A baby crying in pain is no small matter. When a parent or caregiver is unable to quickly diagnose the problem, it’s only natural to feel concerned.
Thrush in Babies
Some babies show the same signs when there’s an issue with their digestion, but sometimes, the cause isn’t food. Thrush is a common problem in babies, and knowing what it is, how to distinguish it from other causes of fussiness, and how to address it can make things much easier.
If your baby is suffering from oral thrush, don’t stress. This condition is quite common in infants, and with the right care and attention, it can be resolved quickly.
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What Is Thrush in Babies?
The term “thrush” isn’t just a random name. It was given because the condition resembles overgrowth in a baby’s mouth, much like the growth of a “thrush” in a field. Medically, thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth, caused by Candida albicans.
The yeast Candida normally lives in the mouth, on the skin, and in the digestive tracts of humans and other mammals. Good bacteria typically keep the yeast population in check, but under certain conditions, yeast can overgrow and cause a fungal infection.
In babies, these overgrowths in the mouth often appear as white patches on the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks. This is how thrush in infants is commonly known — as oral thrush.
Don’t think of thrush as something that only happens to a “bad” mother. Any baby can develop this condition, and it’s usually caused by an underdeveloped immune system in newborns or young infants.
Related: What Are White Curds in Babies? Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do
Causes of Thrush in Babies
Babies can develop thrush for various reasons, but some of the more common ones include:
Immature Immune System: Newborns and infants up to a few months old don’t have full resistance to bacteria, which makes it harder for their bodies to control the yeast population. As a result, they are more prone to yeast infections, like oral thrush.
Antibiotics: Babies who have recently taken antibiotics or mothers who are breastfeeding may notice thrush. Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria but also destroy the good bacteria that help keep yeast under control. This allows Candida to multiply and cause thrush.
Transmission from the Mother: If the mother has a yeast infection on her nipples, in the vagina, or both, the baby can develop thrush during delivery or while breastfeeding.
Contaminated Items: Pacifiers, bottle nipples, and teething toys can harbor yeast if not properly cleaned. Babies who use these items regularly are more likely to develop thrush.
Warm and Moist Environment: Babies are often feeding or drooling when teething. Yeast thrives in moist, warm environments, which can cause overgrowth in a baby’s mouth.
Related: 10 Symptoms Of Egg Allergy In Babies
Symptoms of Thrush in Babies
In some cases, oral thrush is easily visible, while in others, parents or caregivers may not immediately recognize the symptoms.
Common Signs of Oral Thrush in Babies
White spots or patches on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth. These patches may look like milk residue, but when scraped with a finger or spoon, they won’t disappear as easily as milk would.
Cracked skin at the corners of the baby’s mouth.
Discomfort during feeding: If your baby has thrush, sucking at the breast or bottle can irritate their mouth, leading to fussiness and crying.
Diaper Rash: Yeast-related diaper rashes are often found alongside oral thrush.
Related; 5 Symptoms of Not Eating Enough While Breastfeeding
Symptoms in Breastfeeding Mothers
Mothers who breastfeed may notice some of the following symptoms if the yeast has spread from their baby to their nipples:
Sore, red, or itchy nipples.
Acute pain in the breasts during or after feeding.
Shiny, flaky skin around the nipples.
Spotting Symptoms in Your Baby and Yourself is important because yeast infections may spread back and forth during breastfeeding if left untreated in either the mother or baby.
Diagnosing Thrush in Babies
Oral thrush in babies can be diagnosed by a pediatrician. In most cases, the doctor will be able to spot it with a quick examination of the baby’s mouth. They may try scraping off one of the white spots to see whether it’s milk residue (which should come off easily) or thrush (which will be more difficult to scrape off).
In rare cases, if the thrush infection doesn’t respond to treatment and shows no signs of improvement in one to two weeks, further testing may be required to rule out other health problems.
Treatment for Thrush in Babies
The good news is that oral thrush in babies is generally easy to treat.
The most common treatment options include:
Antifungal Medication: The doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication (such as nystatin). The liquid solution is usually applied directly inside the baby’s mouth using a dropper or cotton swab. Treatment usually lasts anywhere from several days to two weeks, depending on the severity of the infection.
Antifungal Cream for Nipples: For breastfeeding mothers, an antifungal cream for the nipples is often prescribed to prevent the yeast infection from being passed back and forth between mother and child.
Sterilization of Pacifiers and Bottle Nipples: Proper sterilization of pacifiers, bottle nipples, and teething toys is important to prevent reinfection.
Comfort Measures: Parents are advised to comfort babies during feeding sessions, as the irritation caused by sucking can be upsetting. This may involve more frequent but shorter feeding sessions. Patience is key as the baby recovers.
Treatment for Diaper Rash: If the baby has a yeast-related diaper rash, a topical antifungal cream may be prescribed. Parents should also keep the diaper area as clean and dry as possible.
Home Care and Prevention Tips
Thrush in babies can be a recurring issue, so prevention is key. Here are some tips to help avoid future infections:
Sterilize Pacifiers and Bottle Nipples: Parents should sterilize pacifiers and bottle nipples daily by boiling them or using a sterilizer.
Clean Hands: Parents should wash their hands thoroughly before and after diaper changes, bottle feedings, and breastfeeding sessions.
Air-Dry Nipples After Breastfeeding: Yeast doesn’t thrive as well on dry skin, so air-drying nipples after breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of infection.
Change Nursing Pads Frequently: If you’re breastfeeding, change nursing pads often to keep the area dry.
Rinse Mouth After Antibiotics: If you or your baby are taking antibiotics, consider rinsing your mouth to prevent yeast buildup.
Limit Sugar Intake: While it won’t stop thrush completely, reducing sugar intake can help prevent yeast overgrowth, as yeast feeds on sugar.
When to Contact a Doctor
In most cases, thrush clears up within a week with proper treatment. However, you should contact a pediatrician if:
The white spots don’t clear up after a week of treatment.
Your baby refuses to feed or is visibly in pain.
The thrush infection keeps returning despite treatment.
You or your baby develop other symptoms, such as fever, rash, or unusual irritability.
It’s always better to seek medical advice if something doesn’t feel right.
Final Words
While thrush in babies is common and generally not serious, it can still be a source of stress for new parents. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for thrush can help parents feel more confident in managing the condition.
If your baby is suffering from oral thrush, don’t panic. With proper care and attention, the condition should resolve quickly.
Additionally, follow the prevention tips to avoid relapses. If you’re unsure or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to consult a pediatrician.
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