The body uses specific gastrointestinal enzymes to help digest food; the various types of foods have different enzymes that facilitate absorption. Foods that contain lactose, such as milk and milk products, need a specific enzyme known as lactase in order to be broken down for digestion in the intestinal tract. Babies who have difficulty with digesting these types of foods may be at risk for developing other illnesses, including thrush.
About Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not have enough of the enzyme lactase, which is required to digest foods that contain lactose, the sugar found in milk. Normally, lactase is produced in the small intestine, and most babies do produce enough of this enzyme in order to digest breast milk or formula. Although lactose intolerance can occur among babies, most people are not diagnosed with this condition until after the age of 5. Lactose intolerance can cause symptoms of excess flatulence, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Gastrointestinal Tract
The gastrointestinal tract contains bacteria that are both helpful and harmful. The friendly bacteria support the body's immune system by preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that could cause infection. Babies who have gastrointestinal infections may develop lactose intolerance if their bodies are unable to produce enough lactase, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Damage to the intestinal tract, such as through infections or inflammation, may prevent the helpful bacteria from properly doing their jobs. This can lead to an overgrowth of some substances, such as yeast, causing an infection.
About Thrush
Thrush is a type of fungal infection that occurs due to the overgrowth of yeast. The most common type of yeast infection that causes thrush is called Candida. Thrush causes white patches in the mouth on the tongue, gums and cheeks. It may look like leftover milk, but it does not come off easily. Additionally, yeast that travels through the intestinal tract during digestion can cause a rash in the diaper area from stool. Thrush is typically not harmful, but it may be passed between a mother and baby during breastfeeding.
Treatment
If your baby has symptoms of lactose intolerance and has developed thrush, talk with your doctor about the best method of treating this condition. Your doctor may prescribe medication that you can give to your baby that will eliminate the fungal overgrowth in the mouth and treat diaper rash. Some mothers who breastfeed may consider changing to lactose-free formula because of suspected lactose intolerance, but this may not always be the best answer. Talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant about your own diet and your baby's feeding patterns. She may be able to help you determine if your baby's symptoms are related to a true lactose intolerance or another treatable condition.
