Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Candida?

September 17, 2015 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Since I can't reach my doctor, I'll just ask here. I privately ordered a stool sample lab test, as I often have a bloated stomach.

The following values came out: (have to write high because it doesn't allow the symbol)

Escherichia coli. elevated, Result: 10^7 cfu/ml Normal range: 10^6 - 10^7 cfu/ml
Lactobacillus spec. reduced, Result: 10^4, Normal range: 10^5 - 10^7
pH value 6, Normal: 6.2-6.8
Candida albicans elevated, Result: 10^5 - 10^6 cfu/ml, Normal range less than 10^2 cfu/ml
slgA (mucosal immunity) elevated, Result: 4382, Normal range: 510-2040

Candida seems significantly high to me and according to the internet, it could be related to my bloated stomach. If I can't reach the doctor before my vacation tomorrow, is there something I could take from the pharmacy? Or do I need a prescription medication?

Kind regards and thanks in advance!

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,

Fungi, even in larger quantities, are normal residents of our intestines. The problem is that they are distributed very irregularly in the stool, so in another sample you could have completely normal values. Candida is almost never to blame for irritable bowel symptoms, it usually only causes pathological findings in immunocompromised patients.

If you still want to treat it, you can do so over the counter with Moronal Drg., 3x2 Drg. for two weeks. Please read the package insert carefully beforehand.

All the best!
Best regards, Dr. Höllering