What is thrush?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on September 15, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Thrush should be seen by the Department of Stomatology.

Thrush is a mucosal lesion in the mouth caused by an infection of Candida albicans. Which department to visit depends on the child's age, the specific condition of the disease, and whether there are any underlying diseases. Usually, if it is a newborn, they should visit the neonatology clinic. For infants and young children, it is generally appropriate to visit the pediatric clinic or pediatric emergency department during normal working hours. During non-working hours, which means noon, night, weekends, and holidays, the pediatric emergency department should be visited. Of course, if the child has an underlying disease or is taking immunosuppressants that lead to a decrease in immunity, causing thrush, the department treating the primary disease should be consulted.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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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.

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Pediatrics
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How to treat thrush?

Thrush is caused by an infection of the oral mucosa with Candida albicans, so the treatment focuses on addressing this cause. It is advisable to wash the oral cavity with 2% baking soda water, 3-4 times a day, which generally leads to recovery. If the effect is still not satisfactory, nystatin can be added, dissolved in 2% baking soda water for oral application. Of course, thrush infections are very prone to recurrence. The most important factor causing recurrence is hygiene. Therefore, all items such as bottles, cups, and spoons that come into contact with the baby's mouth should be boiled and sterilized after each use. If breastfeeding, the mother's breasts and nipples should be cleaned with 2% baking soda before and after feeding to avoid recurrence. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
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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.)