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.
Thrush might cause a cottony feeling in your mouth or a loss of taste. Usually, antifungal medicine can treat thrush. Sometimes untreated thrush may turn into a more serious infection, especially in people who are very ill. Prompt treatment for thrush can help prevent that.
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.
Thrush rarely causes complications in people with healthy immune systems. But if you have a weakened immune system, Candida can enter your bloodstream and spread to other areas of your body, such as your eyes, brain or heart. This type of infection is serious and may lead to septic shock, a life-threatening condition.
The infection can be more problematic in older adults and young children, as well as other groups that have weaker immune systems. This can cause a spread of the infection to other parts of the body, especially in cases of oral thrush. The areas it can spread to include the: esophagus.
Complications of untreated yeast infections
If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.
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.
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.
A healthcare provider can diagnose a Candida infection with a sample of your blood. The sample goes to a lab, where staff put it in a special substance and wait to see whether Candida multiplies. Test results can take a few days.
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.
What causes thrush? Your vagina naturally has a certain amount of yeast. Thrush is caused by the growth of too much yeast. You are more likely to get thrush if you have recently taken antibiotics, you have diabetes or your immune system is weakened (for example, because you have HIV).
Why do you get thrush? Thrush is an infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans, these organisms live harmlessly on your body. They develop into an infection during times that your immune system is compromised and your body's natural balance is disrupted.
Thrush isn't usually anything to worry about in these cases. However, your doctor may want to take a swab from your vagina to confirm the diagnosis and/or carry out tests to check for any underlying cause. They can also advise you about the most suitable treatment and give you a prescription, if necessary.
It's possible for thrush to be passed on through sexual intercourse, although this is uncommon.
With treatment, thrush usually clears up in 4 to 5 days. Without treatment, it clears up in 2-8 weeks.
The symptoms will usually clear up within a week or two. However, for some women, vaginal thrush can be difficult to treat and keeps coming back.
The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include: Vaginal itching or soreness. Pain during sexual intercourse. Pain or discomfort when urinating.
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.
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.
The fungus that causes thrush can spread to other parts of the body, like the lungs, liver, and skin. This happens more often in people with cancer, HIV, or other conditions that weaken the immune system.
Long term effects
Although Thrush does not cause serious long terms health problems, it can be unpleasant if it recurs frequently. Some women find it can cause anxiety or nervousness around sex, and can affect their sexual relationships. You can speak to a sexual health clinic or GP about longer term treatments.
Now, to answer the question, “Can anxiety cause thrush?” No, anxiety itself doesn't cause thrush. However, the stress caused by anxious behavior can contribute to the development of thrush since stress can disturb the balance between other bacteria and microorganisms in the body, allowing thrush to flourish.
When to Call a Doctor. Call your doctor today if you or your child has been diagnosed with thrush and: You have symptoms that show the infection may be spreading, such as white patches on the skin outside of the mouth. Your symptoms are getting worse or have not improved within 7 days of starting treatment.
Thrush is also more frequent in the mouth in babies and young children. Esophageal thrush is much less common than these other types. Without treatment, the infection can spread deeper into the digestive system and even to the organs.