Infant Thrush

Thrush or candidiasis (yeast infection) is a fungal infection, which affects the mucosal surfaces of the body. This condition is mainly caused by the candida species of fungus, especially candida albicans fungus. This fungus is considered a part of the normal flora in the human body, but, as they multiply rapidly (due to various reasons), fungal infection is caused. Oral and vaginal candidiasis or thrush are the most common forms of this type of fungal infection. It may also affect the intestines and other bodily systems. Systemic infections are of serious concern, but are normally found in immunocompromised persons. In case of oral thrush, infants are among the high risk groups. Let us take a look at the various aspects of infant thrush.

Infant Thrush Symptoms and Causes

Infant oral thrush is characterized by white patches inside the mouth. These patches resemble cottage cheese or milk curd in appearance. It is often mistaken for milk remnants in the baby's mouth. These patches are commonly seen on the tongue and inner cheeks, but may also develop on the roof of the mouth, on the gums and tonsils. They are found sticking to the surface and cannot be easily wiped off. In severe cases of oral thrush, any effort to rub the patches may result in slight bleeding. While mild cases may not produce any other symptoms, severe ones may cause soreness and pain. The baby may find it difficult to swallow and become more fussy, especially during feeding. He/she may also spit up more often. Some babies may also develop rashes and blisters on the buttocks, which cannot be treated with conventional diaper rash treatments. Now, you have a basic idea about infant thrush symptoms. The following paragraph deals with the various infant thrush causes.

As mentioned above, candida is present in human bodies as a part of the normal flora. However, in some cases, these fungus find suitable conditions to flourish and this results in thrush. These organisms need a warm and wet atmosphere to flourish and the mouth of a baby is a perfect place for this. Apart from being warm and moist, there is a high content of sugar, which is derived from breast milk. All these factors, along with their weak immune systems, contribute to infant thrush. But the real infant thrush causes include delivery of the baby by his/her mother while she is suffering from vaginal thrush. The baby gets exposed to this fungus, as he/she comes out of the womb. Thrush in babies has also been noticed in infants who have diabetic mothers. Babies, who are administered with antibiotics or who get exposed to these drugs through breast milk are also prone to infant thrush.

Infant Thrush Treatment

Apart from the white patches in the mouth, the babies may or may not have other symptoms. If the baby is does not show any other symptom, then the condition may subside within one or two weeks without treatment. In case of severe oral thrush, the baby may show other symptoms, which require medical intervention. The most common treatment for thrush in infants is antifungal medications. Even breastfeeding mothers have to treated, as their nipples may get affected by nursing the baby. In such cases, the mother may experience sore and red nipples, which hurt while nursing. Otherwise too, it is better to treat the mother, so as to prevent the infection from spreading back and forth from the baby to the mother and vice versa.

Now, you know more about infant thrush symptoms, causes and treatment. If you notice any such symptoms in your child, you must contact the doctor for treatment.