What to do if the baby has thrush?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 29, 2024
00:00
00:00

Oral thrush is caused by the parasitic proliferation of Candida albicans in the mucous membrane of the mouth. It is a secondary infection typically seen in individuals with weakened immune systems or those who have been using antibiotics for an extended period. In such cases, initially, one can use a 2.5% sodium bicarbonate solution to rinse the mouth, specifically targeting the areas affected by thrush. After meals, crush nystatin tablets and apply the powder to the areas with thrush, using this method three times a day. Additionally, taking probiotics orally, such as Bifidobacteria, can aid in treatment. Generally, these measures can control the condition within 3 to 5 days.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
50sec home-news-image

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)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Does thrush hurt?

Thrush is caused by an infection of Candida albicans, forming white plaques on the surface of oral mucosa. Typically, it presents as small dots or patches on the oral mucous membranes that resemble curdled milk and can gradually merge into larger patches. They are not easily wiped off, without surrounding inflammatory response. Forceful removal might result in local mucosal redness, roughness, and possible bleeding. Generally, it is painless, does not cause drooling, and does not affect feeding. In severe cases of thrush, the white mucosal coating can extend to the pharynx, esophagus, trachea, and lungs, leading to symptoms like refusal to eat, low-grade fever, difficulty in breathing, and even life-threatening conditions. Typical thrush does not involve significant pain.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
47sec home-news-image

Is thrush easy to scrape off?

Oral thrush is caused by an infection with Candida albicans, resulting in localized lesions on the oral mucosa. Typically, a white membranous layer appears on the affected mucosa, which is difficult to wipe off. Forceful removal can lead to submucosal bleeding, which means it is not advisable to scrub the area. Instead, rinsing the mouth with about 2% baking soda solution is the correct approach, and this can relieve most symptoms. Additionally, it is important to maintain proper disinfection and hygiene. All tools that come into contact with the child's mouth during the period of oral thrush should be disinfected before and after each use. Consuming probiotics can also help manage the condition, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 16sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
48sec home-news-image

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.