Does thrush need treatment?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on September 16, 2024
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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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Is thrush easy to cure?

Thrush is a common oral disease in children, particularly in infants, caused by Candida albicans infection. Thrush is not easy to cure, so it is essential to treat it promptly when an oral infection occurs. It is necessary to apply a suspension of sodium bicarbonate and an antifungal agent locally to the child's mouth, and all items that enter the mouth, such as bottles and pacifiers, must be sterilized at high temperatures. If the child is breastfed, the mother's nipples should also be thoroughly cleaned. Additionally, for children who have been using antibiotics or corticosteroids for a long time, or who have weakened immune systems, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent the occurrence of thrush. Because all these details about thrush need attention, once diagnosed, it must be treated promptly; otherwise, it is truly not easy to recover from. (Please follow medical advice for the use of medication.)

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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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.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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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.)

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What medicine is used for thrush?

Thrush is caused by an infection with Candida albicans, commonly appearing as a white, membrane-like layer in the mouths of infants that is difficult to wipe off. In such cases, it is important to administer medication promptly. Typically, this involves alternately applying a solution of sodium bicarbonate and an antifungal suspension. Additionally, all items that enter the mouth must be sterilized at high temperatures. With the aforementioned treatment, thrush can generally be well-controlled. If a child is on long-term antibiotics or corticosteroids, preventive application of sodium bicarbonate should be considered. For some newborns, it may be necessary to use antifungals to prevent the occurrence of thrush. (Note: Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional doctor.)