What causes thrush?

Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

Updated on September 26, 2024

00:00

00:00

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.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

52sec

home-news-image

What to do about thrush?

Thrush is a local lesion caused by the infection of oral mucosa by Candida albicans. Comprehensive treatment measures should be adopted for treatment, starting with addressing the cause. Nystatin and baking soda water can be used to rinse the mouth three to four times daily. Additionally, good oral hygiene must be maintained. All items that come into contact with the mouth should be sterilized before and after eating or feeding, not just daily, as sterilizing only once a day is insufficient. Thirdly, children and patients can consume probiotics to regulate gastrointestinal function and enhance immunity; appropriate medication to boost immune strength can also be taken. Of course, if there are underlying diseases, treatment should still continue. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

47sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

53sec

home-news-image

Oral thrush is treated in the department of stomatology.

Thrush is a disease caused by the infection of oral mucosa by Candida albicans. Depending on the age of onset of thrush, different departments should be chosen for treatment. If the disease occurs in the newborn period, the neonatology outpatient clinic should be visited. If the child is over one month old, they can be seen at the dental clinic or the pediatric outpatient clinic during normal working hours. During non-working hours, such as noon, evening, weekends, and holidays, the pediatric emergency department should be consulted. Of course, some cases of thrush occur because the individual has an underlying disease, including immunodeficiency, current use of immunosuppressive drugs, or long-term use of steroids; in such cases, the outpatient clinic of the department treating the primary disease should be visited.

home-news-image

Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

44sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Tong Peng

Pediatrics

57sec

home-news-image

How many days does infant thrush heal on its own?

Thrush in infants generally relieves within a week, but the full recovery period depends on the baby’s own immune system and the medication used. Since thrush is a fungal infection, predominantly caused by the Candida species, which is a conditional pathogen. If a baby has low immunity and a disrupted intestinal flora balance, it can lead to recurrent episodes of thrush, facilitating the growth and infection of fungi. Treatment can be administered using sodium bicarbonate solution for cleaning, along with antifungal agents and oral probiotics, which often alleviate symptoms within a week. However, if the baby's immunity is not effectively improved later, and the imbalance of the body's flora is not effectively controlled, recurrence is likely. Therefore, the treatment of thrush is comprehensive and not solely reliant on medication. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)