How to completely eradicate recurrent thrush?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on September 29, 2024
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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 Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Zhang Ai Min
Pediatrics
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How many days can thrush heal?

The duration for the treatment of thrush to be effective indeed varies among individuals, as the development of thrush is sometimes due to inadequate hygiene, or the caregiver might have a fungal infection, and sometimes it is due to a weakened immune system, Therefore, if these factors are not involved and it's simply a case of thrush, generally, after undergoing treatment such as rinsing with baking soda water or using antifungal medications, the condition should improve within 3 to 7 days. If there is no improvement, it's important to investigate the reasons why the child's condition is persistently poor and address these reasons accordingly. Thus, in most cases, the condition should improve within 3 to 7 days. However, if it does not improve, it is advisable to consult a hospital for a check-up and further treatment.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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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.)

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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What is thrush?

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 Ai Min
Pediatrics
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How to treat thrush?

Thrush is a fungal infection, so its treatment is relatively simple. Generally, the approach involves maintaining an alkaline environment in the affected area, such as using 2% baking soda solution to cleanse and apply to the mouth. This 2% baking soda solution is made by diluting the 5% baking soda solution commonly available in pharmacies or hospitals by half, resulting in a 2%-2.5% solution. This can be used to rinse the mouth three to four times a day. After three to four days of cleaning, if there is no improvement, antifungal tablets such as miconazole or fluconazole dissolved in water can be applied to the affected area, typically yielding very good treatment outcomes. If there is no improvement after applying the baking soda solution and the antifungal solution, oral antifungal medication may be considered. In addition to these treatments, I believe prevention is most important. Preventing fungal infections involves maintaining cleanliness of the mouth and hands, ensuring the cleanliness of items such as baby bottles, pacifiers, and spoons, especially ensuring that adults' hands are free of fungal presence.