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
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.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
42sec home-news-image

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 Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
39sec home-news-image

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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Oral thrush is treated in the department of stomatology.

Thrush is a disease caused by the infection of oral mucosa by Candida albicans. Depending on the age of onset of thrush, different departments should be chosen for treatment. If the disease occurs in the newborn period, the neonatology outpatient clinic should be visited. If the child is over one month old, they can be seen at the dental clinic or the pediatric outpatient clinic during normal working hours. During non-working hours, such as noon, evening, weekends, and holidays, the pediatric emergency department should be consulted. Of course, some cases of thrush occur because the individual has an underlying disease, including immunodeficiency, current use of immunosuppressive drugs, or long-term use of steroids; in such cases, the outpatient clinic of the department treating the primary disease should be visited.

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

What department should I go to for thrush?

Thrush is a lesion caused by a Candida albicans infection of the oral mucosa, so the choice of clinic should be based on the specific situation. If it is neonatal thrush, it is usually appropriate to visit a neonatal clinic or a general pediatric clinic. If it is an older child with thrush, then it’s typically seen by a pediatric clinic during normal working hours, or it can also be seen at a dental clinic. During non-working hours, such as at noon, in the evening, on weekends, or holidays, it is generally appropriate to visit pediatric emergency or dental emergency services. Of course, for specialized children's hospitals and dental hospitals, there might be clinics available for pediatric dental medicine, in which case one would visit a pediatric dental clinic.