Baby yeast infection (baby thrush) is usually harmless for baby’s health, but it causes a huge discomfort for the baby. Baby yeast infection affects mostly two month old babies; however it can affect younger and older babies as well. Baby yeast infection is most often caused by Candida Albicans, but also other species of Candida can be involved, such as Candida glabrata or Candida tropicalis.
In most cases, baby yeast infection will have no objective signs. This means that actually there are no symptoms of the thrush mother can notice. The only symptom you can find is the white or gray lacy curd-like patches on the oral mucosal surfaces and tongue. Other symptoms of baby thrush are behavioral: mothers usually notice that the baby becomes angry and grumpy. These baby yeast infection symptoms become even more evident when the baby is fed.
Trigger factors for baby yeast infection (causes of thrush in babies):
Up to 30% of future moms will be affected by candida during pregnancy. And there is a strong possibility to pass this infection during childbirth, through the birth canal.
Another common trigger of baby yeast infection is antibiotherapy, i.e. treatment with antibiotics. Baby can become infected with candida by using contaminated pacifiers or bottles. Mother candida infection is also a factor that can lead to baby thrush.
The chances of getting a yeast infection are higher in babies which live in warm and humid weather environment.
Baby yeast infection is usually harmless, but its symptoms cause some side effects. Due to pain or discomfort during breastfeeding, difficulty to suck and swallow, baby becomes dehydrated and undernourished and these are some serious issues.
Through the intestinal tract, candida can get spread and cause diaper rash. And if Candida is continuing its overgrowth, it can cause more complications requiring immediate medical attention.
Even if in most cases baby yeast infection will clean itself up on its own, there are some cases when medical attention is required. Contact a pediatrician if candida infection causes pain and malnutrition or dehydratation to your baby.
In case of baby yeast infection, best option for treatment is… prevention. So, what can you do to prevent your baby from getting a yeast infection? Sterilize the artificial nipple and pacifier prior to use. Rinse nipples before nourishing and keep them rinsed and dry (Candida shrives moist environment). Take an alternative treatment to eliminate Candida from your body before you get pregnant.
Copyright Candida Symptoms and Cure
