Thrush, which is frequently encountered in newborn babies, is not a condition that parents should be very worried about. So what is thrush in babies? Thrush is an oral infection caused by a fungal infection called Candida albicans. It is known that this fungus is normally present in the body’s natural flora, but can overgrow when the immune system is weak. Thrush, which is an infection that can be detected quickly with some symptoms, can be easily treated.
Symptoms of Thrush
Thrush in babies has easily recognizable symptoms. These symptoms may appear differently in each baby. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor when you notice them. Symptoms of thrush may include:
- A thick white coating in the mouth
- Painful white or red lesions on the tongue and cheeks
- Burning, itching or pain inside the mouth
- Bad odor from the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
What causes thrush in babies?
Thrush is an oral infection caused by infection with the fungus Candida albicans. Thrush in babies can be transmitted during birth, but it can also be caused by poor oral hygiene. Babies are also more susceptible to infection because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
Causes of Thrush
The Candida albicans fungus in babies’ mouths is normally harmless, but if the immune system is not strong enough, it can overgrow and cause thrush. Other causes include:
- Transmission from the mother during childbirth
- Inadequate sterilization of bottle teats or nipples
- The immune system of babies is not yet fully developed
Thrush Treatment
For the treatment of thrush, doctors usually prescribe antifungal medicines. These medicines can be used in the mouth for several days and may result in the infection becoming milder or disappearing. It may also be helpful to take oral hygiene measures to speed up healing.
Thrush is more common in babies with a weakened immune system. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions to strengthen your baby’s immune system. Risk Factors
Occasionally, babies may be at increased risk of developing thrush. The risk of thrush in a baby can also be related to the following factors:
- Low birth weight before birth
- The need for intensive care in the neonatal period
- Antibiotic use
- Prolonged bottle use or sucking
- Nutrition problems
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Does thrush in babies hurt?
Depending on the severity and extent of the canker sore, babies may experience pain, burning sensation and restlessness. This may be marked by frequent crying and difficulty in sucking.
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Does thrush in babies prevent sucking?
A small amount of thrush in a baby’s mouth is normal and does not interfere with breastfeeding. However, in case of a severe infection, feeding may become difficult. In this case, a number of measures can be taken to ensure that babies can feed in consultation with a doctor. It is very important to consult your doctor when you see signs of thrush in your baby.
What are the Symptoms of Thrush in Babies?
Thrush infection in babies presents as white patches or lesions in the mouth. These have a milky appearance and usually appear on the cheeks, tongue, gums and palate. Other symptoms of thrush include:
- Pain in the baby’s mouth and restlessness
- Difficulties during feeding
- Baby’s bad breath
- Lesions associated with fungal infection on the pacifier or other materials
How is thrush diagnosed?
Diagnosing thrush in babies is usually done after a physical examination. By looking inside the mouth, the doctor determines the extent and severity of the infection. The baby’s medical history is also taken into account. An appropriate course of treatment and some additional precautions are then recommended.
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Tests that can be done
Your doctor can confirm a thrush infection by taking samples from the baby’s mouth. These tests may include oral culture of the fungus or diagnosis by microscopic examination. Your doctor may also order other tests to check whether the infection has spread to other parts of the baby.
The treatment of thrush, which is a common condition in babies, is provided with a number of medications prescribed by the doctor. Treatment of thrush in babies is usually done with antifungal medicines. These medicines can be applied orally or topically, depending on the severity of the infection. Before starting treatment, doctors will provide a treatment plan for each case, including the baby’s medical history. Parents should facilitate the treatment by keeping the baby’s mouth open and apply the medication according to the doctor’s recommendations. Proper hygiene practices should also be practiced during treatment.
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How many days does thrush go away in babies?
Treatment of thrush in babies usually takes 7-10 days. Proper administration of medicines and hygiene practices will help the infection to heal more quickly. It is also important to strictly follow the treatment prescribed by the doctors. Since thrush infection is likely to recur, it is necessary to follow hygiene rules for the baby. Parents are advised to clean and change the baby’s pacifiers, bottles and other items frequently. It is also important to take measures to strengthen the baby’s immunity to prevent recurrence of thrush.
How to Clean Thrush in Babies?
Thrush is a common infection, especially in babies. Babies are more susceptible to thrush because their immune system is not yet developed. Antifungal medicines can be used to treat thrush in babies. However, it is possible to speed up the healing process of thrush by paying attention to hygiene rules at home.
So how to clean thrush in babies?
- To maintain the hygiene of the baby’s mouth, items such as pacifiers or bottles should be cleaned and changed regularly.
- When thrush develops in babies’ mouths, it can be gently wiped with a cotton swab or cotton swab.
- Sterile water or salt water can be used to clean the baby’s mouth.
- The baby’s pacifiers or bottles should be sterilized.
- If the baby has open sores or rashes in the mouth, you can use medicines in consultation with your doctor.
In general, a thrush infection can heal within a few days. However, it is important to pay attention to the baby’s hygiene to prevent recurrence of thrush.
Therefore, parents should pay attention to the baby’s oral hygiene and accompany the treatment appropriately. It is also important to consult a doctor if there are any concerns.
How to Prevent Thrush?
Measures that can be taken to prevent thrush infection include the following:
- Babies’ oral hygiene should be emphasized and their materials should be changed regularly.
- Babies’ pacifiers and bottles should be sterilized.
- If babies are fed formula instead of breast milk, their diet should be changed at regular intervals.
- Babies’ skin health should be given importance and the diaper area should be cleaned routinely.
- If sores or rashes appear in babies’ mouths, consult a doctor.
In addition to the above measures, breast milk can also help prevent thrush infection. Breast milk strengthens the baby’s immune system and contains antibodies that protect against infections.
When a thrush infection is suspected, it is best to consult a doctor immediately. By prescribing the right treatment, the doctor will ensure that the baby recovers quickly.