Thrush should be seen by the Department of Stomatology.

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on September 02, 2024
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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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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.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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What department should I go to for thrush?

Thrush is a disease caused by oral mucosal infection with Candida albicans, and typically, one should visit the pediatric department or the department of stomatology during normal working hours. During off-hours, such as noon, evening, weekends, and holidays, it is appropriate to see pediatric emergency or dental emergency services. For newborns with thrush, a visit to the neonatology department is recommended. Children with underlying immunodeficiency diseases or those taking immunosuppressive steroid medications should visit the department that treats their primary condition. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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.

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home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
40sec home-news-image

Can thrush be wiped off?

Oral thrush is caused by an infection of Candida albicans, typically forming white plaques on the surface of the oral mucous membrane. These plaques generally appear as small, curd-like spots or dot-like patches that can merge into a large area and are difficult to wipe off. If forcibly removed, the underlying oral mucosa may become reddened, rough, and even bleed. Therefore, one should not attempt to wipe it off and instead should seek proper treatment. The usual treatment involves the local application of 2% baking soda solution. This type of oral thrush generally does not affect a child's appetite or quality of life.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What to do about baby thrush?

Thrush in babies generally indicates that the child has low immune function, or it has been caused by the long-term use of antibiotics, leading to an imbalance of bacteria and the overgrowth of white Candida in the oral mucosa. Thrush is not scary, and we can generally treat it by using 2.5% sodium bicarbonate to clean the mouth, followed by applying nystatin tablets to the oral cavity three times a day. It usually heals in three to five days. However, thrush tends to recur, so it's important to pay attention to oral hygiene.