Yeast Allergy in Small Children
According to Cletus P. Kurtzman, a supervisory microbiologist, the family of fungi called yeast includes more than 1,500 known species, which is thought to be only 1 percent of the total number. Yeast fungi reproduce using spores, which are then distributed aerobically (into the air) or by direct contact. Although yeast is normally found in the human body, an overabundance can have certain debilitative side effects that are categorized as either a hypersensitivity or an infection. A yeast allergy is considered to be a type-1 hypersensitivity.
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Yeast Allergies vs. Yeast Infections
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The distinction between an allergy and an infection is important when attempting to diagnose a biological reaction. In humans, the subspecies of yeast known as candida is normally present in the oral and vaginal mucous membranes. An overabundance of candida is considered to be an infection, rather than an actual allergy. An imbalanced level will cause the body to produce antibodies and histamines to correct this condition, which can result in symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Hypersensitivity
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Due to the omnipresence of yeast fungi in the environment coupled with its wide use in food and alcohol production, the possibility of ingesting yeast spores is very high. According to Vicki Koenig, MS, RD, CDN, in the U.S. alone there are as many as 80 million people who have problems related to yeast. Most adults and children have a sufficient tolerance and are not affected in a negative way, while others may have a hypersensitivity to yeast that can lead to allergic reactions. In some cases, a person can have a genetic disposition to a hypersensitivity to yeast.
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Symptoms
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The allergic reaction to pathogenic yeasts, such as candida albicans, will cause symptoms that can be mistaken for bacterial and viral infections, such as an irritation and itchiness on infected skin or a sore throat. The presence of a light-colored discharge is an indication of a yeast allergy. Discharges may appear around the mouth or nose, or may appear around an open area of skin from a cut where bacterial infection may be present.
Yeast Allergy in Small Children
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Small children may have yeast-related symptoms that are the result of yeast hypersensitivity or infection, which may be caused by the unfinished development of their immune systems. These symptoms may include: sore throats or respiratory difficulties; sneezing and itchy, watery eyes; headaches and dizziness; or stomach problems, including nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. While these symptoms are not necessarily problematic and are treatable, they can cause deficiencies in the immune system, which can lead to more serious and long-term health problems.
Treatment
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Although yeast fungi can be ingested in many ways, one common cause of yeast problems in children is medication, specifically antibiotics. According to Dan Jackowish, a nutritional and natural health consultant, while antibiotics are useful in treating bacterial and viral infections, they also kill "good bacteria" that are present in the body. Decreases in these "good bacteria" can lead to an impaired immune system, which can lead to further infections and allergic reactions. Alternate medications can be prescribed in these cases. Additionally, avoidance of yeast food products, such as breads, peanuts and corn, is beneficial.
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