What causes thrush?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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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.)

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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What department should I go to for thrush?

Thrush is a disease caused by oral mucosal infection with Candida albicans, and typically, one should visit the pediatric department or the department of stomatology during normal working hours. During off-hours, such as noon, evening, weekends, and holidays, it is appropriate to see pediatric emergency or dental emergency services. For newborns with thrush, a visit to the neonatology department is recommended. Children with underlying immunodeficiency diseases or those taking immunosuppressive steroid medications should visit the department that treats their primary condition. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Can thrush be wiped off?

Oral thrush is caused by an infection of Candida albicans, typically forming white plaques on the surface of the oral mucous membrane. These plaques generally appear as small, curd-like spots or dot-like patches that can merge into a large area and are difficult to wipe off. If forcibly removed, the underlying oral mucosa may become reddened, rough, and even bleed. Therefore, one should not attempt to wipe it off and instead should seek proper treatment. The usual treatment involves the local application of 2% baking soda solution. This type of oral thrush generally does not affect a child's appetite or quality of life.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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How to completely eradicate recurrent thrush?

Thrush is inherently prone to recurrence, and the difficulty in eradication is primarily due to poor hygiene, so figuring out how to effectively treat it is crucial. Firstly, active treatment should be implemented. The mouth should be rinsed with 2% baking soda solution at least four times a day. In severe cases, an antifungal agent can be added to the 2% baking soda solution for mouth rinsing. This is the primary step. Secondly, proper hygiene must be maintained. In principle, all items that come into contact with the baby's mouth, including pacifiers and bottles, need to be disinfected promptly. Of course, if breastfeeding, the cleanliness of the nipples and breasts is also very important.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Is thrush prone to recurrence?

Oral thrush is due to an infection with Candida albicans in the mouth, and it is relatively easy to recur. It primarily occurs in children who have been frequently ill recently and have taken a lot of antibiotics, or in those children who have low immunity. Under these conditions, if oral care is poor and these adverse factors persist, then the child's oral thrush is particularly prone to recurrence. Therefore, once oral thrush is diagnosed, it is essential to treat it actively. After treatment, it is necessary to treat the area with sodium bicarbonate for a period of time. If antibiotics or corticosteroid drugs are still being used, preventive treatment should also be carried out to completely cure the oral thrush. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)