It is essential that we learn to "read" our bodies and start to distinguish when things "just aren't right". Yeast infection symptoms may fluctuate depending on where the infection is located. Yeast infections are very , yet tend to be one of the most mis-diagnosed and challenging of health problems.

It's natural for yeast or fungi organisms to exist on essentially every part of our body. The most common form of these organisms is Candida albicans. A yeast infection or Candidiasis takes place when certain conditions are met that allow for an imbalance of the good and bad bacteria in our bodies which normally keeps this yeast "in check". A yeast overgrowth or yeast infection is the unfortunate result of this imbalance.

Yeast infections show up in many forms such as a vaginal yeast infection a baby's diaper rash or an oral yeast infection thrush.

Vaginal yeast infection symptoms very often consist of a discharge that is thick and has a cottage cheese texture-however not everyone experiences this symptom. There is usually itching, burning and irritation around the vaginal area and surrounding tissue. There may also be discomfort during sex and a burning sensation while urinating.

Yeast infection symptoms in babies and adults may appear as an oral yeast infection or thrush. Thrush symptoms include white, thick, curd-like patches that appear on or under the tongue and palate of the mouth with redness and irritation of surrounding tissue. These patches may look like they could be washed away easily; however, if upon scraping or other attempt to remove them, bleeding occurs-you can pretty much conclude that you have thrush. Thrush can make it difficult to eat or swallow normally-and severe thrush may cause dehydration due to difficulty with swallowing food and liquids. Babies may also experience skin yeast infections that a diaper rash, but have a distinct uneven edge, as well as "satellite" patches of rash in other areas.

Individuals with weak immune systems due to serious illness such as AIDS or cancer may experience yeast infection symptoms that affect internal organs and result in organ dysfunction and severe pain. Individuals with AIDS may experience yeast infections of the esophagus (esophagitis) and upper gastrointestinal area. While these infections have similarities to thrush, they are more severe and normally extend down the throat, esophagus and stomach. Resulting ulcers may affect the throat, esophagus and gastrointestinal system causing painful and difficult swallowing.

While these are some of the most common yeast infection symptoms, ongoing yeast infections may result in a broad range of long term symptoms including fatigue, foggy thinking, anxiety, bloating, migraines, sugar cravings and irritability, to name a few.

If this is your first yeast infection, it's always wise to consult with your doctor to confirm the diagnosis prior to self treating. The presence of severe symptoms such as fever or pelvic pain may indicate a more serious condition.