Fungal Infections Specialist
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Faiza Tahir, MD
Infectious Disease Physician located in Baytown, TX
Millions of fungal species live in the environment without ever causing health problems. But some types cause fungal infections ranging from common, itchy rashes like athlete's foot to serious conditions that can affect your lungs, brain, and eyes. As an expert in fungal infections, Faiza Tahir, MD PA, in Baytown, Texas, has extensive experience identifying the type of fungal infection and developing a treatment plan that effectively gets rid of the organism. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, call or use the online booking feature today.
Fungal Infections Q&A
What are fungal infections?
Fungal infections, called mycoses, occur when you come into contact with fungi such as molds and yeasts. Fungi naturally live in water and soil, on plants, and in your home.
The fungi in your environment only cause problems when they find a way into your body, usually through a cut or sore in your skin. However, some travel through the air, where you can breathe them into your lungs.
Fungi also thrive on your skin and inside your body. These organisms seldom cause harm until something happens that disrupts your body's ability to control the number of fungi.
What are the different types of fungal infections?
Fungal infections range from common problems that occur in everyone to serious conditions that only develop in people with a weak immune system or an underlying disease like cancer, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes.
Some fungal infections occur when medications such as antibiotics and corticosteroids disrupt your body's natural balance and allow fungi to overgrow.
A few examples of fungal infections include:
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that can affect any part of your body. Three of the most common include athlete's foot, jock itch, and fungal nail infections. However, ringworm also commonly causes a round skin rash.
Candida
Candida causes a yeast infection in your mouth, throat, and esophagus (thrush).
Aspergillosis
When you inhale the aspergillus mold, it can cause a lung or organ infection known as aspergillosis.
Invasive candidiasis
This type of candidiasis infects your blood, heart, brain, bones, eyes, and other organs.
Pneumocystis pneumonia
Pneumocystis pneumonia is a serious fungal infection of the lungs.
Cryptococcus neoformans
This fungus can infect your lungs, brain, and spinal cord (fungal meningitis).
Fungal eye infections
Though rare, several types of fungi can infect your eyes after an injury.
What symptoms develop from a fungal infection?
The symptoms you experience depend on the infection's location. This list includes some of the most common symptoms from all types of fungal infections:
- Itchy, red skin rash
- Eye pain and redness
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- White or yellow patches in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
These symptoms could also arise from other health conditions, making it important to see Dr. Tahir so you don't have a fungal infection.
How are fungal infections treated?
Your treatment depends on the type of fungal infection and your symptoms. However, the cornerstones of treatment include topical, oral, and intravenous antifungal medications. The treatment for some common fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, also includes tips to prevent future infections.
To get expert care for a fungal infection, call Faiza Tahir, MD PA, or book an appointment online today.
