Candidiasis Facts for Kids

Candidiasis is a common type of infection. People often call it a yeast infection or thrush. It's caused by tiny fungi (a type of yeast) called Candida. The most common one is Candida albicans.

What Causes Candidiasis?
- When the Immune System is Weak
- How Antibiotics Can Affect Yeast
Candidiasis in the Mouth and Throat
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What Causes Candidiasis?

Candida yeasts are usually found in most people's bodies. They normally live there without causing any problems. Our bodies usually keep these yeasts under control. But sometimes, the yeast can grow too much. When this happens, it leads to an infection.

When the Immune System is Weak

A weak or unhealthy immune system can make it easier for candidiasis to start. Your immune system is your body's defense against germs. If it's not working well, the yeast can grow out of control.

Things that can weaken the immune system include:

Certain health conditions like HIV/AIDS.
Treatments for cancer, like chemotherapy.
Taking certain medicines, such as steroids.
Being under a lot of stress.
Not getting enough nutrients from your food.

How Antibiotics Can Affect Yeast

Using antibiotics is a common reason for yeast infections. Antibiotics are medicines that kill harmful bacteria. But they can also kill some helpful bacteria in your body. These helpful bacteria usually keep the Candida yeast in check. When they are gone, the yeast can multiply too much. This can then cause an infection.

Candidiasis in the Mouth and Throat

Candidiasis can appear in different parts of the body. The mouth and throat are common places for it to show up.

Throat Infections

When Candida albicans infects the esophagus, it's called esophageal candidiasis. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This infection often happens in people who are already sick. It can also affect people getting chemotherapy for cancer. People with AIDS might also get this infection more often.

A main sign of this infection is pain when swallowing. If someone has this infection for a long time, they might even lose weight.

Mouth Infections

Oral candidiasis is a yeast infection in the mouth. It usually appears on the soft, moist linings (called mucous membranes) inside your mouth. This type of infection is often caused by Candida albicans. Other types like Candida glabrata or Candida tropicalis can also cause it.

Signs of Mouth and Throat Infections

Candida infections in the mouth can look like thick, white, or cream-colored patches. These patches appear on the inside of your cheeks, tongue, or throat. The infected areas might also look red and inflamed.

In babies, this condition is called thrush. For babies, it usually doesn't cause any pain. Adults, however, might feel uncomfortable or have a burning feeling in their mouth.