Candida albicans is a fungal infestation in your mouth that causes a condition known as oral thrush. The Mayo Clinic reports that it generally is not serious unless your immune system already is impaired by a disease such as HIV, or by medications such as corticosteroids that are inhaled. Denture wearers and babies also may be more susceptible to the fungal infection than other people. If it becomes severe, it also can affect your esophagus, a condition called candida esophagitis.
Lesions
The primary symptom of the candida albicans fungal infection is lesions that are white and creamy in appearance. These will appear typically on the inside of your cheeks and on your tongue. The Mayo Clinic states they also may occur on your tonsils, gums and the roof of your mouth. These types of sores also may look like cottage cheese. If they get scraped or rubbed, they can bleed.
Pain
Candida albicans infestation can cause you to experience pain that can be intensified particularly in people who have decreased immune systems. The pain is caused in the mouth by the lesions that appear there.
Pain also may occur in women who are breast-feeding their babies if the babies get oral thrush. The Mayo Clinic notes that a baby suffering from the condition may pass it back to her mother during breast feeding. In this case, symptoms may include pains that are stabbing and sharp within the breast. A nursing mother also may experience pain in her nipples while nursing or at times when nursing is not taking place.
In people who have severe candida albicans fungal spread to the esophagus, the National Institute of Health states, it may be difficult and painful to swallow.
Body Symptoms
The fungus also can cause other problems in your body. For example, you may develop a fever if it spreads farther than your mouth down your esophagus. Your mouth may feel as if you are chewing on cotton and your mouth's corners may become cracked.
You also may experience a condition in which you are unable to taste food and drink.
Nursing mothers also may experience other breast problems if they get the infection from their babies. Your nipples may be abnormally itchy, red or sensitive, and the skin of the areola around the nipple may be flaky or shiny.
