Understanding and Treating Infant Thrush

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Thrush, Infant Thrush, also called oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection that develops in the mouth. It causes white patches to form in the mouth, often on the tongue. If your baby has thrush, he or she may feel soreness in and around the mouth. Thrush is a common problem in infants and is easily treated. Most cases of thrush clear up within a week or two with treatment. CAUSES Thrush is usually caused by the overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans. This yeast is normally present in small amounts in a person’s mouth. It usually causes no harm. However, in a newborn or infant, the body’s defense system (immune system) has not yet developed the ability to control the growth of this yeast. Because of this, thrush is common during the …show more content…

She may notice sore, cracked, or red nipples. She may also have discomfort or pain in the nipples during and after nursing. This is sometimes the first sign that the baby has thrush. DIAGNOSIS A health care provider can usually diagnose thrush by looking in your baby’s mouth. TREATMENT In some cases, thrush goes away on its own without treatment. If treatment is needed, your baby’s health care provider will likely prescribe a topical antifungal medicine. You will need to apply this medicine to your baby’s mouth several times a day. If the thrush is severe or does not improve with a topical medicine, the health care provider may prescribe an oral medicine to be taken by mouth. HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS • Give medicines only as directed by your child's health care provider. • Clean all pacifiers and bottle nipples in hot water or a dishwasher after each use. • Store all prepared bottles in a refrigerator to help prevent the growth of yeast. • Do not reuse bottles that have been sitting around. If it has been more than an hour since your baby drank from a bottle, do not use that bottle until it has been

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