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Oral thrush is an infection caused by the yeast fungus known as Candida albicans
and is a common illness in newborn babies. The fungus is also referred to as
candidosis and moniliasis, but generally these terms describe the appearance of
candida albicans in adults. This article will focus on the causes and symptoms
of oral thrush in newborns as well as methods of treatment.
It may be helpful to first understand some background information on exactly
what oral thrush is. Microorganisms exist everywhere in our environment and
usually bacteria, viruses and fungi form a symbiotic relationship with the human
body. These microorganisms are beneficial to the health of babies and adults
alike and the body allows them to remain present. The fungus that causes oral
thrush does not have a symbiotic relationship with the human body. Candida
albicans usually works its way into the body when the immune system is in a
diseased or weakened state. In their first few days of life, newborn babies are
especially at risk from infections such as oral thrush.
Two specific causes of oral thrush are a reaction to antibiotics and
transmission from a mother with a yeast infection. The mouth of a postnatal baby
undergoes certain changes following a dose of antibiotic medication that create
a breeding ground for a fungus to develop. It is also possible for a mother to
pass on a yeast infection to her child in the form of candidosis. The
transmission occurs from exposure in the birth canal and oftentimes results in
infection when the baby is from two to ten weeks old.
Diagnosing babies is usually done using the clinical picture. This means that
doctors are generally able to diagnose the infection on sight alone. Oral thrush
manifests itself in the form of painful white lesions on the inside of the
baby's mouth. These patches appear on the gums, insides of cheeks, palates and
tongue. It is also possible for thrush lesions to work their way into the
esophagus. Doctors use throat cultures, endoscopic examination and barium
swallow to help diagnose an oral thrush infection that has progressed to this
degree.
Nipple damage due to breastfeeding can lead to an elevated risk of Candida
infection. Although the nipples and areola may not show signs of an infection
certain symptoms can help indicate that one is occurring. One or both nipples
may be experience stinging pain or itching. Visible signs that a mother has a
Candida infection include nipples with white dots, a skin rash with small fluid
filled blisters, swelling and cracking of the skin.
If a doctor has reason to believe that an infant has oral thrush, he or she may
send a cell sample from the baby's tongue to a lab for analysis and
confirmation. The use of a lab sample can help ensure that there are no other
illnesses causing complicating a thrush infection.
When oral thrush or a yeast infection has been diagnosed, both the mother and
her baby should be treated simultaneously. Coordinating care for both the mother
and child helps avoid the risk of the infection being passed back and forth.
Medications for yeast can be systemic (internal) or topical (external). Often
physicians will begin curing a yeast infection with a topical drug, followed by
a more powerful systemic if necessary. Fluconazole is antifungal cream used to
treat a mother's breasts that have come into contact with a baby experiencing
oral thrush. Some examples of commercially available anti-fungal drugs include
Nystatin, Lotrimin and Itraconazola. Oral thrush is often treated with Nystatin
by application to the inside of the infant's mouth several times daily. For
complete treatment information speak with your pediatrician.
By paying close attention to the warning signs and symptoms of an oral thrush
infection, mothers can reduce the complications caused by this illness. As with
all concerns related to the health of your newborn, always rely on the
suggestions and information provided by your pediatrician. With treatment time
and concern you and your child can overcome the challenge of an oral thrush
infection.
Copyright © Safe-Baby.net 2006.
Rebecca Lee is a mother of four children. She is a retired midwife and
author of articles about childbirth and newborn care. This is her first article
written for Safe-Baby.net. Safe-Baby.net
provides information on common baby illnesses. |
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