Thrush (fungus, candidiasis)

What are they?

Fungal infection in the mouth. An infection caused by the fungus Candida. It sometimes occurs not only in the mouth but also as a vaginal infection in women and a rash in infants. During breastfeeding, the infection can be passed from the baby to the mother, and then treatment must also be given to the mother.

It most commonly occurs in infants (after the second month) and young children, as well as in elderly people with weak immune systems, smokers, and people who wear dentures.

The reasons:

• certain medical conditions (uncontrolled diabetes, HIV (AIDS), cancer, leukemia, dry mouth, or hormonal changes during pregnancy)
• under stress
• taking medications (corticosteroids, antibiotics, birth control pills)
• in people who wear uncomfortable dentures or have poor hygiene

In newborns, the cause may be a vaginal yeast infection (most often after taking antibiotics) in the mother during childbirth and infection of the baby as it passes through the birth canal and the baby’s undeveloped immune system.

What are the symptoms of a fungal infection?

In newborns, a white coating appears on the tongue after feeding, which disappears shortly afterwards. If the baby has thrush, after cleaning the white coating, a red, inflamed area remains underneath, which may bleed. The child becomes nervous and cries during breastfeeding because the inflammation is painful for them and they are unable to feed properly.

Creamy white patches are visible, usually on the tongue and inside of the cheeks, and sometimes on the lips, gums, and tonsils. In some cases, they may be painful and/or bleed slightly when you brush your teeth. In very severe cases, the infection spreads to the esophagus, causing pain and difficulty swallowing, a slight fever, a feeling that food is stuck in the throat, and fever if it continues to spread to the lungs and liver.

Treatment

Antifungal medications are prescribed for adults (for 10-14 days).

For newborns, there are gels that are applied three times a day after feeding. It is recommended that no liquids or milk be given to the baby for one hour after application.

Here are a few tips to prevent thrush in your baby:

• If the pregnant woman has had an infection, it should be treated 3 months before giving birth.
• After breastfeeding, the mother should always clean and wash her nipples with water.
• Do not allow anyone to touch the baby’s mouth.
• Always sterilize pacifiers and pacifier-suckers.

Don’t worry if your baby develops thrush. In most cases, it goes away quickly on its own, and as your baby grows, it will never happen again.

A diagnosis is made after an examination by a dentist (or consultation with a pediatrician), who will determine the presence of a fungal infection based on distinctive signs or after laboratory testing.