " bacteria. Do not take it at the same time as you take your

antibiotic, however. Many good products can be found at the health food store.

These contain transient bacteria; i.e., Lactobacillus acidophilus,

Bifidobacterium, etc. and/or human strains of acidophilus such as Kyodophilus by

Kyolic and Maxidophilus by Ethical Nutrients.

UNWANTED BOWEL FLORA

Long-term use of antibiotics can permit the overgrowth of other organisms

to flourish. A resistant bacterium called Clostridium difficile (an anaerobic

spore-forming bacterium) can occur. The main symptom of this unwanted bacterial

overgrowth is diarrhea (often watery and explosive). Treatment with another

antibacterial agent that is clinically effective against this organism may be

necessary before one can resume the antibiotics. However, regular use of the

lactobacillus/acidophilus preparations seems to be helpful in controlling this

antibiotic related colitis. In addition, resistant forms of a mold can grow,

such as Aspergillus requiring a different antifungal to treat it, such as

Natamycin or Spornox.

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/index.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/support%20group.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/about%20cfids.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/gen%20CFIDS%20info.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/mycoplasma.htm>

<http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/resources.htm>

SHASTA CFIDS

Webmaster: cybermom@...<mailto:bandb@...>

Copyright © 2003 Shasta CFIDS

Last modified: August 23, 2003