Ask Doctor Fungus

Here are a few common questions that we've been asked in the past. You may also want to search the site by using the search box located at the top of the page.

Q.	Can Candida (yeast) in my diet or body really make me tired (or give me asthma, or headaches, or any other symptom you care to name)?
A.	See Chronic Candidiasis.
Q.	I'm confused about this yeast thing. Is Candida yeast the same as Baker's yeast or Brewer's yeast?
A.	No, they are completely different. Yeast is a word that describes only the shape of the fungus! There are, however, many different kinds of yeast. When bakers, brewers, and molecular biologists speak of yeast, they are almost always talking about Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the very friendly yeast used in baking and brewing. The manufacturer of Red Star Yeast offers a really nice booklet on this helpful fungus. When doctors and patients talk about yeast infections, they are almost always talking about candidiasis due to organisms from the genus Candida.
Q.	I think I've got fungus growing in my building or home. I think it is making (or might make) me sick! What can I do?
A.	See our discussion of Environmental Mycoses.
Q.	What is Valley Fever?
A.	See Coccidioidomycosis.
Q.	What is ringworm? Is there really a worm involved?
A.	No, there is no worm! This is a fungal infection. See Tinea corporis or onychomycosis.
Q.	Which term is correct, mucormycosis or zygomycosis? Why?
A.	See Zygomcetes
Q.	I see the word for filamentous fungus written as both 'mold' and 'mould'. Which is correct?
A.	See the discussion at the end of the Introduction to The Fungi