Thrush can easily spread to other parts of your body, including your: lungs. liver. heart valves.
Invasive candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Unlike Candida infections in the mouth and throat (also called “thrush”) or vaginal “yeast infections,” invasive candidiasis is a serious infection that can affect the blood, heart, brain, eyes, bones, and other parts of the body.
In its esophageal form, Candidiasis can cause chest pain, as well as pain and difficulty in swallowing. Once the Candida fungus migrates past the gastrointestinal tract, it can become established in other major organs such as the lungs and kidneys. Left untreated, it can even cause death.
Untreated oral thrush can lead to more-serious systemic candida infections. If you have a weakened immune system, thrush may spread to your esophagus or other parts of your body.
Oral thrush usually doesn't cause any serious health problems, but it can be very unpleasant. If the fungus spreads to your food pipe, for example, it may cause problems swallowing. Together with the usual symptoms, this may cause people who have oral thrush to eat less and lose weight.
In some cases, the symptoms of oral thrush can make eating and drinking difficult. If left untreated, the symptoms will often persist and your mouth will continue to feel uncomfortable. In severe cases that are left untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading further into your body, which can be serious.
Candida normally lives inside the body (in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina) and on the skin without causing any problems. However, in certain patients who are at risk, Candida can enter the bloodstream or internal organs and cause an infection.
Thrush can spread to other parts of your body, including your lungs, liver and skin. This happens more often in people with cancer, HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system.
In most cases, thrush isn't a medical emergency. Call your pediatrician if your baby develops symptoms of thrush. Teens and adults should see their healthcare provider. If symptoms are severe, seek emergency care if you can't reach your doctor.
Ignoring the infection can also cause it to spread and become much more serious. For these reasons, you should seek medical attention at the first signs of thrush. Get prompt, personal medical attention for thrush and other non-life-threatening medical issues at your local FastMed Urgent Care clinic.
With treatment, oral thrush should clear up in about two weeks. Without treatment, it may last up to eight weeks or longer. Monitor your symptoms and visit a doctor immediately if you believe it has spread to your esophagus, as this can cause more serious infection.
Endocarditis is usually caused by an infection with bacteria, fungi or other germs. The germs enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. In the heart, they attach to damaged heart valves or damaged heart tissue. Usually, the body's immune system destroys any harmful bacteria that enter the bloodstream.
Fungal endocarditis is a rare and fatal condition. The Candida and Aspergillus species are the two most common etiologic fungi found responsible for fungal endocarditis. Fever and changing heart murmur are the most common clinical manifestations. Some patients may have a fever of unknown origin as the onset symptom.
Hairy leukoplakia causes fuzzy, white patches that resemble folds or ridges, usually on the sides of your tongue. It's often mistaken for oral thrush, an infection marked by creamy white patches that can be wiped away, which is also common in people with a weakened immune system.
If left untreated, the symptoms will often persist and your mouth will continue to feel uncomfortable. If your symptoms continue - see your GP. In severe cases that are left untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading further into your body. This can be serious.
Candida overgrowth can cause several health problems, including digestive issues, fatigue, and joint pain. Addressing the underlying cause can help ease symptoms caused by candidiasis and prevent recurring infections.
Thrush is not technically contagious, but is transmittable, especially to high-risk individuals. Since candida lives on the skin and in the mouth naturally, there is no specific length of time of contagion.
Candida albicans is a major cause of bloodstream infection which may present as sepsis and septic shock - major causes of morbidity and mortality world-wide.
Usually it develops on mucous membranes (in the mouth, genitals, etc.) but the infection can also be in your bloodstream. When Candida is in your bloodstream, the condition is called Candidemia. Candida infection can spread from your bloodstream to other parts of your body (such as your eyes, kidney, liver, and brain).
The risk of oral thrush is higher in people who have a weakened immune system, for instance due to a chronic disease or cancer treatment. It is also common in people who have HIV/AIDS, and is often quite distressing.
However, while you wait for a doctor's appointment, here are some remedies you can try at home to stop the thrush from getting worse. Rinse your mouth with saltwater. Salt kills yeast, so rinsing your mouth with salt water is a good way to fight the yeast infection.
Salt water
Rinsing your mouth with salt water could help relieve symptoms of oral thrush. To use: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water. Swish the solution throughout your mouth.