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Thrush
What causes thrush?
Thrush is generally due to an imbalance in the microbial flora, leading to an infection by Candida albicans. It is common in newborns and infants. Children who have long-term malnutrition, diarrhea, or who have been treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics or corticosteroid hormones may also be susceptible to thrush. Additionally, if the mother has an infection with Candida albicans in the intestines, or if there is contamination on the nipple during breastfeeding, or if the nursing equipment is infected with fungi, this could also lead to the occurrence of thrush.
What does thrush look like?
Children with thrush mainly suffer from an infection by Candida albicans. In the child’s oral mucosa, including the lips and pharynx, a white membranous substance can be observed, which cannot be wiped off. In this situation, thrush should be considered. Often, it is due to the child repeatedly having an infection, the long-term use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, leading to decreased immunity and thus the occurrence of thrush. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to oral care. Once thrush is diagnosed, the child should be locally treated with a sodium bicarbonate solution and an antifungal to quickly treat the thrush. At the same time, it's important to prevent diseases from entering through the mouth. All items entering the mouth, like bottles and milk utensils, should be sterilized at high temperatures.
How is thrush treated?
Thrush is a mucosal lesion in the mouth caused by an infection with Candida albicans, commonly seen in infants and young children, especially those with compromised immune systems, such as those using steroids or immunosuppressants. The main approach to treatment is symptomatic and supportive, primarily involving topical application of medications. Dietary management is also crucial, typically involving the provision of bland, non-irritating foods. The use of sugary, greasy foods should be avoided to prevent exacerbating the symptoms. Of course, another important aspect of treatment is preventing reinfection by maintaining good hygiene, especially with food. All items that come into contact with the child's mouth, including pacifiers, bottles, and spoons, should be sterilized after each use. If breastfeeding, the cleanliness of the mother's nipples and breasts is also very important. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)
What to do about baby thrush?
Thrush in babies generally indicates that the child has low immune function, or it has been caused by the long-term use of antibiotics, leading to an imbalance of bacteria and the overgrowth of white Candida in the oral mucosa. Thrush is not scary, and we can generally treat it by using 2.5% sodium bicarbonate to clean the mouth, followed by applying nystatin tablets to the oral cavity three times a day. It usually heals in three to five days. However, thrush tends to recur, so it's important to pay attention to oral hygiene.
How many days can thrush heal?
The duration for the treatment of thrush to be effective indeed varies among individuals, as the development of thrush is sometimes due to inadequate hygiene, or the caregiver might have a fungal infection, and sometimes it is due to a weakened immune system, Therefore, if these factors are not involved and it's simply a case of thrush, generally, after undergoing treatment such as rinsing with baking soda water or using antifungal medications, the condition should improve within 3 to 7 days. If there is no improvement, it's important to investigate the reasons why the child's condition is persistently poor and address these reasons accordingly. Thus, in most cases, the condition should improve within 3 to 7 days. However, if it does not improve, it is advisable to consult a hospital for a check-up and further treatment.
Does thrush need treatment?
Oral thrush is a white Candida infection of the oral mucosa, which certainly requires timely treatment. Firstly, oral thrush causes discomfort in the mouth; secondly, if left untreated for an extended period, it may also spread to the pharyngeal area. Thirdly, recurrent episodes of oral thrush can lead to decreased immunity and may facilitate subsequent infections. Therefore, active treatment is necessary. Treatment primarily involves using 2% baking soda solution to rinse the mouth. In severe cases, adding nystatin for oral rinsing might be required. Of course, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, and all tools that come into contact with the mouth must be thoroughly disinfected.
What is thrush?
Thrush is a fungal infection that commonly occurs in infants and young children, especially those with weakened immunity due to prolonged use of immunosuppressants or steroids. It is caused by the infection of oral mucous membranes by Candida albicans. Commonly affected areas include the oral cavity, mucous membranes, gums, and tongue. It appears as white patches on the mucosa that generally cannot be wiped off with a cotton swab. Forceful wiping may lead to bleeding. Treatment mainly involves topical medication, a light diet, and maintaining good oral hygiene, which is very important.
Can thrush heal by itself?
Thrush is generally caused by a fungal infection due to an imbalance in the microbial flora, primarily involving the formation of a white plaque membrane by Candida albicans on the surface of the oral mucosa. It is mainly seen in individuals with lowered immunity, such as those with long-term malnutrition, repeated use of antibiotics, diarrhea, or the use of certain medications like corticosteroids. Additionally, unsanitary conditions during breastfeeding, fungal contamination on the mother's nipples, or fungal infection from nursing equipment can also lead to thrush. Typically, thrush does not require special antimicrobial medication. If the baby's immunity improves and their intestinal flora are properly established, thrush can heal spontaneously. It is generally recommended to orally take some probiotics and enhance oral care, which can include cleaning the oral cavity with 2% sodium bicarbonate before and after breastfeeding, or locally applying antifungal agents to suppress the fungal growth in the mouth.
How to treat thrush?
Thrush is an oral mucosal lesion caused by an infection of Candida albicans, commonly seen in infants and young children, especially those with low immunity or those taking steroids and other immunosuppressants. The treatment mainly involves symptomatic and supportive care, which may include topical medication. Diet management is also important; it is advisable to provide rice soup, glucose, and vitamin-rich foods, while avoiding high-sugar, stimulative, and greasy foods to prevent worsening the symptoms and discomfort in children. Lastly, hygiene related to the child’s feeding equipment, including pacifiers, bottles, and spoons, should be maintained by timely sterilization. Breastfeeding mothers should also pay attention to the hygiene of the breasts and nipples to prevent recurrent episodes of thrush. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician for medication usage and do not self-medicate.)
Is oral thrush contagious?
Oral thrush is an infection caused by Candida albicans due to certain specific conditions, such as a weakened immune system or long-term malnutrition, prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics or corticosteroid hormones, and dysbiosis in the intestinal flora. It primarily manifests as white patches on the oral mucosa. During breastfeeding, if Candida contaminates the nipples or nursing equipment, it can also lead to oral thrush. Generally, oral thrush is not highly contagious. It is recommended to maintain good hygiene and proper oral care. Generally, breastfeeding is not significantly affected under normal circumstances.