Oral thrush is a fungal infection that develops around or inside the mouth of infants and children. It is quite common during the initial year of life and not an issue to be worried about. Oftentimes, it does not cause discomfort among infants.
What are the causes?
It is important to note that thrush can develop in the throat, tongue and moist lining of the mouth of infants. Oral thrush is triggered by the Candida albicans yeast. This yeast is present in our bodies and normally thrives in harmony with other organisms. Once the balance of organisms in the body is disrupted, the yeast can multiply and trigger the development of an infection.
This process occurs as a result of antibiotic treatment which disrupts with the normal bacteria present in the bowel, thus affecting the balance of other organisms.
Among infants, they develop oral thrush if he/she sucks on objects already infected. Oral thrush also develops when babies pass via the mother’s vagina during birth since it naturally contains small amounts of candida.
Children who have a weakened immune system are likely to develop oral thrush. In case the child has thrush, it does not necessarily indicate that he/she has an issue. If a child utilizes inhaled steroids such as used for asthma treatment, he/she is likely to develop oral thrush.
Indications
If a child has oral thrush, there are white spots or patches on the interior of the cheeks, lips and tongue. These patches could not be easily wiped away and often leave reddened, inflamed areas if you attempt to remove them.
The child does not usually know that he/she has thrush since it does not generally trigger irritation.
If these areas turn evidently red, it might cause irritation. In such instances, the child might be reluctant to eat or feed. In addition, the child might also drool.
When to consult a doctor
- There are white patches on the interior of the mouth
- Child is generally sick or has fever for no evident reason
- Child suffers from thrush infections that are recurrent
Management
The doctor will prescribe antifungal drops or oral gel that can be used after every feeding or meal for 10 days. Oftentimes, if thrush is present in the mouth and in the diaper area, it often requires treatment at the same time.
The child can still breastfeed even with oral thrush. The doctor will advise the mother to apply some antifungal cream on the nipples as well but should be wiped off before feeding.