Oral thrush is a common condition found in babies. The Candida fungus, yeast that is naturally occurring in the body, causes the condition. Thrush and other yeast infections typically are easily treated in kids with healthy immune systems, according to the Mayo Clinic. Children should be treated promptly to avoid complications.
Function
The yeast organism known as Candida naturally occurs in the digestive tract and is a part of the body's ecosystem, assisting with the maintenance needed for the delicate balance of digestion and growth, according to the National Candida Center. Millions of probiotics in the body keep the growth of Candida under control. Symptoms of Candida infection often do not appear until the infection has worked its way through the digestive tract to the mouth or other orifices.
Symptoms
When the overgrowth of the Candida fungus appears in the mouth, children typically develop white lesions that are creamy and resemble cottage cheese. The sores can be painful and bleed when rubbed. The infected fungus can travel between a breast-feeding mother and the baby. Breast-feeding mothers will notice unusual pain and itchiness on the nipples. Candida yeast infection in other parts of the body can lead to behavior problems ranging from poor attention spans to mood swings, irritability and memory difficulties, according to the Bay Area Resource Center.
Effects
Left untreated, Candida overgrowth can lead to allergies, asthma and weight problems. According to the National Candida Center, children can develop learning disabilities and behavior disorders when Candida fungi are permitted to grow. Children with underlying medical conditions, such as compromised or weakened immune systems, eventually become malnourished because eating becomes too painful. Left untreated Candida fungus infections can spread throughout the body and lead to diseases in the liver, lungs, throat and digestive tract, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Warning
Excessive antibiotic use may lead to the growth of the Candida fungus, according to the National Candida Center. In addition to attacking an infection, antibiotics also destroy healthy bacteria in the gut that keeps excessive Candida growth at bay. A cycle begins that leads to additional antibiotic use to treat the Candida infection.
Prevention
Feeding fresh culture yogurt to children can help prevent Candida overgrowth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Yogurt that contains lactobacillus asidophilus or bifidobacterium is especially useful for fighting the infectious growth when children are taking antibiotics. Limiting food containing yeast such as bread and pasta and avoiding sugar also can help to reduce the incidence of Candida infections.
