Because their young immune systems are not fully formed, newborn twins are prone to developing thrush, an overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus. Newborns are first exposed to the fungus at the time of birth as they pass through their mother's vagina. Additionally, some newborns may inherit HIV from infected mothers, also making the babies prone to increased levels of candida activity due to them being immunosuppressed. In both instances, drugs prescribed for the treatment of this fungus may add stress to the infant's gastrointestinal system, causing acid reflux. Newborn twins may or may not be equally susceptible, depending on their individual immune systems and overall health.
Acid Reflux
In some babies, spitting up is considered symptomatic of gastroespohageal reflux disease, or GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux, or GER. The difference between the two conditions is that GER is normal and occurs in everyone, from infant to the elderly. It involves the backwashing of stomach contents into the esophagus or mouth now and then after overeating. GERD, is not considered normal. The disease involves the repeated backwashing of stomach contents into the mouth and esophagus, causing pain, irritation and complications to the upper digestive tract. Some babies seem to have digestive problems and acid reflux from birth or shortly thereafter. Some babies develop acid reflux after breast-feeding if their mother eats foods that upset the infant's stomach. Others may react poorly to formula ingredients, developing GER.
Thrush
Thrush is the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the system, causing a yeast infection in the mouth. It is common in babies and often caused when a newborn is exposed to the fungus as the newborn passes through the birth canal. Yeast overgrowth in infants is seen because of an underdeveloped or compromised immune system. Many children born with HIV or AIDS may have thrush as one of the side effects of their immune system being compromised. Yeast overgrowth also can occur as a result of the infant contracting candida on the mother's nipples through nursing.
Thrush appears as white, fuzzy patches that stick to the inside surface of the infant's mouth. It looks like cottage cheese or curds of milk on the tongue and cheeks. In some cases, it makes the skin of the mouth tender and sore, making feeding difficult.
Twins
In the case of twins, the babies will both be exposed to similar influences at birth and thereafter; however, no two people are exactly alike, including identical twins. One or both infants may develop thrush, acid reflux or both, depending on the strength of their immune systems and their reactions to food and stimuli that may create digestive upsets. It is more likely to see these ailments affecting identical twins due to their essential makeup rather than fraternal twins.
Antibiotics
The administration of antibiotics is one of the main causes of yeast overgrowth in the system. If a woman takes antibiotics during pregnancy or nursing, it is highly possible that her babies will develop thrush, even if she does not develop a yeast infection. Again, this is due to the weaker immune system in the newborn. If infants receive repeated doses of antibiotics during nursing, they may develop episodes of GER, accompanied by spitting up, burping, colic and overall discomfort.
HIV
In HIV-infected infants, certain medicines used to treat the condition may cause digestive upsets, producing side effects such as acid reflux. According to the University of Hawaii, there is no strong relationship between the development of thrush, candida and acid reflux; however, with the use of antiretroviral therapy, the risk of candida appearing in the blood stream is increased.
Conclusion
Although there is not a direct correlation between thrush and acid reflux in newborn twins, there is the possibility of both conditions existing together in the babies through circumstances -- some that are controllable. Care should be taken regarding foods eaten by nursing mothers, infant formula ingredients, and pharmaceutical drugs administered to both mother and babies during pregnancy and early on after birth.
